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The Commuter
When a woman overhears a murder plot on her morning commute, she races to stop it—only to be pulled in deeper than she ever could have imagined.
Amy Nichols (Lizzy Caplan) was an FBI agent with a dogged need to protect everyone—until that instinct caused her to mishandle a crisis, lose innocent lives, and lose her job. Now a civilian working in private security, that mistake still haunts her.
One morning on the commuter train, she overhears a young couple plotting a murder. Ignoring warnings from her family and friends, Amy’s instinct to protect and serve compels her to investigate. But the further she goes, the more she finds her own life in danger.
Filled with mystery, suspense, and more twists and turns than a rail line, The Commuter is a gripping thriller by James Patterson, the world’s best-selling author.
Please This audio drama is for mature audiences only. It contains strong language, violence, and sexual content. Discretion is advised.
Amy Nichols (Lizzy Caplan) was an FBI agent with a dogged need to protect everyone—until that instinct caused her to mishandle a crisis, lose innocent lives, and lose her job. Now a civilian working in private security, that mistake still haunts her.
One morning on the commuter train, she overhears a young couple plotting a murder. Ignoring warnings from her family and friends, Amy’s instinct to protect and serve compels her to investigate. But the further she goes, the more she finds her own life in danger.
Filled with mystery, suspense, and more twists and turns than a rail line, The Commuter is a gripping thriller by James Patterson, the world’s best-selling author.
Please This audio drama is for mature audiences only. It contains strong language, violence, and sexual content. Discretion is advised.
86 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 27, 2025
44 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
March 3, 2025
An annoying protagonist and dumb cops. This short story doesn’t lead me to want to read any of Patterson longer stories of which there are plenty.
March 11, 2025
Engaging and entertaining with an excellent cast of narrators!
March 16, 2025
Chaotic woman with a chaotic past making chaotic choices to drive a weak plot. Sorry James.
November 4, 2025
Story 3.75 stars*
Audio 5 stars**
Narrators
Lizzy Caplan
Richard Schaffer
Thomas Lennon and cast
Audio 5 stars**
Narrators
Lizzy Caplan
Richard Schaffer
Thomas Lennon and cast
March 13, 2025
An entertaining full cast production.
April 18, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook and the performance was good, as was the production. However….
The plot had too many ridiculous and totally unbelievable points and they were so bad that I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief and enjoy the book. The notion that a CEO of an airport would overrule the FBI in a hostage situation was ridiculous. Also, the hostage negotiation from the main character was maddening to me.
Besides the good performances and production values, I’m afraid I don’t recommend this pretty lazy book. Sorry.
The plot had too many ridiculous and totally unbelievable points and they were so bad that I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief and enjoy the book. The notion that a CEO of an airport would overrule the FBI in a hostage situation was ridiculous. Also, the hostage negotiation from the main character was maddening to me.
Besides the good performances and production values, I’m afraid I don’t recommend this pretty lazy book. Sorry.
March 21, 2025
Found this as a free download on Audible and it didn’t disappoint. Normally I’m not a Patterson fan, he’s written so many books that don’t stand apart in my mind. I enjoyed the Alex Cross series until the books blended together.
This one’s short at 2 1/2 hours and it’s a full-cast dramatization with non-stop action. It’s a lot like listening to a TV show or movie, the production was excellent. I’m glad it wasn’t longer because the protagonist was brash, hard headed, and stubborn. She had few redeeming qualities other than lessons learned from her experience as an FBI agent which continue to haunt her.
This one’s short at 2 1/2 hours and it’s a full-cast dramatization with non-stop action. It’s a lot like listening to a TV show or movie, the production was excellent. I’m glad it wasn’t longer because the protagonist was brash, hard headed, and stubborn. She had few redeeming qualities other than lessons learned from her experience as an FBI agent which continue to haunt her.
March 17, 2025
Just feels like that someone smart enough to work at the FBI should have the intelligence to make better decisions, stay calm and not be bated.
August 17, 2025
James Patterson impresses in this Audible short piece that pushes the reader into the middle of a mysterious plot.. Amy Nichols was once a prominent FBI agent who made a serious error and is now working private security, as the demons still haunt her. While riding a commuter train in NYC, she overhears a couple plotting a murder and kicks into high gear. While family and friends warn her not to get involved, Amy refuses to stand down. What follows is an intense set of events that could save many or kill hundreds. Patterson delivers just when it’s needed with this piece.
