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The Survivor
Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26A hijacked New York subway train, an anonymous killer, and a young man trapped by his hidden past converge in a breathless, breathtaking thriller
Do not turn off your phone
Do not get off the train
I know who you really are
Fired and walked out by security on his first day at his new job in New York City, Ben Cross thought his day couldn't get worse. But he couldn't be more wrong. Getting on the 1 train headed uptown, Ben starts receiving text messages from an anonymous killer, showing that they've already killed someone, then pointedly killing another as they got off the train to prove they aren't bluffing and to ensure Ben follows orders. But Ben wasn't picked at random—he has a history that no one is supposed to know.
At the same time, A NYPD detective, Kelly Hendricks, is on punishment duty with the transit police. The first one on the scene after the first murder, she gets on the train to find out what is really going on.
Switching rapidly between Cross and Hendricks, as the hijacked 1 train heads from South Ferry to 181st, the secret to the killer lies in Ben's own history—why he's been targeted and punished.
Do not turn off your phone
Do not get off the train
I know who you really are
Fired and walked out by security on his first day at his new job in New York City, Ben Cross thought his day couldn't get worse. But he couldn't be more wrong. Getting on the 1 train headed uptown, Ben starts receiving text messages from an anonymous killer, showing that they've already killed someone, then pointedly killing another as they got off the train to prove they aren't bluffing and to ensure Ben follows orders. But Ben wasn't picked at random—he has a history that no one is supposed to know.
At the same time, A NYPD detective, Kelly Hendricks, is on punishment duty with the transit police. The first one on the scene after the first murder, she gets on the train to find out what is really going on.
Switching rapidly between Cross and Hendricks, as the hijacked 1 train heads from South Ferry to 181st, the secret to the killer lies in Ben's own history—why he's been targeted and punished.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 24, 2026
12852 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Reid
7 books74 followersAndrew Reid was born in Scotland and worked as a research scientist in the US and the UK. He now teaches and lives in Stockholm with his wife, three children, and two cats.
His previous novel THE HUNTER was published in the UK and Commonwealth in 2018. THE SURVIVOR is his US debut.
His previous novel THE HUNTER was published in the UK and Commonwealth in 2018. THE SURVIVOR is his US debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 10, 2025
The Survivor by Andrew Reid – a heart-thumping ride that doesn’t quite reach its final destination, but shows promise.
The premise grabbed me instantly — a man trapped on a New York City subway train, receiving text messages from a faceless killer who knows more about him than anyone should. That chilling “Do not get off the train” command sets up a brilliant what-would-you-do scenario that instantly pulls you in. It’s claustrophobic, cinematic, and full of energy right from the start.
Ben Cross, freshly fired and humiliated on his first day of work, is the perfect “everyman thrown into chaos.” His panic, confusion, and desperation feel genuine, and the eerie idea of being watched — and controlled — through something as ordinary as a phone screen makes the story unnervingly realistic. The setting in the NYC subway adds an extra layer of anxiety: the trapped passengers, the flickering lights, the unstoppable motion of the train — it’s the kind of environment thrillers thrive in.
As the story unfolds, the pace picks up like a runaway train (pun intended). The tension between Ben and Detective Kelly Hendricks adds a dynamic spark, and I appreciated the alternating perspectives. Kelly, in particular, is a standout — smart, composed, and determined to piece together the truth behind the chaos.
Where the book falters a little is in its final act. After a strong middle section packed with action and sharp momentum, the conclusion feels slightly rushed and leans toward the unbelievable. The emotional payoff doesn’t land quite as solidly as the setup promised. Still, for a debut, Andrew Reid’s writing style shows genuine flair — crisp, cinematic, and vividly visual. It’s easy to picture this story as a high-stakes thriller film (I wouldn’t be surprised if Hollywood calls soon).
The Survivor may not fully stick the landing, but it’s an engaging, fast-paced debut that proves Reid has an eye for tension and a knack for keeping readers on edge. With a bit more grounding and emotional depth in future works, he’s definitely an author I’ll be watching.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this hooking debut thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The premise grabbed me instantly — a man trapped on a New York City subway train, receiving text messages from a faceless killer who knows more about him than anyone should. That chilling “Do not get off the train” command sets up a brilliant what-would-you-do scenario that instantly pulls you in. It’s claustrophobic, cinematic, and full of energy right from the start.
Ben Cross, freshly fired and humiliated on his first day of work, is the perfect “everyman thrown into chaos.” His panic, confusion, and desperation feel genuine, and the eerie idea of being watched — and controlled — through something as ordinary as a phone screen makes the story unnervingly realistic. The setting in the NYC subway adds an extra layer of anxiety: the trapped passengers, the flickering lights, the unstoppable motion of the train — it’s the kind of environment thrillers thrive in.
As the story unfolds, the pace picks up like a runaway train (pun intended). The tension between Ben and Detective Kelly Hendricks adds a dynamic spark, and I appreciated the alternating perspectives. Kelly, in particular, is a standout — smart, composed, and determined to piece together the truth behind the chaos.
