He Will Be My Ruin was my first K.A. Tucker book and has been sitting on my TBR pile for most of this year. Normally when I begin a book by reading the prologue, it leaves my mind until the topic is brought up again later in the book. Not this time! Throughout my reading, I was constantly waiting to find out what happened in the prologue. I was instantly captivated.
As a child, crime and mystery novels fueled my fire for reading. This book felt as if I was reading an adult version of some of my favorite childhood novels. It was enjoyable being transported to the past by Tucker’s words.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Maggie, who has come to settle her best friend’s estate after her friend’s mysterious suicide. As someone who knew Celine closely, Maggie cannot imagine Celine’s motive for taking her own life. However, Maggie soon learns she did not know Celine quite as well as she initially thought. Celine is involved scandalous side activities while trying to finish her Master’s degree and financially support her ailing mother. Maggie will have to decide whether Celine’s stresses were enough to drive her to suicide or whether there is another explanation, all while she fits herself into Celine’s past life and relationships.
He Will Be My Ruin is a great look into friendship, romantic relationships, and if we truly know those closest to us as well as we think. Overall, I thought this story was incredibly intriguing and worth the read. However, I chose to give this book 3 Goodreads stars because I felt as if the story was missing something. I cannot exactly put my finger on the missing piece, but it definitely included Grady, one of the main characters in the story. I also found parts of the plot to be a tad repetitive instead of featuring new and exciting information in the case. I loved the ending of this story since it did not end the way I expected it to. The “who done it” aspect kept me guessing until the very end! I liked that this book was not a traditional romance, while still containing a bit of a romantic edge in places. I would definitely recommend this book to others, so don’t be deterred by my 3 stars. It was a captivating story, I only needed a bit more.
Ashes Books & Bobs 