"The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware is a gripping and suspenseful modern gothic novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is narrated by Rowan Caine, a young woman who answers an advertisement for a live-in nanny position at a beautiful smart home in the Scottish Highlands. The house, Heatherbrae, is owned by a wealthy architect couple who are rarely there, leaving Rowan to care for their four children. At first, the job seems like a dream come true, but things quickly take a dark turn as Rowan begins to experience strange and frightening occurrences in the house. She hears strange noises, finds objects moved, and begins to suspect that the house's sophisticated technology is malfunctioning in a way that puts the children in danger. As the events become more and more sinister, Rowan starts to question her own sanity and wonders if she is being paranoid or if there is something truly evil at work in Heatherbrae. The novel is masterfully crafted, with Ware expertly building tension and suspense throughout. The setting of the smart home is used to great effect, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that will leave readers feeling on edge. Rowan is a complex and sympathetic protagonist, and the reader is drawn into her story as she struggles to make sense of what is happening to her. The novel also explores themes of class, power, and privilege, as Rowan finds herself increasingly isolated and at the mercy of her wealthy employers. The twists and turns of the plot keep readers guessing until the very end, and the novel's shocking conclusion is sure to leave readers reeling. Overall, "The Turn of the Key" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and gothic novels. It is a gripping and suspenseful tale that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
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