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The Woman on Platform 8
A BRAND NEW dark and twisted psychological thriller from bestseller M. A. Hunter. 'Scarily good!' - Valerie Keogh No good deed... goes unpunished.
I first saw her on the platform on my way home from work a few weeks ago. She had an aura about her that made people stop and stare. Then I saw her again. And again. Our twice weekly commute into London Waterloo insync. She was always so poised, so pretty, so perfect.
Everything I’m not.
In my head, her name's Lucia, and she’s a glamorous catwalk model from Milan who commutes from Winchester to attend casting calls in the city. But this morning she’s late, barely making the train as the doors close. She doesn’t take her usual seat, instead staying close to the doors...
Then it hits me – she looks terrified.
I feel compelled to help her, and against my better judgement I stand up and move towards her. It's then the illusion crumbles. Her name's not Lucia, but Allie. Not a model, but a woman in dire need of help. She tells me she's in danger, that she's done something dreadful and I don't know why I do it, but I promise to keep her safe.
But I shouldn't make promises I know I can't keep.
Because my life isn't as picture perfect as I like to pretend, and I can't stop wondering if maybe I'm not the only one pretending...
Praise for M.A.
'This one haunted me after I finished' Valerie Keogh
'Hunter does a fantastic job of ramping up the tension. My heart was in my mouth as I raced to the conclusion' Keri Beevis
'Brilliantly plotted and written with characters so lifelike they practically jump off the page' J. A. Baker
'I read this book in a single sitting. It’s a fantastic story with the most amazing characters, who I can guarantee will stay with you for a very long time!' Lynda Stacey
'Clever and compelling! I loved everything about this the concept, the setting, the structure...' Lesley Kara
'Fresh, pacey, and exciting! You’ll be racing to the finish at breakneck speed!' L C North
'A rollercoaster of a read! Kept me gripped until the very last page.' J A Baker
'I sprinted to finish this heart pounding tale of deception, a real nail biter!' Gemma Rogers
'A fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night!' Diana Wilkinson
'Clever and original. An exceptional, dark and tense read, with breath-taking twists. Highly recommended!' D. E. White
'This is one of the best psychological thrillers I've ever read!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'A unique, fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night and you won’t forget in a hurry.
I first saw her on the platform on my way home from work a few weeks ago. She had an aura about her that made people stop and stare. Then I saw her again. And again. Our twice weekly commute into London Waterloo insync. She was always so poised, so pretty, so perfect.
Everything I’m not.
In my head, her name's Lucia, and she’s a glamorous catwalk model from Milan who commutes from Winchester to attend casting calls in the city. But this morning she’s late, barely making the train as the doors close. She doesn’t take her usual seat, instead staying close to the doors...
Then it hits me – she looks terrified.
I feel compelled to help her, and against my better judgement I stand up and move towards her. It's then the illusion crumbles. Her name's not Lucia, but Allie. Not a model, but a woman in dire need of help. She tells me she's in danger, that she's done something dreadful and I don't know why I do it, but I promise to keep her safe.
But I shouldn't make promises I know I can't keep.
Because my life isn't as picture perfect as I like to pretend, and I can't stop wondering if maybe I'm not the only one pretending...
Praise for M.A.
'This one haunted me after I finished' Valerie Keogh
'Hunter does a fantastic job of ramping up the tension. My heart was in my mouth as I raced to the conclusion' Keri Beevis
'Brilliantly plotted and written with characters so lifelike they practically jump off the page' J. A. Baker
'I read this book in a single sitting. It’s a fantastic story with the most amazing characters, who I can guarantee will stay with you for a very long time!' Lynda Stacey
'Clever and compelling! I loved everything about this the concept, the setting, the structure...' Lesley Kara
'Fresh, pacey, and exciting! You’ll be racing to the finish at breakneck speed!' L C North
'A rollercoaster of a read! Kept me gripped until the very last page.' J A Baker
'I sprinted to finish this heart pounding tale of deception, a real nail biter!' Gemma Rogers
'A fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night!' Diana Wilkinson
'Clever and original. An exceptional, dark and tense read, with breath-taking twists. Highly recommended!' D. E. White
'This is one of the best psychological thrillers I've ever read!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'A unique, fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night and you won’t forget in a hurry.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
360 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 25, 2025
Whew! What at twisted tale! Man, I thought I knew where this book was going and what a shocker that ending was! I did not see that coming at all. I thought I had things figured out but nope M.A. Hunter threw in a real zinger that left me bamboozled. I wish the entire book had me feeling this way but there were times I did some eye rolling.
Jenna sees a woman at the train station who appears to need help. Jenna doesn't normally get involved but decided this time to help. She had seen Allie prior to this day but the day she stepped in Allie looked frazzled. Allie tells Jenna that she is in danger and Jenna promises to help>
Things get very interesting after Jenna welcomes Allie into her life. Things become tangled, messed up, and tense very fast. This book has plenty of tension, dread, and unease. There were plenty of moments where I wondered what was going to happen next and other times where I was rolling my eyes at the characters and the decisions that were being made.
The ending was a shocker for me! I did not see the book ending in that fashion and kudos for the author for pulling that off. My one issue with the book was the number of things that were thrown into the mix. There was a lot going on and lot for Jenna to deal with.
M.A. Hunter's books are either a big hit or settle in the good not great category for me. This is where this book landed. I enjoyed it, was shocked by the ending, but along the way, there were too many instances where I was waiting for the kitchen sink to be thrown into the mix as well.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Jenna sees a woman at the train station who appears to need help. Jenna doesn't normally get involved but decided this time to help. She had seen Allie prior to this day but the day she stepped in Allie looked frazzled. Allie tells Jenna that she is in danger and Jenna promises to help>
Things get very interesting after Jenna welcomes Allie into her life. Things become tangled, messed up, and tense very fast. This book has plenty of tension, dread, and unease. There were plenty of moments where I wondered what was going to happen next and other times where I was rolling my eyes at the characters and the decisions that were being made.
The ending was a shocker for me! I did not see the book ending in that fashion and kudos for the author for pulling that off. My one issue with the book was the number of things that were thrown into the mix. There was a lot going on and lot for Jenna to deal with.
M.A. Hunter's books are either a big hit or settle in the good not great category for me. This is where this book landed. I enjoyed it, was shocked by the ending, but along the way, there were too many instances where I was waiting for the kitchen sink to be thrown into the mix as well.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
March 20, 2025
Honestly this book frustrated me more than anything. Jenna was making on stupid decision after another and I just want to yell at her to stop and use her brain. Allie’s presence brought about a side of Jenna’s personality that was hard to digest. The ending was somewhat predictable but there was part that I didn’t guess. I felt like the book dragged with the dread of what was happening with Allie and Jenna but then the end just ended abruptly without much clarity.
I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 8, 2025
How many women would welcome a complete stranger into their home with their husband and children? That’s exactly what Jenna does when she meets Allie, a complete stranger, and decides to take her in. Jenna approached Allie with great concern for her well-being and safety. Not only did Allie appear injured, but her story also stirred up protective instincts in Jenna.
The question that arises is, who is the vulnerable one, Jenna or Allie? It’s not difficult to sense Jenna’s vulnerability, a woman on the autism spectrum. She misses social cues, and while some may find bells and whistles clear to recognize, Jenna does her best to navigate life, while missing crucial things. Beyond her autism, Jenna’s past is deeply sad, which undoubtedly influences her decisions.
It’s easy to feel compassion for Jenna while also criticizing Allie. Brett, Jenna’s husband, was undoubtedly a good person, but he had his flaws. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for Jenna repeatedly, then this latest book by M. A. Hunter is the perfect choice.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The question that arises is, who is the vulnerable one, Jenna or Allie? It’s not difficult to sense Jenna’s vulnerability, a woman on the autism spectrum. She misses social cues, and while some may find bells and whistles clear to recognize, Jenna does her best to navigate life, while missing crucial things. Beyond her autism, Jenna’s past is deeply sad, which undoubtedly influences her decisions.
It’s easy to feel compassion for Jenna while also criticizing Allie. Brett, Jenna’s husband, was undoubtedly a good person, but he had his flaws. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for Jenna repeatedly, then this latest book by M. A. Hunter is the perfect choice.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 13, 2025
Oooh such a great read!!! So much going on and the twist was brilliant. I couldn't put this book diwn that's how engrossed I was into the storyline. Each character had a perfect place in the storyline. I loved this
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
March 16, 2025
Thanks to publisher, author and netgalley for this ARC read.
THIS REVIEW WAS RECEIVED AS AN ARC READ. AS AN ARC READER FOR THIS BOOK, AN HONEST REVIEW WAS REQUESTED.
Oh my God. My brain feels so scrambled in the best possible way; the way it should feel after reading a really good psychological thriller.
I will keep this as concise as possible (I say this every time and I always lie) because I don’t want to be spreading spoilers about this book but this one had me constantly going back and forth, second guessing my own thought process and querying what side of sane I myself was on, depending on who I was backing throughout this book.
I thought the characters were great; they kept me on my toes. I kept pinballing between my feelings for each of them. I felt that I continuously flip flopped over what I thought of them leading to a constant inner battle about who I should be rooting for and who I should be doubting. The main character, Jenna was definitely my favourite as I feel most people who read this will probably say the same. I felt so angry for her and the absolute gaslighting nature of everyone around her. She is consistently being treated as if she is crazy and honestly, every time I read the other character’s name I wanted to rip my hair out. She was so conniving and vindictive and I hated her but for an author, that’s gonna be a piece of praise.
If someone hates the character who is constantly being shadowed with doubt, it means you’re writing them correctly, in my opinion.
For so much of the book, all I could think was ‘Red flags!’ and that was about almost every single person in Jenna’s life. I especially did not care for her husband; he gave me the biggest red flag warnings and all I could think was, “Oh my God, I would never stand for this shit.” I suppose it’s a bit more complicated if you’re married with children but jeez, he was infuriating and so condescending for the majority of the book. He was so unlikeable and I don’t know if we were meant to ever like him but I certainly did not.
Now, this book was amazing and gripping. I found that I could not stop reading it. Literally. I was reading it between mundane tasks and was hurrying back to my room to finish it when I got a moment. I more or less finished this book within 24 hours which shows that it is a thrilling read.
However, the point at which the book let me down was the ending, I have to say. There was a ‘twist’ as such at the end but it didn’t really feel like that. I don’t know, I was left more confused than shocked. It wasn’t really explained well nor was it explained clearly. I don’t know about other people but I prefer psychological thrillers to lay it all out on the table in the last 20 or so pages so that I have my questions answered and I am satisfied with the ending.
This ending did not do that for me. Maybe I am just a little dim and didn’t get something very obvious but I don’t know… it doesn’t feel that way. It felt rushed and awkwardly ended, as if the author panicked and wasn’t 100% sure on how to finish it off? The ending did leave me a tad perplexed because as mentioned, I am still left with a number of questions. Rather than it be questions regarding the ending and being in an awe struck shock, it felt like there were too many loose ends. All in all, the end just felt disjointed and messy. That was my only let down however; the rest of the book? Absolutely top notch.
Something I did find very interesting about this book was the main character, Jenna being autistic. It is mentioned early on and is referenced to frequently throughout the book. Now, I don’t have any kind of formal diagnosis of autism but I couldn’t help but compare and empathise with Jenna in a lot of scenes due to having felt the exact same throughout my own life. There is so much mention of overstimulation, routines, the loud noise in your head and honestly, she as a character I felt really resonated with me and I think it made me root for her so much more because I could understand several of the traits she struggles with in her difficult times.
Either way, ending aside, this was an amazing read and I am really glad I started reading it. When I initially started it, I only read a few pages and then just left it alone for a few days. But, once I came back to it, I binge read this in an entire night. As mentioned, I was reading this between dinner, between skincare, between washing my hair. Every spare moment I had after work, I was flipping through pages. I stayed awake until 3am to finish the book and all in all, I read this within only a few hours. To me, that is a pretty good sign of a decent thriller.
Mainly, it was blind rage on behalf of the main character that had me hooked. I just could not believe the way people who were meant to be her loved ones were treating her. Absolutely infuriating.
The ending of this book was the only thing that stopped me listing this as a 5 star read but otherwise, I loved this book and I’d definitely be interested in reading more by the author in the future.
Keep your eyes peeled for The Woman on Platform 8, releasing Monday 31 March 2025!
THIS REVIEW WAS RECEIVED AS AN ARC READ. AS AN ARC READER FOR THIS BOOK, AN HONEST REVIEW WAS REQUESTED.
Oh my God. My brain feels so scrambled in the best possible way; the way it should feel after reading a really good psychological thriller.
I will keep this as concise as possible (I say this every time and I always lie) because I don’t want to be spreading spoilers about this book but this one had me constantly going back and forth, second guessing my own thought process and querying what side of sane I myself was on, depending on who I was backing throughout this book.
I thought the characters were great; they kept me on my toes. I kept pinballing between my feelings for each of them. I felt that I continuously flip flopped over what I thought of them leading to a constant inner battle about who I should be rooting for and who I should be doubting. The main character, Jenna was definitely my favourite as I feel most people who read this will probably say the same. I felt so angry for her and the absolute gaslighting nature of everyone around her. She is consistently being treated as if she is crazy and honestly, every time I read the other character’s name I wanted to rip my hair out. She was so conniving and vindictive and I hated her but for an author, that’s gonna be a piece of praise.
If someone hates the character who is constantly being shadowed with doubt, it means you’re writing them correctly, in my opinion.
For so much of the book, all I could think was ‘Red flags!’ and that was about almost every single person in Jenna’s life. I especially did not care for her husband; he gave me the biggest red flag warnings and all I could think was, “Oh my God, I would never stand for this shit.” I suppose it’s a bit more complicated if you’re married with children but jeez, he was infuriating and so condescending for the majority of the book. He was so unlikeable and I don’t know if we were meant to ever like him but I certainly did not.
Now, this book was amazing and gripping. I found that I could not stop reading it. Literally. I was reading it between mundane tasks and was hurrying back to my room to finish it when I got a moment. I more or less finished this book within 24 hours which shows that it is a thrilling read.
However, the point at which the book let me down was the ending, I have to say. There was a ‘twist’ as such at the end but it didn’t really feel like that. I don’t know, I was left more confused than shocked. It wasn’t really explained well nor was it explained clearly. I don’t know about other people but I prefer psychological thrillers to lay it all out on the table in the last 20 or so pages so that I have my questions answered and I am satisfied with the ending.
This ending did not do that for me. Maybe I am just a little dim and didn’t get something very obvious but I don’t know… it doesn’t feel that way. It felt rushed and awkwardly ended, as if the author panicked and wasn’t 100% sure on how to finish it off? The ending did leave me a tad perplexed because as mentioned, I am still left with a number of questions. Rather than it be questions regarding the ending and being in an awe struck shock, it felt like there were too many loose ends. All in all, the end just felt disjointed and messy. That was my only let down however; the rest of the book? Absolutely top notch.
Something I did find very interesting about this book was the main character, Jenna being autistic. It is mentioned early on and is referenced to frequently throughout the book. Now, I don’t have any kind of formal diagnosis of autism but I couldn’t help but compare and empathise with Jenna in a lot of scenes due to having felt the exact same throughout my own life. There is so much mention of overstimulation, routines, the loud noise in your head and honestly, she as a character I felt really resonated with me and I think it made me root for her so much more because I could understand several of the traits she struggles with in her difficult times.