Amy Nichols served as an FBI agent with a need to make sure everyone was safe. But in doing so, she miscalculated something and sent many to their death. The fallout is a loss of her job and Amy’s now working private security, as her choices haunt her.
While riding a commuter train one morning, Amy overhears a couple plotting a murder. She is sure there is something to this, ignoring everyone who tries to help her. As Amy begins digging into things, she runs into many roadblocks and the tension kicks up, leaving Amy to wonder if she’s taken on too much with this hunch.
The more Amy pushes, the deeper the plot gets. She discovers a thread and pulls on it, only to learn that her hunch may have something to it. The downside is that, should she make one wrong move, people may die once more. Amy will have to make another life-altering choice. James Patterson provides the reader with a strong story that captivates throughout.
I have long enjoyed James Patterson’s shorter pieces, as they help bridge larger reading adventures. The narrative kicks up from the opening line of the story and never dials back as Patterson depicts something action-packed. Things take a significant upswing and the narrative’s momentum leaves readers trying to stay in sync. Characters are able to keep things moving along, flavoring the piece between trying to be impactful. Twists and tense plot points serve the reader well as this story has little time to rest before all is revealed.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for a wonderful thriller that filled a gap in my reading.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Amy Nichols served as an FBI agent with a need to make sure everyone was safe. But in doing so, she miscalculated something and sent many to their death. The fallout is a loss of her job and Amy’s now working private security, as her choices haunt her.
While riding a commuter train one morning, Amy overhears a couple plotting a murder. She is sure there is something to this, ignoring everyone who tries to help her. As Amy begins digging into things, she runs into many roadblocks and the tension kicks up, leaving Amy to wonder if she’s taken on too much with this hunch.
The more Amy pushes, the deeper the plot gets. She discovers a thread and pulls on it, only to learn that her hunch may have something to it. The downside is that, should she make one wrong move, people may die once more. Amy will have to make another life-altering choice. James Patterson provides the reader with a strong story that captivates throughout.
I have long enjoyed James Patterson’s shorter pieces, as they help bridge larger reading adventures. The narrative kicks up from the opening line of the story and never dials back as Patterson depicts something action-packed. Things take a significant upswing and the narrative’s momentum leaves readers trying to stay in sync. Characters are able to keep things moving along, flavoring the piece between trying to be impactful. Twists and tense plot points serve the reader well as this story has little time to rest before all is revealed.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for a wonderful thriller that filled a gap in my reading.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 4, 2025
Cliché? Yes.
Predictable? Absolutely.
Short and to the point, the narrators did a wonderful job of keeping your attention throughout the fast paced storyline. My first James Patterson book. Definitely not my last... but I hope the stories get more complex.
Predictable? Absolutely.
Short and to the point, the narrators did a wonderful job of keeping your attention throughout the fast paced storyline. My first James Patterson book. Definitely not my last... but I hope the stories get more complex.
March 4, 2025
I liked the multi person narrators and it was entertaining, a little cliche but I thought that was sort of the point of it.
April 12, 2025
Weird, jumpy, strange. She is all over the place and not a very likable main character.
April 16, 2025
Another Patterson rush job. The plot holes are enormous. The lead character is a philandering, annoying, nosey, and witless person who is thoroughly unlikable. She never really stops and thinks things through. The police are made to look ridiculous and incompetent. I have a ton more but I don't want to waste anymore of my time on this.
March 13, 2025
wtf did I just read... IDK if it was the style of listening, but I felt like I was listening to a hallmark thriller with no actual plot or strong storyline. I'm truly shocked this is James Patterson's work
April 16, 2025
I knew in the first few minutes of the audiobook I was going to hate it. I was right.
July 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved loved loved this!!!
The Commuter is a fast-paced, tightly written thriller that hooks you from the first minute and doesn’t let go. At just under three hours, it’s the perfect listen for a single sitting, packed with tension, plot twists, and sharp dialogue.
What really stood out to me was the exceptional narration, more like a full-cast performance than a typical audiobook. The sound effects and mood music elevated the experience, making it feel like a cinematic audio drama. Lizzy Caplan especially delivered a standout performance.
If you’re looking for a short, suspenseful listen that keeps you guessing, this is a great pick. A total binge-worthy thriller!
I loved loved loved this!!!