Where the book falters a little is in its final act. After a strong middle section packed with action and sharp momentum, the conclusion feels slightly rushed and leans toward the unbelievable. The emotional payoff doesn’t land quite as solidly as the setup promised. Still, for a debut, Andrew Reid’s writing style shows genuine flair — crisp, cinematic, and vividly visual. It’s easy to picture this story as a high-stakes thriller film (I wouldn’t be surprised if Hollywood calls soon).
The Survivor may not fully stick the landing, but it’s an engaging, fast-paced debut that proves Reid has an eye for tension and a knack for keeping readers on edge. With a bit more grounding and emotional depth in future works, he’s definitely an author I’ll be watching.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this hooking debut thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
June 26, 2025
This is a very entertaining thriller!
I'm happy to say that the author surprised me time and again - and managed to break my heart in the process.
The plot is unique and kept me riveted.
There are a few logic issues, but not enough to keep me from rushing through this adrenaline filled read!
This one could (and probably should) be a film as well!
A good read!
* ARC via Publisher
I'm happy to say that the author surprised me time and again - and managed to break my heart in the process.
The plot is unique and kept me riveted.
There are a few logic issues, but not enough to keep me from rushing through this adrenaline filled read!
This one could (and probably should) be a film as well!
A good read!
* ARC via Publisher
August 26, 2025
”You are on this train because I want you on it. The cop I killed. The clerk with the bag. They were not here by chance. I brought them here so that you could see them one more time before they died. You are going to die too, but before you do I want you to admit what you really are. I put you on this train so that the whole world can witness your punishment.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC of The Survivor in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of this book tells you everything you need to know about the story, so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts.
The Survivor is a fast-paced thriller that feels like a lot of things you’ve seen, such as the movies Speed and Die Hard. But, at least for me, the plot got way too farfetched in the back half of the book. There were explanations provided—who was behind everything, how and why this was all happening to Ben—but not very convincing ones. Down the stretch, nearly every character made one (and the killer at least two) vitally important but insane choice to keep the story moving. I’m afraid this book was a swing and a miss for me.
October 17, 2025
I love any plot that makes you feel panic and chlaustrophia and being trapped on a train in a deadly situation where you are surrounded by people but are being watched and can’t ask anyone for help.. excellent!!!
The MMC is having an extremely bad day which he assumes can’t get any worse, until he boards a train and somebody starts sending threats to his phone. What he first dismisses, he soon realizes this unknown person knows exactly who he is, and as the reader follows along the journey we get to find out a lot of secrets whilst piecing together exactly what is going to happen as the plot reaches a climax.
The pacing feels fast as we are watching the MMC race against time, this is a quick easy read. A new author for me, one who I would try again when he releases another book!
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The MMC is having an extremely bad day which he assumes can’t get any worse, until he boards a train and somebody starts sending threats to his phone. What he first dismisses, he soon realizes this unknown person knows exactly who he is, and as the reader follows along the journey we get to find out a lot of secrets whilst piecing together exactly what is going to happen as the plot reaches a climax.
The pacing feels fast as we are watching the MMC race against time, this is a quick easy read. A new author for me, one who I would try again when he releases another book!
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2025
This is the first time I've read anything from this author. The book is pretty solid.
I was immediately drawn into the storyline. It was that good. I will say there were a few times I felt the book had some pacing issues, but that didn't stop me from continuing.
The characters were interesting to know. The antagonist was a surprise as well.
This book reminds me of a hybrid film between PHONEBOOTH and SPEED with a sprinkle of a few surprises.
Andrew Reid is one of those authors to watch out for. I would recommend this book to all my friends and family members.
Great book.
My rating: 4 stars!
I was immediately drawn into the storyline. It was that good. I will say there were a few times I felt the book had some pacing issues, but that didn't stop me from continuing.
The characters were interesting to know. The antagonist was a surprise as well.
This book reminds me of a hybrid film between PHONEBOOTH and SPEED with a sprinkle of a few surprises.
Andrew Reid is one of those authors to watch out for. I would recommend this book to all my friends and family members.
Great book.
My rating: 4 stars!
July 24, 2025
"𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩'𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?"
Ben Cross is having the worst day of his life. He's fired his first day on the job and marched out of the office by security, but he has no idea how much worse it's about to get. After getting his claustrophobia in check and finding a seat on a NYC subway, he starts getting text messages from an unknown number--but it's pretty clear whoever is on the other end knows a lot about Ben.
The messages start with little taunts, and then a disturbing image. Ben shakes it off, but the sender is persistent, and the situation escalates into random riders on the subway being killed unless Ben intervenes. The plot then shifts to vocal, strong-willed NYPD detective Kelly Hendricks, who is assigned to the transit police as a punishment. Her investigation is hampered by city officials who believe nothing should impede the flow of mass transit.
Ben knows that whoever is behind the carnage is punishing him, but the reader initially has no idea why. Despite a few pacing issues, this one held my attention and kept me captivated until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this early read. Look for it March 24, 2026.