Either way, ending aside, this was an amazing read and I am really glad I started reading it. When I initially started it, I only read a few pages and then just left it alone for a few days. But, once I came back to it, I binge read this in an entire night. As mentioned, I was reading this between dinner, between skincare, between washing my hair. Every spare moment I had after work, I was flipping through pages. I stayed awake until 3am to finish the book and all in all, I read this within only a few hours. To me, that is a pretty good sign of a decent thriller.
Mainly, it was blind rage on behalf of the main character that had me hooked. I just could not believe the way people who were meant to be her loved ones were treating her. Absolutely infuriating.
The ending of this book was the only thing that stopped me listing this as a 5 star read but otherwise, I loved this book and I’d definitely be interested in reading more by the author in the future.
Keep your eyes peeled for The Woman on Platform 8, releasing Monday 31 March 2025!
March 19, 2025
The Woman on Platform 8
by M.A. Hunter
Release date: March 31st
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Some books hook you with a quiet intrigue before unraveling into an all-consuming mystery, and The Woman on Platform 8 is exactly that kind of thriller. From the moment our protagonist fixates on the enigmatic woman at the train station, I was drawn into a world of perception versus reality, where every encounter feels both fated and unsettling.
The story builds tension masterfully, starting with harmless curiosity and spiraling into a dangerous entanglement. Allie’s desperation collides with the narrator’s own fragile façade, creating a dynamic fraught with uncertainty. Who is really telling the truth? Who is really in control? M.A. Hunter keeps the reader guessing with psychological twists, unreliable emotions, and a creeping sense of paranoia that lingers long after the last page.
This novel is an addictive ride, perfect for fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries. If you love a thriller that challenges what you think you know, The Woman on Platform 8 is a must-read.
Thank to Boldwood Books for this copy for an honest, voluntary review.
#TheWomanOnPlatform8 #MAHunter #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks
by M.A. Hunter
Release date: March 31st
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Some books hook you with a quiet intrigue before unraveling into an all-consuming mystery, and The Woman on Platform 8 is exactly that kind of thriller. From the moment our protagonist fixates on the enigmatic woman at the train station, I was drawn into a world of perception versus reality, where every encounter feels both fated and unsettling.
The story builds tension masterfully, starting with harmless curiosity and spiraling into a dangerous entanglement. Allie’s desperation collides with the narrator’s own fragile façade, creating a dynamic fraught with uncertainty. Who is really telling the truth? Who is really in control? M.A. Hunter keeps the reader guessing with psychological twists, unreliable emotions, and a creeping sense of paranoia that lingers long after the last page.
This novel is an addictive ride, perfect for fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries. If you love a thriller that challenges what you think you know, The Woman on Platform 8 is a must-read.
Thank to Boldwood Books for this copy for an honest, voluntary review.
#TheWomanOnPlatform8 #MAHunter #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks
July 1, 2025
2.5 stars.
This story has an interesting premise. But I think the whole random woman shows up and inserts herself in someone’s life then takes over is an over done plot line.
Also, the character is autistic which the author mentions constantly. However, her behavior seems very counter to what you would expect. The author wanted to write a neurodivergent character which they expressly stated bud for me it just did not work. You can write about it without having to point it out constantly.
I disliked the ending greatly. If left way too many unanswered questions. It was done for shock value - which it was that but it did not match with the story or tie things in.
It was also a similar ending to the first book I read by this author so I’m thinking it’s maybe time for a different focus from him.
I’ve read 3 books by this author. The first one I thought was awesome, second one “meh” and this one was painful. I do not think I would read additional stuff from him at this point.
This story has an interesting premise. But I think the whole random woman shows up and inserts herself in someone’s life then takes over is an over done plot line.
Also, the character is autistic which the author mentions constantly. However, her behavior seems very counter to what you would expect. The author wanted to write a neurodivergent character which they expressly stated bud for me it just did not work. You can write about it without having to point it out constantly.
I disliked the ending greatly. If left way too many unanswered questions. It was done for shock value - which it was that but it did not match with the story or tie things in.
It was also a similar ending to the first book I read by this author so I’m thinking it’s maybe time for a different focus from him.
I’ve read 3 books by this author. The first one I thought was awesome, second one “meh” and this one was painful. I do not think I would read additional stuff from him at this point.
June 30, 2025
Well, that ending was awful!
March 31, 2025
"No good deed goes unpunished."
The Woman on Platform 8 by M.A Hunter is a twisty psychological thriller that will have you hooked from the very beginning.
For the past few weeks Jenna Morgan has seen a beautiful woman waiting on Platform 8 for the train. Fixating on this perfectly poised woman, Jenna imagines her to be a glamorous model maybe going to casting calls in the city. But when one day the woman is late to get on the train and appears frightened, Jenna reaches out to her. The woman's name is Allie and she says she has done something awful to her boyfriend. Wanting to help Allie, Jenna invites her to stay with her, her husband, and their two children until she can get herself situated. But soon strange things start to happen and Jenna wonders if Allie is really who she says she is. And Allie isn't the only one keeping secrets...
This book was so tension filled and had such a sense of urgency that I flew right through it. I especially liked the fact that Jenna was neurodivergent which put another spin on her perception. Hunter's writing is absolutely gripping and her characters are all very well written. This was the first book by M.A Hunter that I have read but it definitely won't be my last!!
Thank you to NetGalley, M.A Hunter, and Boldwood Books for this ARC. Publication date is March 31 2025.
The Woman on Platform 8 by M.A Hunter is a twisty psychological thriller that will have you hooked from the very beginning.
For the past few weeks Jenna Morgan has seen a beautiful woman waiting on Platform 8 for the train. Fixating on this perfectly poised woman, Jenna imagines her to be a glamorous model maybe going to casting calls in the city. But when one day the woman is late to get on the train and appears frightened, Jenna reaches out to her. The woman's name is Allie and she says she has done something awful to her boyfriend. Wanting to help Allie, Jenna invites her to stay with her, her husband, and their two children until she can get herself situated. But soon strange things start to happen and Jenna wonders if Allie is really who she says she is. And Allie isn't the only one keeping secrets...
This book was so tension filled and had such a sense of urgency that I flew right through it. I especially liked the fact that Jenna was neurodivergent which put another spin on her perception. Hunter's writing is absolutely gripping and her characters are all very well written. This was the first book by M.A Hunter that I have read but it definitely won't be my last!!
Thank you to NetGalley, M.A Hunter, and Boldwood Books for this ARC. Publication date is March 31 2025.
February 21, 2025
The Woman On Platform 8 by MA Hunter, Gemma catches the same train every day and sees the same people so when she sees a lady who she thinks of is living a fabulous life, but on this day looks startled and unsettled she goes to Linda hand. her name is Allie Davis and she doesn’t say much but the one thing she does say is that she thinks she may have killed her boyfriend. Gemma is playing it by ear and really doesn’t know how to act in this situation and before the morning is over, she will have invited Allie to stay at her home with her husband, Brett, and two children. Allie refuses to let Gemma call the police and by the time Gemma will wish she had her family will love Allie and she will be feeling like the odd man out and when the police are called, it will be on Gemma, who knows the truth, but no one will believe her. there were many things I loved and many things. I absolutely disliked about this book. I liked that it was fast pace, and I love that the author took such a big risk with the ending, not saying I like it, but I didn’t absolutely hate it either. OMG was I shocked. The things I didn’t like, I didn’t like that Gemma, despite knowing her mom has mental health issues totally abandon her and almost worshiped her dad who also abandoned the mom who at the time had two small children. I also found she kept a lot of things and situations from her children and her husband and I get it. Her mom had problems but growing up I was told family was family and you stick by them warts and all..#NetGalley, #BoldWoodBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MAHunter, #TheWomanOnPlatform8,
February 21, 2025
The main character, Jenna, takes the train to work one morning and sees a woman who looks disheveled/frightened. That woman is Allie. Jenna ends up taking Allie home with her in an effort to help protect her from her "abuser." Jenna is a person with Autisim, and the author makes certain to point that out frequently. I am a special education teacher, so reading a book whose main character is autistic was intriguing to me. It didn't take long for Jenna to annoy me. I found her infuriating! For someone with Autism, she seemed very social and trusting of others, too trusting.
As I progressed through the book, I kept waiting for the ball to drop. Allie was a master manipulator who preyed on someone who was just trying to be kind to her. I honestly got tired of reading about all of the ridiculous things she did to Jenna.
The ending of the book was HORRIBLE and extremely far-fetched!! I actually had to read the last chapter twice to fully understand what had occurred.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
As I progressed through the book, I kept waiting for the ball to drop. Allie was a master manipulator who preyed on someone who was just trying to be kind to her. I honestly got tired of reading about all of the ridiculous things she did to Jenna.
The ending of the book was HORRIBLE and extremely far-fetched!! I actually had to read the last chapter twice to fully understand what had occurred.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
February 17, 2025
I liked Jenna, a neurodivergent main character who gets involved with Allie when she believes she has been hurt.
What follow in this book is the destruction of Jenna by Allie, Jenna’s husband and pretty much everyone else in the book.
I would like to tell you about the mystery or the thrills but there are none, for some reason this book starts with a hook and a mystery and somewhere around 30% the author decides just to destroy their main character.
The ending of this book is the reason I couldn’t possibly recommend it, no matter how much I liked Jenna, the ending feels like the author had no idea how to end it so cut the book off and hoped people would find it shocking or haunting, when actually it just felt like laziness. The only likable character in this book deserved better.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC which was given in return for an honest review.
What follow in this book is the destruction of Jenna by Allie, Jenna’s husband and pretty much everyone else in the book.
I would like to tell you about the mystery or the thrills but there are none, for some reason this book starts with a hook and a mystery and somewhere around 30% the author decides just to destroy their main character.
The ending of this book is the reason I couldn’t possibly recommend it, no matter how much I liked Jenna, the ending feels like the author had no idea how to end it so cut the book off and hoped people would find it shocking or haunting, when actually it just felt like laziness. The only likable character in this book deserved better.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC which was given in return for an honest review.
March 30, 2025
This is a good read but has left me with so many questions.
Jenna sees the same woman most days on her train journey into work, but one day she looks like she needs help.
Allie tells her something shocking and Jenna says she’ll help her, and invites her to stay with her family.
This was the first red flag for me, as why would you invite a stranger into your home with your two young children?
As I suspected Allie weasels her way into Jenna’s family life and soon Jenna is struggling to cope.
I don’t really like books where a person is made to question their own sanity, but I always hope they will come out on top.
In this book, this didn’t really happen and the ending left me very confused.
Whilst I don’t need books to always have a firm conclusion, this one ended very abruptly with many questions left unanswered.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Jenna sees the same woman most days on her train journey into work, but one day she looks like she needs help.
Allie tells her something shocking and Jenna says she’ll help her, and invites her to stay with her family.
This was the first red flag for me, as why would you invite a stranger into your home with your two young children?
As I suspected Allie weasels her way into Jenna’s family life and soon Jenna is struggling to cope.
I don’t really like books where a person is made to question their own sanity, but I always hope they will come out on top.
In this book, this didn’t really happen and the ending left me very confused.
Whilst I don’t need books to always have a firm conclusion, this one ended very abruptly with many questions left unanswered.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
May 14, 2025
._____.
September 18, 2025
makes you think
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book but as the pages kept turning the more I liked it . I never thought that the ending would be like this definitely one to read.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book but as the pages kept turning the more I liked it . I never thought that the ending would be like this definitely one to read.
February 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for my first eARC. Let me just say… Wow! This is my first M. A. Hunter book and I am just completely stunned. I think I enjoyed the story overall, but there were elements that left me confused and honestly disappointed. I have so many questions and am still thinking about the twist ending.
Jenna is a graphic designer and working mom who has autism. One morning, on the train into London, she crosses paths with a woman in distress. Despite social challenges she experiences, she approaches the woman, whom she has noticed previously, to see if she can assist. Jenna learns the woman is called Allie and that she is fleeing a potentially dangerous situation. Jenna’s life quickly becomes intertwined with Allie’s and vice versa, and chaos and uncertainty ensue. Midway through the story, there’s a distinct impression that everyone is trying to sabotage Jenna, and even those who claim to support her can’t be trusted, or can they? As is the case in my psychological thrillers, Jenna is a very unreliable narrator, almost to a fault in this case.
While I enjoyed the twist ending and absolutely did not see it coming, I also had some challenges with the main character, Jenna. Without any direct experience with autism, I hesitate to pass judgment on how the character was written, I do have some concerns with the escalation of her character, though that didn’t sit quite right with me. It was haunting, traumatic, and twisted. Ultimately, I did find it to be an engaging story.
Jenna is a graphic designer and working mom who has autism. One morning, on the train into London, she crosses paths with a woman in distress. Despite social challenges she experiences, she approaches the woman, whom she has noticed previously, to see if she can assist. Jenna learns the woman is called Allie and that she is fleeing a potentially dangerous situation. Jenna’s life quickly becomes intertwined with Allie’s and vice versa, and chaos and uncertainty ensue. Midway through the story, there’s a distinct impression that everyone is trying to sabotage Jenna, and even those who claim to support her can’t be trusted, or can they? As is the case in my psychological thrillers, Jenna is a very unreliable narrator, almost to a fault in this case.
While I enjoyed the twist ending and absolutely did not see it coming, I also had some challenges with the main character, Jenna. Without any direct experience with autism, I hesitate to pass judgment on how the character was written, I do have some concerns with the escalation of her character, though that didn’t sit quite right with me. It was haunting, traumatic, and twisted. Ultimately, I did find it to be an engaging story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
Each day on the train Jenna sees the same woman, she’s even invented a name and back story for her, but when one morning she sees her enter the train in a distressed manner she knows she must help.
Jenna is portrayed as an autistic character (the author even discusses this briefly at the start of the book) and I think everyone, whether you are autistic yourself, feel you may be, or not, you will relate to this character. The author shows throughout the book her struggles and difficulties, while also dealing with a belief that other mental health problems may run within her family.
There’s lots of twists and turns in this one and I must say I felt a little frustrated when no one was listening to Jenna or even giving her a chance to speak (but I feel this is what the author wanted to portray).
The character development was really good and I feel you really get to know all the different personalities throughout the book, even if some of it seems pretty implausible.
For me, I just couldn’t get on board with how the story ended. As the suspense built in the last few chapters I read as fast as I could to see which possible conclusion it would draw. The one that happened I had not predicted. I’m sure the ending is meant to surprise and shock the audience, but for me it just felt very abrupt, I was hoping, eventually our main character would get the support she deserved, what actually happened I could not have predicted.
All is all a twisty read that will keep you guessing, keep you questioning and then surprise you at the end.
3.5⭐️
Jenna is portrayed as an autistic character (the author even discusses this briefly at the start of the book) and I think everyone, whether you are autistic yourself, feel you may be, or not, you will relate to this character. The author shows throughout the book her struggles and difficulties, while also dealing with a belief that other mental health problems may run within her family.
There’s lots of twists and turns in this one and I must say I felt a little frustrated when no one was listening to Jenna or even giving her a chance to speak (but I feel this is what the author wanted to portray).
The character development was really good and I feel you really get to know all the different personalities throughout the book, even if some of it seems pretty implausible.
For me, I just couldn’t get on board with how the story ended. As the suspense built in the last few chapters I read as fast as I could to see which possible conclusion it would draw. The one that happened I had not predicted. I’m sure the ending is meant to surprise and shock the audience, but for me it just felt very abrupt, I was hoping, eventually our main character would get the support she deserved, what actually happened I could not have predicted.
All is all a twisty read that will keep you guessing, keep you questioning and then surprise you at the end.
3.5⭐️
February 12, 2025
Love Hunter's books. and this one is beyond crazy! Jenna and Brett are married with two young children when meets Allie on the train. Allie claims she's been abused and mutters, "I think I killed my boyfriend!" Of course Jenna steps in to help, even inviting her home to stay with them. But when Allie begins to insinuate herself in their lives--and even gets a job where Jenna works--things get dicey! This is a crazy, head-spinning novel that kept me gasping until the bitter end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
March 1, 2025
What a fantastic book - tells the story of a London commuter who comes to the aid of a woman she sees regularly on her morning train and who ends up ensconced in her life and career. The main character/narrator has been diagnosed with Autism as an adult and it’s fantastic to read a book from this perspective . The story is brilliantly plotted and I devoured it within 3.5 hrs. One of the best I’ve read for a long time. Highly recommend
March 28, 2025
MA Hunter, The Woman on Platform 8, Boldwood Books, expected publication date, March 31, 2025
M. A. Hunter’s The Woman on Platform 8 opens with an electrifying premise that hooks readers immediately. Jenna, a mother, wife, and successful businesswoman, finds herself drawn into a dark, twisting tale when she encounters Allie—a battered and bruised stranger who confesses to a horrifying crime: She may have killed her abusive boyfriend in self-defense. This chance meeting on Platform 8 acts as the catalyst for a chilling exploration of trust, reality, and the fragility of the mind.
From the outset, Hunter crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and uncertainty. Jenna, with good intentions, invites Allie into her home, eager to offer solace to a woman in distress. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Allie is wrapped in a complex web of her own making. As Jenna immerses herself in Allie's plight, she unwittingly steps into a labyrinth of hallucinations and erratic behaviors that challenge her perception of reality. Hunter skillfully intertwines Jenna’s struggle to discern truth from illusion, forcing both the protagonist and the reader to ponder the nature of trust and the hidden battles individuals fight within their minds.
The story unfolds as Jenna grapples with the effects of Allie's presence on her family and her own sanity. Hunter excels in creating a sense of urgency, building suspense as Jenna's world begins to fracture under the weight of her childhood with a psychotic mother. The psychological tension escalates, keeping readers guessing about the nature of Allie's intentions and the potential danger she poses. Is Allie a victim, or is she something far more sinister?
The setting of Platform 8 serves as a metaphorical crossroads, symbolizing the choices and paths that lead Jenna down an increasingly dark and chaotic route. The train station, a place of transition and movement, parallels Jenna's internal struggles as she confronts her own illusions and the haunting whispers of doubt clouding her judgment.
Ultimately, The Woman on Platform 8 is not just a tale of suspense; it’s a profound exploration of the human condition, the complexities of mental health, and the haunting nature of past traumas. Hunter deftly navigates these themes without falling into cliché, leaving readers with a chilling sense of realism that resonates long after the final page has turned.
In conclusion, M. A. Hunter’s gripping narrative will keep you turning pages late into the night, eager to uncover the truth lurking behind Allie’s confessions and the dark corners of Jenna’s mind. This psychological thriller is a testament to the power of perception and an unforgettable journey into the depths of fear, trust, and the ties that bind us to one another—no matter how twisted they may become.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
M. A. Hunter’s The Woman on Platform 8 opens with an electrifying premise that hooks readers immediately. Jenna, a mother, wife, and successful businesswoman, finds herself drawn into a dark, twisting tale when she encounters Allie—a battered and bruised stranger who confesses to a horrifying crime: She may have killed her abusive boyfriend in self-defense. This chance meeting on Platform 8 acts as the catalyst for a chilling exploration of trust, reality, and the fragility of the mind.
From the outset, Hunter crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and uncertainty. Jenna, with good intentions, invites Allie into her home, eager to offer solace to a woman in distress. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Allie is wrapped in a complex web of her own making. As Jenna immerses herself in Allie's plight, she unwittingly steps into a labyrinth of hallucinations and erratic behaviors that challenge her perception of reality. Hunter skillfully intertwines Jenna’s struggle to discern truth from illusion, forcing both the protagonist and the reader to ponder the nature of trust and the hidden battles individuals fight within their minds.
The story unfolds as Jenna grapples with the effects of Allie's presence on her family and her own sanity. Hunter excels in creating a sense of urgency, building suspense as Jenna's world begins to fracture under the weight of her childhood with a psychotic mother. The psychological tension escalates, keeping readers guessing about the nature of Allie's intentions and the potential danger she poses. Is Allie a victim, or is she something far more sinister?
The setting of Platform 8 serves as a metaphorical crossroads, symbolizing the choices and paths that lead Jenna down an increasingly dark and chaotic route. The train station, a place of transition and movement, parallels Jenna's internal struggles as she confronts her own illusions and the haunting whispers of doubt clouding her judgment.
Ultimately, The Woman on Platform 8 is not just a tale of suspense; it’s a profound exploration of the human condition, the complexities of mental health, and the haunting nature of past traumas. Hunter deftly navigates these themes without falling into cliché, leaving readers with a chilling sense of realism that resonates long after the final page has turned.
In conclusion, M. A. Hunter’s gripping narrative will keep you turning pages late into the night, eager to uncover the truth lurking behind Allie’s confessions and the dark corners of Jenna’s mind. This psychological thriller is a testament to the power of perception and an unforgettable journey into the depths of fear, trust, and the ties that bind us to one another—no matter how twisted they may become.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
February 17, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
M.A. Hunter's "The Woman on Platform 8" is a riveting and psychologically intense thriller that takes readers on a wild ride through secrets, suspense, and unexpected revelations.
With a plot that twists and turns, this novel is bound to keep you guessing and thoroughly engaged from start to finish.
The novel centers around Jenna, a neuro-divergent commuter who encounters a mysterious woman on the platform of a train station. What begins as a seemingly innocuous meeting quickly spirals into a labyrinth of dark secrets and hidden motives. As Jenna becomes increasingly entangled in the woman's enigmatic life, he finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew. Hunter's narrative is expertly crafted, with every chapter uncovering new layers of suspense and intrigue.
Hunter excels in creating complex and believable characters. Jenna is a relatable protagonist, grappling with his own doubts and insecurities while trying to make sense of the puzzling events around him. The enigmatic woman on the platform, with her hidden past and unpredictable behavior, adds a sense of mystique and tension to the story. Supporting characters, from concerned friends to shadowy figures lurking in the background, add depth and dimension to the plot.
"The Woman on Platform 8" explores themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Hunter delves into the psychological impact of secrets and the lengths people will go to in order to protect or uncover the truth. The novel also raises thought-provoking questions about identity and the masks we wear in our everyday lives.
Hunter's writing is sharp, evocative, and perfectly suited to a psychological thriller. The prose flows seamlessly, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and characters to life. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter building anticipation and leaving readers eager to turn the page. Hunter's ability to create a sense of unease and tension is particularly noteworthy, making for a truly gripping read.
"The Woman on Platform 8" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that excels in misdirection. M.A. Hunter has crafted a story that is a disturbing must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. This book is a testament to the power of suspense and the enduring allure of a well-told mystery.
M.A. Hunter's "The Woman on Platform 8" is a riveting and psychologically intense thriller that takes readers on a wild ride through secrets, suspense, and unexpected revelations.
With a plot that twists and turns, this novel is bound to keep you guessing and thoroughly engaged from start to finish.
