Ruth Ware's 'The It Girl' is a dual-timeline thriller that will appeal most to readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with academic settings and complex female friendships. The story alternates between Hannah's university days at Oxford, where her glamorous roommate April was murdered, and the present day, when new evidence suggests the convicted killer might be innocent.

Ware excels at creating a claustrophobic atmosphere within the prestigious university setting, making the Gothic architecture and insular social dynamics feel genuinely menacing. The characterization of April—the magnetic, manipulative 'it girl' of the title—is particularly well-drawn, revealing her complexity through Hannah's shifting memories and growing understanding of their toxic friendship.

The dual timeline structure works effectively, with past and present storylines building tension that culminates in a satisfying revelation.

However, the pacing suffers in the middle sections, where Hannah's present-day anxiety and guilt can feel repetitive. Some readers may find Hannah's unreliable narration frustrating rather than intriguing, as her selective memory and self-deception sometimes obscure rather than illuminate key plot points.

The supporting characters, particularly Hannah's university friend group, occasionally blur together despite their distinct roles in the mystery. Ware's prose is accessible and engaging, though it lacks the literary polish that might elevate this above standard thriller fare. The themes of privilege, complicity, and the stories we tell ourselves about the past give the book emotional weight beyond its mystery plot. This book works best for readers who enjoyed Ware's previous novels or fans of Tana French's atmospheric approach to crime fiction. Those seeking fast-paced action or straightforward procedural elements should look elsewhere. Readers who prefer linear narratives or find unreliable narrators annoying may struggle with the structure. Overall, 'The It Girl' succeeds as a moody, character-driven mystery that explores how the past refuses to stay buried, even when we desperately want it to.