Ben Cross is having the worst day of his life. He's fired his first day on the job and marched out of the office by security, but he has no idea how much worse it's about to get. After getting his claustrophobia in check and finding a seat on a NYC subway, he starts getting text messages from an unknown number--but it's pretty clear whoever is on the other end knows a lot about Ben.
The messages start with little taunts, and then a disturbing image. Ben shakes it off, but the sender is persistent, and the situation escalates into random riders on the subway being killed unless Ben intervenes. The plot then shifts to vocal, strong-willed NYPD detective Kelly Hendricks, who is assigned to the transit police as a punishment. Her investigation is hampered by city officials who believe nothing should impede the flow of mass transit.
Ben knows that whoever is behind the carnage is punishing him, but the reader initially has no idea why. Despite a few pacing issues, this one held my attention and kept me captivated until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this early read. Look for it March 24, 2026.
July 16, 2025
Ben gets fired on his first day at his new job in New York City. He's cagey about getting onto the subway and when he finally does, he should have trusted his gut. After the first few chapters of Ben not wanting to get on the train this is a super fast paced locked room pulse pounding thriller until the last 15% where it kinda fell off the rails for me. Overall a good book, the end just lost me. Thank you St. Martin's Press for my gifted eARC.
November 3, 2025
This is a fast-paced, crazy novel about Ben, who's just been fired, gets on the subway, and begins receiving threats. Giving them little credence, he then gets a message, "I know who you are, where you came from, what you are?" Huh? How could anyone possibly know those things?? And so begins a perilous journey underground as we see his life "before" and what lead to all the threats. It's a thrilling book that kept me reading as there are twists on every page!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 9, 2025
4.5 stars Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my gifted ARC!
A runaway train, a mysterious texter, and a past that won’t stay buried—this one does. not. let. up.
Woah—this was one heck of a ride.
From the moment Ben receives those chilling messages—
Do not turn off your phone.
Do not get off the bus.
I know who you really are.
—you instantly know you’re in for a white-knuckle thriller.
What starts as his first (and last) day of work spirals into a deadly chain of events, and the secrets Ben has carried finally crash into the present. The pacing is relentless in the best way, the tension tight, and the stakes high.
I also loved the introduction of Detective Kelly Hendricks. Dumped into the bowels of the city but sharp, gritty, and endlessly resourceful—she’s a standout character who elevates every scene she’s in.
As we jump back into Ben’s past, the trauma and tragedy that placed him on this path unfold with vivid, nail-biting detail. It’s dark, emotional, and incredibly well written.
If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with the energy of Speed, Die Hard, Hostage, or Cliffhanger, this one absolutely delivers.
A runaway train, a mysterious texter, and a past that won’t stay buried—this one does. not. let. up.
Woah—this was one heck of a ride.
From the moment Ben receives those chilling messages—
Do not turn off your phone.
Do not get off the bus.
I know who you really are.
—you instantly know you’re in for a white-knuckle thriller.
What starts as his first (and last) day of work spirals into a deadly chain of events, and the secrets Ben has carried finally crash into the present. The pacing is relentless in the best way, the tension tight, and the stakes high.
I also loved the introduction of Detective Kelly Hendricks. Dumped into the bowels of the city but sharp, gritty, and endlessly resourceful—she’s a standout character who elevates every scene she’s in.
As we jump back into Ben’s past, the trauma and tragedy that placed him on this path unfold with vivid, nail-biting detail. It’s dark, emotional, and incredibly well written.
If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with the energy of Speed, Die Hard, Hostage, or Cliffhanger, this one absolutely delivers.
October 29, 2025
“The Survivor” by Andrew Reid is an anxiety provoking psychological thriller that takes place in the New York City subway system. The premise will terrify anyone who commutes for work or pleasure, and the thought of a high jacked train used as a tool for murder is still sending chills up my spine.
The publisher does a really good job of describing the premise on the book jacket so no need to reveal more details of the story.
I will say it started slowly and had more gore than I like to read. I also thought the story became a little far fetched. But for everyone who enjoys movies like “The Taking of Pelham 123” this book is for you!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The publisher does a really good job of describing the premise on the book jacket so no need to reveal more details of the story.
I will say it started slowly and had more gore than I like to read. I also thought the story became a little far fetched. But for everyone who enjoys movies like “The Taking of Pelham 123” this book is for you!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 19, 2025
The book had a great idea, but I couldn’t get into it. The story wasn’t very engaging, and the plot twists were a bit too easy to guess. Thanks , NetGalley, for sending me the advance copy!
August 8, 2025
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NG & Andrew Reid
-The Survivor-
I love the text POV and the build up to this story.
This was a fast read for me & I really enjoyed this book.
Something about trains, racing against time & creepy texts clearly excite humans & this was a great book to read if you get excited over that
Thank you NG & Andrew Reid
-The Survivor-
I love the text POV and the build up to this story.
This was a fast read for me & I really enjoyed this book.
Something about trains, racing against time & creepy texts clearly excite humans & this was a great book to read if you get excited over that
August 26, 2025
This was such a thrilling read! The concept reminded me of the movie, Speed. I loved how we kept learning as we read the book why he was chosen, who the other victims were and ultimately why this all happened. This was definitely unlike a lot of other books and a refreshing change. I really enjoyed the read and recommend checking this out when its released!
Thank you to St.Martins Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St.Martins Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2025
3.75 stars
Ben is either a really unlucky or really lucky guy, and it's worth the time of thriller with a dash of horror fans to make their own determination about which category they think Ben best fits.
Ice Cube was not singing about Ben on the day we meet him. In short, his day is NOT good. He's been fired. Now he's on the subway and he's getting extremely creepy texts with all kinds of directives that have extreme consequences. I watched _The Drop_ a few months ago, which - like this book - exceeded my incoming expectations, and I thought of that movie instantly when this creepy voyeuristic texting happened. There's a similar vibe (but few other similarities), and I really enjoyed the insidious creepiness of this setup. Who is after Ben? Why? What secrets does he keep referencing and when will we learn them? All of these questions kept this feeling nicely paced.
I enjoyed the reveals, so I'm not going to share any of them here. I will say that some are more impactful than others, and there are some moments of graphic violence (along with responses to that violence) that I will be icked out by for a bit. Know that some readers may see this dipping into horror territory briefly. Those parts can be easily skimmed/skipped, so this is not a reason to turn away, in my estimation, if this is not your typical jam.
I liked but did not go bananas for the ending, but the pacing and creepy setup otherwise make up for this. I'll definitely be back for more thrills from Reid.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Ben is either a really unlucky or really lucky guy, and it's worth the time of thriller with a dash of horror fans to make their own determination about which category they think Ben best fits.
Ice Cube was not singing about Ben on the day we meet him. In short, his day is NOT good. He's been fired. Now he's on the subway and he's getting extremely creepy texts with all kinds of directives that have extreme consequences. I watched _The Drop_ a few months ago, which - like this book - exceeded my incoming expectations, and I thought of that movie instantly when this creepy voyeuristic texting happened. There's a similar vibe (but few other similarities), and I really enjoyed the insidious creepiness of this setup. Who is after Ben? Why? What secrets does he keep referencing and when will we learn them? All of these questions kept this feeling nicely paced.
I enjoyed the reveals, so I'm not going to share any of them here. I will say that some are more impactful than others, and there are some moments of graphic violence (along with responses to that violence) that I will be icked out by for a bit. Know that some readers may see this dipping into horror territory briefly. Those parts can be easily skimmed/skipped, so this is not a reason to turn away, in my estimation, if this is not your typical jam.
I liked but did not go bananas for the ending, but the pacing and creepy setup otherwise make up for this. I'll definitely be back for more thrills from Reid.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
September 20, 2025
Very fast paced thriller that kept my attention the whole time. The texts he received were frightening to read. I loved how they were included into the story. Ben’s thoughts and his past created so much suspense and made it very difficult to know whether or not he’s evil. I was very conflicted throughout the story on whether or not he was innocent or guilty.
At some point I had suspected who was going after him but then I thought there was no way that this could be possible but then I found out I was right! It was still super shocking when it was revealed. His internal monologue made so much more sense once this plot twist was revealed. Especially since he’d fight himself on whether or not to do the right thing.
It gets gory and very descriptive when it comes to how the victims of his father were treated. Those scenes and his own past scenes were very sad.
Some parts of the story were unrealistic and certain actions of certain characters didn’t make sense as to why they chose to do what they did. Still super entertaining!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At some point I had suspected who was going after him but then I thought there was no way that this could be possible but then I found out I was right! It was still super shocking when it was revealed. His internal monologue made so much more sense once this plot twist was revealed. Especially since he’d fight himself on whether or not to do the right thing.
It gets gory and very descriptive when it comes to how the victims of his father were treated. Those scenes and his own past scenes were very sad.
Some parts of the story were unrealistic and certain actions of certain characters didn’t make sense as to why they chose to do what they did. Still super entertaining!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2025
Ben Cross gets fired on his first day at work. But that’s not the worst thing to happen to him today. As he boards the subway to go home, he receives a text message, telling him not to get off the train or he’ll be killed, and to follow all future instructions or others will die. And Ben thinks he knows why he’s been targeted - his past may be catching up to him. The Survivor has an incredibly riveting hook, but can the book sustain that initial shock? For the most part, yes as you’ll see as this entertaining plot plays out in this quick moving thriller. The setting is instantaneously appealing - the NYC subway system, and the action takes place entirely on the train (shades of The Taking of Pelham 123 echo throughout), with the requisite disgraced NYPD detective caught in the middle, and an antagonistic Homeland Security agent adding to the chaos. Ben’s past is the impetus for the mayhem, slowly revealed in flashback chapters, and his secret is a good one. The book could do without some of the more unnecessarily gory scenes, especially relating to Ben’s past, but overall the plot held my interest, despite some implausible events, and the book lived up to its early promising premise. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
This suspenseful tense thriller has your holding your breath for the intense dramatic action most of which takes place in a hijacked New York City’s subway. Ben Cross, a recent college grad, has just come in for his first day at work after a week of training only to be summarily fired and walked out of the building by security. As he dejectedly makes his way onto his usual subway ride home, he receives an ominous text: DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. DO NOT GET OFF THE TRAIN. I KNOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE.
The anonymous texter sends first sends Ben a picture of a murdered man with his throat slit. He’s told not to let a woman get off the train. Thinking it’s a bluff, Ben does nothing only to see the woman killed when a bomb she’s holding explodes. Ben struggles then to follow their orders to prevent any more deaths, as he wrestles internally with both his secret hidden past as well as how the murderer could know him. Turns out there’s a grim and horrific backstory to Ben’s childhood that only slowly gets revealed.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security has taken control of the situation, trying to stop further murders and take down Ben who they mistakenly think must be the murderer. Homeland Security’s being headed up by an ambitious, ruthless man who only cares about coming out of the situation looking like a hero, even if it means that all the innocents on the train die. There’s also a younger, more reasoned second in command who has ambitions of his own and bristles at how the head of the op mistreats the men under him.
Simultaneously, a NYPD detective Kelly Hendricks has been transferred to the transit police as punishment for public lashing out at an event at a superior who got unexpectedly and inappropriately handsy with her. Kelly’s the first one on subway scene when the bomb explodes killing the woman and resentfully risks her life going on Homeland Security’s orders to act as a medic approaching the train. She manages to board the train and talk with Ben, who she intuitively comes to believe is innocent. She steps up as a heroine to try to figure out what’s really going on.
Together Kelly and Ben race the clock to stop Ben’s assignation and the killing of the dozens of innocents on the train. Between the heart-breaking backstory of Ben’s life and heart-racing action of the hijacked train, this thriller stays edge of your seat until the very end.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader’s copy.
The anonymous texter sends first sends Ben a picture of a murdered man with his throat slit. He’s told not to let a woman get off the train. Thinking it’s a bluff, Ben does nothing only to see the woman killed when a bomb she’s holding explodes. Ben struggles then to follow their orders to prevent any more deaths, as he wrestles internally with both his secret hidden past as well as how the murderer could know him. Turns out there’s a grim and horrific backstory to Ben’s childhood that only slowly gets revealed.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security has taken control of the situation, trying to stop further murders and take down Ben who they mistakenly think must be the murderer. Homeland Security’s being headed up by an ambitious, ruthless man who only cares about coming out of the situation looking like a hero, even if it means that all the innocents on the train die. There’s also a younger, more reasoned second in command who has ambitions of his own and bristles at how the head of the op mistreats the men under him.
Simultaneously, a NYPD detective Kelly Hendricks has been transferred to the transit police as punishment for public lashing out at an event at a superior who got unexpectedly and inappropriately handsy with her. Kelly’s the first one on subway scene when the bomb explodes killing the woman and resentfully risks her life going on Homeland Security’s orders to act as a medic approaching the train. She manages to board the train and talk with Ben, who she intuitively comes to believe is innocent. She steps up as a heroine to try to figure out what’s really going on.
Together Kelly and Ben race the clock to stop Ben’s assignation and the killing of the dozens of innocents on the train. Between the heart-breaking backstory of Ben’s life and heart-racing action of the hijacked train, this thriller stays edge of your seat until the very end.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader’s copy.
October 13, 2025
BOMB, DIFFERENT NARRATIVE, THRILLING, just a damn good book. Told in third person, law enforcement, mystery, graphic, trauma.
The story grabbed me immediately and didn’t let go.
Ben’s character is complicated, and Kelly is everything—strong, self-aware, and constantly standing up for people. Their connection made the story even better. The flashbacks were woven in so well, never confusing, always building tension. Dark, graphic, emotional, and executed like a movie.
Reminded me a lot of Charlie Donlea’s style: layered, connected, and satisfying. 5 stars all day.
The story grabbed me immediately and didn’t let go.
Ben’s character is complicated, and Kelly is everything—strong, self-aware, and constantly standing up for people. Their connection made the story even better. The flashbacks were woven in so well, never confusing, always building tension. Dark, graphic, emotional, and executed like a movie.
Reminded me a lot of Charlie Donlea’s style: layered, connected, and satisfying. 5 stars all day.
October 31, 2025
This started off great—easily five stars—then devolved. It wasn't terrible—if we could give half stars, I'd give it 3.5—but I was frustrated with the direction he took the story once we found out who was behind everything.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
September 4, 2025
A fast-paced adventure that matches the quick timeline of this novel's events!
Fired on day one due to his unfortunate past, Ben hesitantly boards the subway to make his way home and finds himself caught up in a trip both down memory lane and the subway tracks that takes his day in a whole new direction. A perfect amount of twists to keep the reader guessing, and enough changes in POV to give you a sense of trying to know that'll happen next, this book is a ln exciting ride from start to finish!
Special thanks to the publisher for my ARC!
Fired on day one due to his unfortunate past, Ben hesitantly boards the subway to make his way home and finds himself caught up in a trip both down memory lane and the subway tracks that takes his day in a whole new direction. A perfect amount of twists to keep the reader guessing, and enough changes in POV to give you a sense of trying to know that'll happen next, this book is a ln exciting ride from start to finish!
Special thanks to the publisher for my ARC!
August 7, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Survivor.
The novel is written by telling the background story of a man who is the son of a serial killer. It goes back in time to when he was eleven years old to the current time of fifteen years later.
The man goes by the name Ben now and has just started a job, however, a week later he is terminated.
He is on his way home via NYC subway when his life changes when he receives a text. That text is about to change Ben’s life and those around him.
Interesting novel with a solid ending. 3.5 stars
August 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for early access to this ARC!
WOW!! This was a great thriller suspense! It was fast paced, edge of your seat excitement with great a great plot and twists!
Ben is having a tough go of it. He was fired from his new job after just one day, and he’s at a loss on what to do next.
His past hold a secret… a very dark secret, and no matter how hard. He tries to “leave the past behind him”, the haunting memories keep coming back to taunt him.
He gets on the train to head home, not sure what he’s going to do next… then he gets a text… from an unknown number… and, if he thought things were bad before…. Well buckle up, because he’s in for a wake up call!!
Be sure to put this on your TBR list for when it’s realized March 23, 2026!!
WOW!! This was a great thriller suspense! It was fast paced, edge of your seat excitement with great a great plot and twists!
Ben is having a tough go of it. He was fired from his new job after just one day, and he’s at a loss on what to do next.
His past hold a secret… a very dark secret, and no matter how hard. He tries to “leave the past behind him”, the haunting memories keep coming back to taunt him.
He gets on the train to head home, not sure what he’s going to do next… then he gets a text… from an unknown number… and, if he thought things were bad before…. Well buckle up, because he’s in for a wake up call!!
Be sure to put this on your TBR list for when it’s realized March 23, 2026!!
September 9, 2025
Thank you very much for this eARC that was generously provided by the publisher and author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one completely missed its mark with me. I absolutely loved the past portions of the book and learning about the main character’s messed up upbringing, but the present was way too police procedural, and so much of it went right over my head. I also hate when a book’s setting is in the same place the entire story.
Not only that, but the ending was so straightforward and boring. Almost easy. I thought a good twist would pop up, but it never did. I really struggled picking this one up and really had to force myself to finish it. I try not to dnf netgalley books, so I didn’t, but I definitely would have if it was just a book I picked out on the street.
I do see a lot of good reviews for this one though. It might just have not been for me!
Unfortunately, this one completely missed its mark with me. I absolutely loved the past portions of the book and learning about the main character’s messed up upbringing, but the present was way too police procedural, and so much of it went right over my head. I also hate when a book’s setting is in the same place the entire story.
Not only that, but the ending was so straightforward and boring. Almost easy. I thought a good twist would pop up, but it never did. I really struggled picking this one up and really had to force myself to finish it. I try not to dnf netgalley books, so I didn’t, but I definitely would have if it was just a book I picked out on the street.
I do see a lot of good reviews for this one though. It might just have not been for me!
August 27, 2025
eARC.
If you are looking for a outstanding high-octane psychological thriller / police procedural, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of The Survivor by Andrew Reid.
📖 This thriller is anything but forgettable. Reid’s U.S. debut is a claustrophobic, pulse-pounding ride through the underbelly of New York City, where secrets are currency and survival is a brutal art.
Ben Cross, a seemingly ordinary young man, boards the 1 train in Manhattan after being fired on his first day of work. Moments later, he receives a chilling text: “Do not turn off your phone. Do not get off the train. I know who you really are.” What follows is a harrowing journey through a hijacked subway train, where a faceless killer manipulates Ben with precision—and deadly consequences.
Parallel to Ben’s ordeal is NYPD Transit Detective Kelly Hendricks, relegated to punishment duty but quickly thrust into the chaos. As the train barrels uptown, the narrative switches between Ben and Kelly, revealing a dark past that refuses to stay buried.
I loved detective Kelly Hendricks - I hope this becomes the first of a long police procedural series featuring her.
Reid explores the psychological toll of trauma, the weight of buried secrets, and the fragile line between justice and vengeance. The novel’s tight setting—a single subway train—amplifies the tension, creating a sense of suffocation that mirrors Ben’s unraveling psyche. It’s a thriller that asks: how far would you go to protect the truth, and what happens when survival demands you become someone else?
Ben Cross is a compelling lead—not a superhero, but as a man shaped by guilt, fear, and resilience. His trajectory from passive victim to active survivor is believable and emotionally resonant.
Kelly Hendricks adds grit and moral complexity, grounding the story with her own demons and determination.
Reid’s antagonist remains shrouded in mystery for much of the novel, which heightens the suspense and keeps readers guessing. The interplay between past and present is handled with finesse, revealing just enough to keep the pages turning.