The Commuter is a fast-paced, tightly written thriller that hooks you from the first minute and doesn’t let go. At just under three hours, it’s the perfect listen for a single sitting, packed with tension, plot twists, and sharp dialogue.
What really stood out to me was the exceptional narration, more like a full-cast performance than a typical audiobook. The sound effects and mood music elevated the experience, making it feel like a cinematic audio drama. Lizzy Caplan especially delivered a standout performance.
If you’re looking for a short, suspenseful listen that keeps you guessing, this is a great pick. A total binge-worthy thriller!
April 15, 2025
Not terrible, not amazing. Decent short audio.
May 22, 2025
Was hooked from the start to finish, thoroughly enjoyable.
March 29, 2025
The MC is acts like a child with a chronic aggressive tone. The story had way too many easy conveniences, with a very cliche ending. For some reason modern fiction really loves romanticising adultery if it’s women doing it.
April 16, 2025
Amy Nichols (played by Lizzy Caplan), a former FBI agent driven by an unrelenting need to protect others, lost everything—innocent lives, her job, and her peace of mind—when a crisis went horribly wrong. Now working in private security & still haunted by her past, she overhears a young couple plotting a murder on her morning train. Despite pleas from friends & family to stay out of it, Amy’s instincts won’t let her walk away. But as she digs deeper into the mystery, she realizes she’s not just chasing danger—she’s become its target.
***
2.5 hours of pure listening entertainment. The full cast narration/production was divine, A+, chef's kiss. Docked a star for a predictable ending, but it was a fun ride nonetheless. I also found the banter between Amy and her commuter buddies funny as heck, something I think might have been missed if this was only narrated by 1 person. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quick, yet engaging, thriller!
***
2.5 hours of pure listening entertainment. The full cast narration/production was divine, A+, chef's kiss. Docked a star for a predictable ending, but it was a fun ride nonetheless. I also found the banter between Amy and her commuter buddies funny as heck, something I think might have been missed if this was only narrated by 1 person. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quick, yet engaging, thriller!
April 10, 2025
While its predictability felt like a letdown, how else could a short audiobook - less than three hours long - manage to create an intricate plotline that calls for a deeper thought review? Still, I always find Audible’s full-cast narration entertaining - nostalgic for the radio dramas that kept me engaged during my childhood.
March 29, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was compelling exciting and well written. It was really something you could switch your brain off and just let the enjoyment wash over you.
August 19, 2025
Seriously Hollywood quality narration! I love listening to short quick but great audiobooks!
June 23, 2025
This was really intriguing. Lots of twists and turns. Kept me on my toes.
April 11, 2025
The main character was really annoying
February 28, 2025
This was more convuluted than it needed to be, all to end predictably.
March 15, 2025
Terrible. Mind your business and things like this won’t happen.
March 10, 2025
Very "meh." The story feels mass produced. Nothing surprising. Actors did a fabulous job though
March 11, 2025
This was a fun one! Another audiobook/audible series, but this was a full cast production, my first ever and it was perfect for this engaging thriller. It’s a James Patterson so I knew the storyline would be complete and the primary narrator/cast member was Lizzy Caplan, an accomplished actress, but whom I knew from her Masters of Sex series.
In the series, Caplan plays character Amy who is a former FBI agent who overhears a murder plot on her commuter train. She’s “former” FBI so has no jurisdiction for investigating, but she does anyway! It’s very action-packed and the chapters/episodes are 20-30 min each so you can ingest this during your daily commute or in quick breaks from your daily schedule.
My 4-star rating comes from the fact it was highly engaging and I am rating it within its genre and style rather than up against all my other reads.
In the series, Caplan plays character Amy who is a former FBI agent who overhears a murder plot on her commuter train. She’s “former” FBI so has no jurisdiction for investigating, but she does anyway! It’s very action-packed and the chapters/episodes are 20-30 min each so you can ingest this during your daily commute or in quick breaks from your daily schedule.
My 4-star rating comes from the fact it was highly engaging and I am rating it within its genre and style rather than up against all my other reads.
June 6, 2025
The Commuter is classic James Patterson—short, intense, and packed with suspense. The story moves fast, and the tension builds with every chapter. I listened to the audiobook, and it honestly felt like I was watching a movie. The sound effects, pacing, and narration brought the story to life in such a cinematic way. If you're into thrillers and enjoy audio, this one’s a great pick for your next listen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews