Ruth Ware's Zero Days delivers a thrilling narrative filled with unexpected twists. Reviewers praise the gripping plot and strong character development, particularly the protagonist's resilience. However, some criticize the pacing as uneven, with moments of repetition that detract from the tension. Overall, it's a compelling read for thriller enthusiasts.

Readers who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers will appreciate Zero Days by Ruth Ware. Fans of Ware’s previous work, such as The Turn of the Key, or those who enjoy Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, will find the blend of suspense, mystery, and tech intrigue compelling.

Zero Days by Ruth Ware follows Jack Cross, a penetration tester, who returns home to find her husband murdered. As the prime suspect, Jack goes on the run to uncover the true killer and discovers a cybersecurity threat linked to her husband's death. Throughout the novel, strangers assist Jack, and she learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Adventurous / Challenging

**Jack (Jacintha) Cross**  
A small but formidable penetration tester who expertly navigates physical and digital terrains to identify security vulnerabilities. As the protagonist and narrator, she demonstrates resilience and an independent spirit throughout the narrative.

**Cole Garrick**  
Gabe's supposed best friend and a creator of apps for a security company, who becomes entangled in ethical dilemmas. He is a key figure in the tension between security and privacy.

**Gabe (Gabriel) Medway**  
Jack's husband and a hacker-turned-security-expert known for his ethical approach to technology. His career and marriage to Jack provide a central focus for the narrative's unfolding events.

**Hel (Helena) Wick**  
Jack's sister and a pragmatic journalist who supports Jack through challenging times. Her insights into criminal investigations help shape Jack's understanding of her circumstances.

**Jeff Leadbetter**  
A police officer and Jack's controlling ex-boyfriend, with whom she shares a troubled past. His presence complicates Jack's interactions with law enforcement.

**Habiba Malik**  
The committed detective in charge of investigating a significant case within the story. Throughout the narrative, she scrutinizes Jack's actions and intentions.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Zero Days reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief Zero Days

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Overview

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Zero Days Summary and Study Guide

Background

Zero Days Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Saturday, February 4: Minus Eight Days”

Part 1 Zero Days Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Sunday, February 5: Minus Seven Days”

Part 2 Zero Days Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Monday, February 6: Minus Six Days”

Part 3 Zero Days Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Tuesday, February 7: Minus Five Days”

Part 4 Zero Days Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Wednesday, February 8: Minus Four Days”

Part 5 Zero Days Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Thursday, February 9: Minus Three Days”

Part 6 Zero Days Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Friday, February 10: Minus Two Days”

Part 7 Zero Days Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “Saturday, February 11: Minus One Day”

Part 8 Zero Days Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 9: “Sunday, February 12: Zero Days”

Part 9 Zero Days Part 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “Monday, February 13: Day One”

Part 10 Zero Days Part 10 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue

Zero Days Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Zero Days Character Analysis

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Themes

Zero Days Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Zero Days Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Zero Days Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Zero Days Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Zero Days Essay Topics

Ruth Ware

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Zero Days

Book Brief

Zero Days

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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