The novel centers around Jenna, a neuro-divergent commuter who encounters a mysterious woman on the platform of a train station. What begins as a seemingly innocuous meeting quickly spirals into a labyrinth of dark secrets and hidden motives. As Jenna becomes increasingly entangled in the woman's enigmatic life, he finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew. Hunter's narrative is expertly crafted, with every chapter uncovering new layers of suspense and intrigue.
Hunter excels in creating complex and believable characters. Jenna is a relatable protagonist, grappling with his own doubts and insecurities while trying to make sense of the puzzling events around him. The enigmatic woman on the platform, with her hidden past and unpredictable behavior, adds a sense of mystique and tension to the story. Supporting characters, from concerned friends to shadowy figures lurking in the background, add depth and dimension to the plot.
"The Woman on Platform 8" explores themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Hunter delves into the psychological impact of secrets and the lengths people will go to in order to protect or uncover the truth. The novel also raises thought-provoking questions about identity and the masks we wear in our everyday lives.
Hunter's writing is sharp, evocative, and perfectly suited to a psychological thriller. The prose flows seamlessly, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and characters to life. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter building anticipation and leaving readers eager to turn the page. Hunter's ability to create a sense of unease and tension is particularly noteworthy, making for a truly gripping read.
"The Woman on Platform 8" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that excels in misdirection. M.A. Hunter has crafted a story that is a disturbing must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. This book is a testament to the power of suspense and the enduring allure of a well-told mystery.
March 31, 2025
M.A. Hunter’s The Woman on Platform 8 is a tense, twist-filled psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very last page. With its clever narrative and unsettling exploration of identity, secrets, and the thin line between reality and illusion, this novel is a gripping read for fans of domestic suspense and psychological drama.
The story begins with the unnamed protagonist’s fascination with a striking woman she often sees during her commute. In her mind, the glamorous stranger becomes “Lucia,” a mysterious and flawless figure. But when the woman — whose real name is Allie — boards the train one morning visibly shaken and desperate, the protagonist’s carefully constructed fantasy crumbles. What follows is a gripping journey of loyalty, fear, and the unsettling question of how well we truly know the people around us.
Hunter excels at building a palpable sense of unease, using the mundane setting of a daily train commute to amplify the suspense. The protagonist’s inner dialogue is both relatable and troubling, reflecting her own insecurities and the tendency to romanticize the lives of others. As the story unfolds, readers are forced to question not only Allie’s motives but also the narrator’s reliability. Who is really in danger? Who can be trusted?
The pacing is swift, with each chapter peeling back another layer of deception. Hunter skillfully drops breadcrumbs of information, maintaining the tension and ensuring the plot remains unpredictable. The dual focus on Allie’s predicament and the narrator’s own unraveling mental state adds complexity to the narrative, making it impossible to put the book down.
The Woman on Platform 8 is more than just a thriller — it’s an exploration of perception, the masks people wear, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives. Hunter’s sharp prose and immersive storytelling ensure that readers will be thinking about this novel long after they’ve finished it.
For fans of Gillian Flynn, B.A. Paris, and Lisa Jewell, this book is a must-read. Prepare for a ride full of suspense, psychological intrigue, and a haunting reminder that sometimes the most dangerous illusions are the ones we create ourselves.
The story begins with the unnamed protagonist’s fascination with a striking woman she often sees during her commute. In her mind, the glamorous stranger becomes “Lucia,” a mysterious and flawless figure. But when the woman — whose real name is Allie — boards the train one morning visibly shaken and desperate, the protagonist’s carefully constructed fantasy crumbles. What follows is a gripping journey of loyalty, fear, and the unsettling question of how well we truly know the people around us.
Hunter excels at building a palpable sense of unease, using the mundane setting of a daily train commute to amplify the suspense. The protagonist’s inner dialogue is both relatable and troubling, reflecting her own insecurities and the tendency to romanticize the lives of others. As the story unfolds, readers are forced to question not only Allie’s motives but also the narrator’s reliability. Who is really in danger? Who can be trusted?
The pacing is swift, with each chapter peeling back another layer of deception. Hunter skillfully drops breadcrumbs of information, maintaining the tension and ensuring the plot remains unpredictable. The dual focus on Allie’s predicament and the narrator’s own unraveling mental state adds complexity to the narrative, making it impossible to put the book down.
The Woman on Platform 8 is more than just a thriller — it’s an exploration of perception, the masks people wear, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives. Hunter’s sharp prose and immersive storytelling ensure that readers will be thinking about this novel long after they’ve finished it.
For fans of Gillian Flynn, B.A. Paris, and Lisa Jewell, this book is a must-read. Prepare for a ride full of suspense, psychological intrigue, and a haunting reminder that sometimes the most dangerous illusions are the ones we create ourselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Stef, the author MA Hunter, at Crimefest this year. After hearing him speak so passionately of the book’s central character, Jenna Morgan, I knew I wanted to read The Woman on Platform 8.
Jenna is a successful graphic designer, a career she adores. She is married to Brett, who is desperately trying to write the notoriously difficult second novel. They are both struggling to balance their careers, with parenting their two lovely children, as many parents do. The pressure increases hugely when Jenna decides to be a Good Samaritan, and come to the aid of a distressed fellow passenger on her morning commute. As the strain of Jenna’s work and home life accumulates, let alone the added burden brought by Allie’s situation, Jenna finds it increasingly hard to manage.
So many of Allie’s traits made me affectionately smile, as these are familiar in those close to me. As the book progressed, my blood boiled for Jenna, I felt very defensive of her. I wanted to give her a hug, not that it would have been what Jenna needed or wanted. As a reader, I could feel how hard she was working, to present herself and her emotions as she thought she should; whilst not trusting her own gut feelings, questioning herself continually.
My tension and anxiety grew and grew, the further I read on, with some frustration thrown in for good measure too. I desperately wanted to reach in to the pages, and talk to Jenna. At times, some of the characters infuriated me, and not maybe for the reason you might assume.
In his author’s note, Stef explains why Jenna is so important to him. He was very recently diagnosed as being AuDHD, as an adult. He wants to use his voice to give genuine insight in to Autism, and to help spread understanding and acceptance. So it was a conscious decision to have Jenna’s Autism central to the story. I think Stef achieves his intention with great aplomb. Anyone wanting to have a deeper understanding of Autistic thinking, while also wanting to enjoy a good psych thriller, won’t go too far wrong by picking up The Woman on Platform 8.
Jenna is a successful graphic designer, a career she adores. She is married to Brett, who is desperately trying to write the notoriously difficult second novel. They are both struggling to balance their careers, with parenting their two lovely children, as many parents do. The pressure increases hugely when Jenna decides to be a Good Samaritan, and come to the aid of a distressed fellow passenger on her morning commute. As the strain of Jenna’s work and home life accumulates, let alone the added burden brought by Allie’s situation, Jenna finds it increasingly hard to manage.
So many of Allie’s traits made me affectionately smile, as these are familiar in those close to me. As the book progressed, my blood boiled for Jenna, I felt very defensive of her. I wanted to give her a hug, not that it would have been what Jenna needed or wanted. As a reader, I could feel how hard she was working, to present herself and her emotions as she thought she should; whilst not trusting her own gut feelings, questioning herself continually.
My tension and anxiety grew and grew, the further I read on, with some frustration thrown in for good measure too. I desperately wanted to reach in to the pages, and talk to Jenna. At times, some of the characters infuriated me, and not maybe for the reason you might assume.
In his author’s note, Stef explains why Jenna is so important to him. He was very recently diagnosed as being AuDHD, as an adult. He wants to use his voice to give genuine insight in to Autism, and to help spread understanding and acceptance. So it was a conscious decision to have Jenna’s Autism central to the story. I think Stef achieves his intention with great aplomb. Anyone wanting to have a deeper understanding of Autistic thinking, while also wanting to enjoy a good psych thriller, won’t go too far wrong by picking up The Woman on Platform 8.
April 6, 2025
Jenny Morgan spots a regular commuter who boards the train on platform 8 of London Waterloo and gets off at Winchester. Today this woman boards at Winchester and Jenny feels signs of distress coming from this unknown passenger. Jenny asks if this stranger is okay and so the story begins.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Woman on Platform 8, which is a dark and twisty psychological thriller. It is told in the first person and this narrative is ideal for this novel. Everything is from Jenny’s point of view and readers are told from the beginning that Jenny is “openly autistic”. It works well that this family, friends and work story is told ONLY from Jenny’s point of view. Although the author is a man, he puts the reader FULLY in the mindset of Jenny, regardless of your gender or neurology. The focus of this story is so strong and very easy to relate to, that you feel that you can “live the book”.
Doubts begin to grow in your mind as the story builds. The character development of Jenny Morgan is terrific and you get just enough from The Woman on Platform 8, Jenny’s husband, son and daughter, brother, mother, mother-in-law and workmates to fully understand Jenny’s world.
I was very impressed by the quality of writing and feel The Woman on Platform 8 is an OUTSTANDING 5 star read. The plot is very good and I did not work out what was going on in the background. I was barking up the wrong tree and the ending was a HUGE surprise, totally unexpected. The shock - no spoilers from me - is that anyone could fall victim to this scenario, which is frightening.
I will not quote from this book but health care providers generally name their buildings/trading names “kindly” - not for Jenny’s mum who is a patient in a hospital called Graveside. Sleep well everyone!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing to me an ARC on the understanding that I write a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Woman on Platform 8, which is a dark and twisty psychological thriller. It is told in the first person and this narrative is ideal for this novel. Everything is from Jenny’s point of view and readers are told from the beginning that Jenny is “openly autistic”. It works well that this family, friends and work story is told ONLY from Jenny’s point of view. Although the author is a man, he puts the reader FULLY in the mindset of Jenny, regardless of your gender or neurology. The focus of this story is so strong and very easy to relate to, that you feel that you can “live the book”.
Doubts begin to grow in your mind as the story builds. The character development of Jenny Morgan is terrific and you get just enough from The Woman on Platform 8, Jenny’s husband, son and daughter, brother, mother, mother-in-law and workmates to fully understand Jenny’s world.
I was very impressed by the quality of writing and feel The Woman on Platform 8 is an OUTSTANDING 5 star read. The plot is very good and I did not work out what was going on in the background. I was barking up the wrong tree and the ending was a HUGE surprise, totally unexpected. The shock - no spoilers from me - is that anyone could fall victim to this scenario, which is frightening.
I will not quote from this book but health care providers generally name their buildings/trading names “kindly” - not for Jenny’s mum who is a patient in a hospital called Graveside. Sleep well everyone!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing to me an ARC on the understanding that I write a review.
April 6, 2025
The Woman on Platform 8 by M. A. Hunter
No good deed... goes unpunished.
I first saw her on the platform on my way home from work a few weeks ago. She had an aura about her that made people stop and stare. Then I saw her again. And again. Our twice-weekly commute into London Waterloo is in sync. She was always so poised, so pretty, so perfect.
Everything I'm not.
In my head, her name's Lucia, and she's a glamorous catwalk model from Milan who commutes from Winchester to attend casting calls in the city. But this morning, she's late, barely making the train as the doors close. She doesn't take her usual seat but stays close to the doors...
Then it hits me – she looks terrified.
I feel compelled to help her, and against my better judgment, I stand up and move towards her. It's then the illusion crumbles. Her name's not Lucia, but Allie. Not a model but a woman in dire need of help. She tells me she's in danger, that she's done something dreadful, and I don't know why I do it, but I promise to keep her safe.
But I shouldn't make promises I know I can't keep.
Because my life isn't as picture-perfect as I like to pretend, I can't stop wondering if I'm not the only one pretending...
From the author of The Reunion and Mother's Little Secret comes another gripping thriller featuring realistic characters that you'll either love or love to hate.
Filled with intrigue and tension, this compelling story presents a unique plot packed with deception, twists, and turns. Readers will be drawn in from the very first page.
I highly recommend it.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, author M A Hunter and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy to read and review.
No good deed... goes unpunished.
I first saw her on the platform on my way home from work a few weeks ago. She had an aura about her that made people stop and stare. Then I saw her again. And again. Our twice-weekly commute into London Waterloo is in sync. She was always so poised, so pretty, so perfect.
Everything I'm not.
In my head, her name's Lucia, and she's a glamorous catwalk model from Milan who commutes from Winchester to attend casting calls in the city. But this morning, she's late, barely making the train as the doors close. She doesn't take her usual seat but stays close to the doors...
Then it hits me – she looks terrified.
I feel compelled to help her, and against my better judgment, I stand up and move towards her. It's then the illusion crumbles. Her name's not Lucia, but Allie. Not a model but a woman in dire need of help. She tells me she's in danger, that she's done something dreadful, and I don't know why I do it, but I promise to keep her safe.
But I shouldn't make promises I know I can't keep.
Because my life isn't as picture-perfect as I like to pretend, I can't stop wondering if I'm not the only one pretending...
From the author of The Reunion and Mother's Little Secret comes another gripping thriller featuring realistic characters that you'll either love or love to hate.
Filled with intrigue and tension, this compelling story presents a unique plot packed with deception, twists, and turns. Readers will be drawn in from the very first page.
I highly recommend it.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, author M A Hunter and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy to read and review.
March 15, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. We meet Gemma, a commuter who catches the same train every day. One day she helps out Allie, a fellow commuter who gets on the train appearing distressed and upset. She lets Allie come home with her until she can sort out what she is going to do next, but all is not what it seems with Allie. As Allie begins to firmly plant herself in Gemma’s family, it seems that Gemma’s mental health is going downhill...just like her mother’s did many years before.
This was a gripping story which once started you find yourself hooked into Gemma and Allie’s storyline. I always find storylines like this, where you know someone isn’t all they seem, really unsettling (in an enjoyable way!), and this one definitely unsettled me throughout! I liked Gemma’s character, although I did feel like giving her a good shake and asking her what on earth she was thinking taking a complete stranger home with her!! Whilst I knew there was something about Allie which you knew you shouldn’t trust, she made it so difficult to not like her as she seemed, on face value, quite a nice person!
The book’s pace is good, and the storyline moves along building tension and suspense as it goes. Whilst I had a vague idea where it was heading, I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns which happens at it nears its conclusion. The ending, for me, was a little unusual and if I’m honest I’m still in two minds whether the ending was satisfying enough after all the buildup to get there! However, the rest of the book certainly made up for that little bit of doubt, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I'd definitely recommend it, and I’ll be looking out for other books by this author.
This was a gripping story which once started you find yourself hooked into Gemma and Allie’s storyline. I always find storylines like this, where you know someone isn’t all they seem, really unsettling (in an enjoyable way!), and this one definitely unsettled me throughout! I liked Gemma’s character, although I did feel like giving her a good shake and asking her what on earth she was thinking taking a complete stranger home with her!! Whilst I knew there was something about Allie which you knew you shouldn’t trust, she made it so difficult to not like her as she seemed, on face value, quite a nice person!
The book’s pace is good, and the storyline moves along building tension and suspense as it goes. Whilst I had a vague idea where it was heading, I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns which happens at it nears its conclusion. The ending, for me, was a little unusual and if I’m honest I’m still in two minds whether the ending was satisfying enough after all the buildup to get there! However, the rest of the book certainly made up for that little bit of doubt, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I'd definitely recommend it, and I’ll be looking out for other books by this author.
March 30, 2025
The Woman on Platform 8 is a solid thriller that delivers plenty of suspense, intriguing twists, and a gripping premise. While it kept me engaged from start to finish, it didn’t quite reach the level of a truly great thriller.
The story follows Jenna, a neurodivergent lead character. Who gets caught in a dangerous web of secrets and deception. She helps a woman she's never met but looks terrified and needs to get away from her abusive ex who she is not sure if she killed or not trying to get away. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists to keep things interesting, though some were a bit predictable.
M.A Hunter does a great job building tension, and the writing is crisp and immersive. However, certain character motivations felt underdeveloped, and there were moments where the story seemed to rely on familiar thriller tropes rather than breaking new ground. That being said the ending did shock me but it left me wanting more and I felt like the story ended abruptly. Jenna's descent into paranoia and distrust was a big part of the story but I felt like the author spent too much time focusing on that. I do think the author did well writing about a neurodivergent character and that was something I haven't seen a lot.
That said, if you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with plenty of intrigue, The Woman on Platform 8 is still a worthwhile read. It may not be the most memorable in the genre, but it’s an entertaining ride that will keep you turning the pages.
Thank you, NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Jenna, a neurodivergent lead character. Who gets caught in a dangerous web of secrets and deception. She helps a woman she's never met but looks terrified and needs to get away from her abusive ex who she is not sure if she killed or not trying to get away. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists to keep things interesting, though some were a bit predictable.
M.A Hunter does a great job building tension, and the writing is crisp and immersive. However, certain character motivations felt underdeveloped, and there were moments where the story seemed to rely on familiar thriller tropes rather than breaking new ground. That being said the ending did shock me but it left me wanting more and I felt like the story ended abruptly. Jenna's descent into paranoia and distrust was a big part of the story but I felt like the author spent too much time focusing on that. I do think the author did well writing about a neurodivergent character and that was something I haven't seen a lot.
That said, if you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with plenty of intrigue, The Woman on Platform 8 is still a worthwhile read. It may not be the most memorable in the genre, but it’s an entertaining ride that will keep you turning the pages.
Thank you, NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
Mind. Blown. I read this book a couple of weeks ago and haven't even able to find the words to write my review, so I'll try my best here!
Jenna is an autistic woman who catches the train every day and sees a fellow passenger, a beautiful woman, who she imagines is a model with a perfect life. Until the day the woman gets on the train sobbing. Jenna can't help herself but to check on the woman, who she discovers is called Ally and who tells Jenna that she thinks she may have killed her partner.
Whether near diverse or not, I think everyone could relate to Jenna's behaviour and anxieties in some way, but she is pushed to the limit when Ally seems to want to take over Jenna's life, work and family and nobody believes anything Jenna is saying. There is definitely something sinister going on and I wanted to scream at Jenna and tell her to get Ally out of her life. I wanted to scream at Jenna's family for being so naive and I wanted to personally escort Ally from the building.
And then we reached the ending. I was perplexed. I still am perplexed. I loved it and I hated it - is that possible? It shocked me to the core, so in that sense, it was superb, but I need a bit more explanation. A fascinating read.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, M. A. Hunter and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Jenna is an autistic woman who catches the train every day and sees a fellow passenger, a beautiful woman, who she imagines is a model with a perfect life. Until the day the woman gets on the train sobbing. Jenna can't help herself but to check on the woman, who she discovers is called Ally and who tells Jenna that she thinks she may have killed her partner.
Whether near diverse or not, I think everyone could relate to Jenna's behaviour and anxieties in some way, but she is pushed to the limit when Ally seems to want to take over Jenna's life, work and family and nobody believes anything Jenna is saying. There is definitely something sinister going on and I wanted to scream at Jenna and tell her to get Ally out of her life. I wanted to scream at Jenna's family for being so naive and I wanted to personally escort Ally from the building.
And then we reached the ending. I was perplexed. I still am perplexed. I loved it and I hated it - is that possible? It shocked me to the core, so in that sense, it was superb, but I need a bit more explanation. A fascinating read.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, M. A. Hunter and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2025
Jenna regularly takes the train to work but one morning she spots a fellow passenger looking upset. She offers to help and invites Allie into her home but can she really trust a stranger...?
The Woman on Platform 8 is a psychological thriller set in the UK.
Jenna is a vividly depicted character. The book is written in the first person so that we can understand her thought processes which underpin her actions. She is autistic and has trouble with sensory overload and social anxiety. She is also haunted by her mother who has mental health issues and she fears that she may have inherited the same condition. Her character felt authentic and I felt invested in her story.
Plot-wise I had to suspend my disbelief entirely. I didn't trust Allie at all and couldn't believe that Jenna would invite her to live with her family or that her husband would put up with it.
The tension builds successfully over the course of the book with Jenna's fears and paranoia worsening. Allie takes over all aspects of her life and Jenna is powerless to maintain her control. I felt so sorry for her trying to battle her demons and really cared about her. The ending was very abrupt but what a shocker! The final chapter literally made my jaw drop. Very clever, heartbreaking and horrific all at once.
The Woman on Platform 8 is a tense novel with an authentic lead character.
The Woman on Platform 8 is a psychological thriller set in the UK.
Jenna is a vividly depicted character. The book is written in the first person so that we can understand her thought processes which underpin her actions. She is autistic and has trouble with sensory overload and social anxiety. She is also haunted by her mother who has mental health issues and she fears that she may have inherited the same condition. Her character felt authentic and I felt invested in her story.
Plot-wise I had to suspend my disbelief entirely. I didn't trust Allie at all and couldn't believe that Jenna would invite her to live with her family or that her husband would put up with it.
The tension builds successfully over the course of the book with Jenna's fears and paranoia worsening. Allie takes over all aspects of her life and Jenna is powerless to maintain her control. I felt so sorry for her trying to battle her demons and really cared about her. The ending was very abrupt but what a shocker! The final chapter literally made my jaw drop. Very clever, heartbreaking and horrific all at once.
The Woman on Platform 8 is a tense novel with an authentic lead character.
February 14, 2025
Oh boy. This is one of those books where a woman inserts herself into another’s life and tries to take over. The main character doesn’t have a clue or constantly doubts herself until it’s too late and by that point, not a single person in her life believes her. There have been so many stories like this and I wish I’d known that because I wouldn’t have read it.
This one’s even worse because the main character, Jenna, is autistic and gets overwhelmed by more than most people to begin with, so in a situation like this it’s a complete cluster. Add to that her mother with mental health issues and for the entire story, Jenna is in a terribly panicked stressful state and that’s not exactly a fun story to immerse yourself in.
So I was so happy when I got to the end and thought it was finally going to resolve with the typical apologetic family and friends gathered around when they discovered the truth, but…no, that’s not what happens. And honestly, it seems like the author couldn’t figure out a good ending so went with something that’s supposed to blow your mind. I can’t say more without spoilers, but my mind was not blown, it was angry. It just left so many unanswered questions and made me feel like I wasted my time. Feel free to decide for yourself but read at your own risk!
This one’s even worse because the main character, Jenna, is autistic and gets overwhelmed by more than most people to begin with, so in a situation like this it’s a complete cluster. Add to that her mother with mental health issues and for the entire story, Jenna is in a terribly panicked stressful state and that’s not exactly a fun story to immerse yourself in.
So I was so happy when I got to the end and thought it was finally going to resolve with the typical apologetic family and friends gathered around when they discovered the truth, but…no, that’s not what happens. And honestly, it seems like the author couldn’t figure out a good ending so went with something that’s supposed to blow your mind. I can’t say more without spoilers, but my mind was not blown, it was angry. It just left so many unanswered questions and made me feel like I wasted my time. Feel free to decide for yourself but read at your own risk!
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