Reid’s prose is lean and cinematic, with short chapters that mimic the rhythm of a ticking clock. The pacing is relentless, but never at the expense of character depth. The alternating POVs are well-balanced, offering both emotional insight and procedural tension.
This is the kind of thriller that begs for adaptation—think Speed meets Gone Girl, but with a... more introspective edge.
🔥 The Survivor is a masterclass in confined-space suspense. Andrew Reid delivers a thriller that’s as psychologically rich as it is action-packed.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes tension, morally complex protagonists, and stories that unfold like a fuse burning toward detonation, this one’s a must-read!
If you are looking for a outstanding high-octane psychological thriller / police procedural, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of The Survivor by Andrew Reid.
📖 This thriller is anything but forgettable. Reid’s U.S. debut is a claustrophobic, pulse-pounding ride through the underbelly of New York City, where secrets are currency and survival is a brutal art.
Ben Cross, a seemingly ordinary young man, boards the 1 train in Manhattan after being fired on his first day of work. Moments later, he receives a chilling text: “Do not turn off your phone. Do not get off the train. I know who you really are.” What follows is a harrowing journey through a hijacked subway train, where a faceless killer manipulates Ben with precision—and deadly consequences.
Parallel to Ben’s ordeal is NYPD Transit Detective Kelly Hendricks, relegated to punishment duty but quickly thrust into the chaos. As the train barrels uptown, the narrative switches between Ben and Kelly, revealing a dark past that refuses to stay buried.
I loved detective Kelly Hendricks - I hope this becomes the first of a long police procedural series featuring her.
Reid explores the psychological toll of trauma, the weight of buried secrets, and the fragile line between justice and vengeance. The novel’s tight setting—a single subway train—amplifies the tension, creating a sense of suffocation that mirrors Ben’s unraveling psyche. It’s a thriller that asks: how far would you go to protect the truth, and what happens when survival demands you become someone else?
Ben Cross is a compelling lead—not a superhero, but as a man shaped by guilt, fear, and resilience. His trajectory from passive victim to active survivor is believable and emotionally resonant.
Kelly Hendricks adds grit and moral complexity, grounding the story with her own demons and determination.
Reid’s antagonist remains shrouded in mystery for much of the novel, which heightens the suspense and keeps readers guessing. The interplay between past and present is handled with finesse, revealing just enough to keep the pages turning.
Reid’s prose is lean and cinematic, with short chapters that mimic the rhythm of a ticking clock. The pacing is relentless, but never at the expense of character depth. The alternating POVs are well-balanced, offering both emotional insight and procedural tension.
This is the kind of thriller that begs for adaptation—think Speed meets Gone Girl, but with a... more introspective edge.
🔥 The Survivor is a masterclass in confined-space suspense. Andrew Reid delivers a thriller that’s as psychologically rich as it is action-packed.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes tension, morally complex protagonists, and stories that unfold like a fuse burning toward detonation, this one’s a must-read!
August 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “The Survivor” is scheduled for release on March 24, 2026.
I found the first few chapters of “The Survivor” a bit confusing. So many questions, and so few answers early on in this psychological thriller. And while I don’t expect an entire storyline to be spelled out in the first chapter, it would have been nice to have a little more light shed on the narrative.
It’s early Monday morning, and Ben Cross is standing on the top steps of an entrance into a New York City subway station gripped in fear, unable to put one foot in front of the other and descend. He’s just been fired from a job on his first day. Why? Good question, but it takes a while before the answers become apparent.
Once Ben gets on a train, that’s when his day really begins to unravel. It starts with text messages: Don’t turn off your phone. Don’t get off the train. They’re followed by a photo of a man whose throat has been severely slashed, and instructions not to let certain people get off the train or they will die. The pace quickens, and the narrative is simultaneously engaging and maddening as I was left to wonder what the heck is going on.
Slowly (it takes until Chapter 16), through backstory chapters and Ben’s acknowledgement that he’s the cause of the disasters that are unfolding, we learn about his and his father’s past. I would have preferred to see one or two of the backstory chapters placed earlier on.
There are still lots of unanswered questions as the layers of Ben’s past are gradually exposed, but the narrative moves along briskly so the reader is not left hung out to dry for long.
Unfortunately, over the last third of the book, once most of Ben’s backstory has been provided, new questions arise. The storyline and characters’ decision making become weird and don’t make a lot of sense. I don’t want to give anything away, but in my mind, there were way too many times where I stopped and wondered, Why would they do that?
As the book nears its climax the narrative becomes a bit too melodramatic, falling off the rails just a bit (pun intended, which you’ll understand if you read the story). But the pace is steady throughout and will hold your interest.
Three stars for “The Survivor.”
And you can check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.
I found the first few chapters of “The Survivor” a bit confusing. So many questions, and so few answers early on in this psychological thriller. And while I don’t expect an entire storyline to be spelled out in the first chapter, it would have been nice to have a little more light shed on the narrative.
It’s early Monday morning, and Ben Cross is standing on the top steps of an entrance into a New York City subway station gripped in fear, unable to put one foot in front of the other and descend. He’s just been fired from a job on his first day. Why? Good question, but it takes a while before the answers become apparent.
Once Ben gets on a train, that’s when his day really begins to unravel. It starts with text messages: Don’t turn off your phone. Don’t get off the train. They’re followed by a photo of a man whose throat has been severely slashed, and instructions not to let certain people get off the train or they will die. The pace quickens, and the narrative is simultaneously engaging and maddening as I was left to wonder what the heck is going on.
Slowly (it takes until Chapter 16), through backstory chapters and Ben’s acknowledgement that he’s the cause of the disasters that are unfolding, we learn about his and his father’s past. I would have preferred to see one or two of the backstory chapters placed earlier on.
There are still lots of unanswered questions as the layers of Ben’s past are gradually exposed, but the narrative moves along briskly so the reader is not left hung out to dry for long.
Unfortunately, over the last third of the book, once most of Ben’s backstory has been provided, new questions arise. The storyline and characters’ decision making become weird and don’t make a lot of sense. I don’t want to give anything away, but in my mind, there were way too many times where I stopped and wondered, Why would they do that?
As the book nears its climax the narrative becomes a bit too melodramatic, falling off the rails just a bit (pun intended, which you’ll understand if you read the story). But the pace is steady throughout and will hold your interest.
Three stars for “The Survivor.”
And you can check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of Andrew Reid’s The Survivor.
This novel tells the story of Ben Cross, aged 26, looking towards a promising new life at the end of what started as a troubling journey. Unfortunately, Ben gets fired on the first day of a new job and is walked out the back door by security. Disappointed, Ben gets on the 1 train headed uptown, though reluctantly. Ben then becomes the target for an anonymous killer.
At the same time, Kelly Hendricks, an NYPD detective, is relegated to duty with the transit police as punishment for doing the right thing in face of workplace harassment. She’s the first cop on the scene of the first murder. (The second cop on the scene was also relegated to transit duty for doing the right thing. Makes you think that instead of doing what’s right, you should do what’s wrong. The payoff is better!)
Actually, only Ben knows about the first murder. And why! For now!
This is a fast-paced thriller that alternates between Ben on the train, Kelly – who was initially working with transit police before she made it onto the train herself, agents McDiarmid and Hoyt of Homeland Security, and last, the events that transpired in Ben’s life as an eleven-year-old. Once you do the math….
Once you do the math, you figure out exactly who is behind the plot to get Ben on the train and why. Or do you? Is Red your favourite colour? Is Herring your favourite fish? To be honest, I didn’t see that plot twist at all. I was fooled by the who. So was Ben.
This was a well-written thriller with a quick pace throughout. An easy five stars!
Life lessons that you can take away from this:
1. Avoid public transit…whether the bus, train, subway, taxi… They’re all the drizzling shits. There is a reason why the Barton Street Bus is notorious. Drive yourself or better still, walk.
2. Turn off your phone! Or at least limit your screen time. Don’t know a number? Block and delete. Your time is too valuable for anyone’s bullshit. The irony is not lost on me that I read this entire book on my iPhone.
3. Don’t drink bad coffee. If the coffee tastes like “licking a battery that just dropped out of a cat’s asshole”, then toss it. You’d have to ask the author how he knows this. He does have two cats.
4. If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life, seek therapy from a licensed professional that you chose. Do not allow someone else to make that choice for you.
This novel tells the story of Ben Cross, aged 26, looking towards a promising new life at the end of what started as a troubling journey. Unfortunately, Ben gets fired on the first day of a new job and is walked out the back door by security. Disappointed, Ben gets on the 1 train headed uptown, though reluctantly. Ben then becomes the target for an anonymous killer.
At the same time, Kelly Hendricks, an NYPD detective, is relegated to duty with the transit police as punishment for doing the right thing in face of workplace harassment. She’s the first cop on the scene of the first murder. (The second cop on the scene was also relegated to transit duty for doing the right thing. Makes you think that instead of doing what’s right, you should do what’s wrong. The payoff is better!)
Actually, only Ben knows about the first murder. And why! For now!
This is a fast-paced thriller that alternates between Ben on the train, Kelly – who was initially working with transit police before she made it onto the train herself, agents McDiarmid and Hoyt of Homeland Security, and last, the events that transpired in Ben’s life as an eleven-year-old. Once you do the math….
Once you do the math, you figure out exactly who is behind the plot to get Ben on the train and why. Or do you? Is Red your favourite colour? Is Herring your favourite fish? To be honest, I didn’t see that plot twist at all. I was fooled by the who. So was Ben.
This was a well-written thriller with a quick pace throughout. An easy five stars!
Life lessons that you can take away from this:
1. Avoid public transit…whether the bus, train, subway, taxi… They’re all the drizzling shits. There is a reason why the Barton Street Bus is notorious. Drive yourself or better still, walk.
2. Turn off your phone! Or at least limit your screen time. Don’t know a number? Block and delete. Your time is too valuable for anyone’s bullshit. The irony is not lost on me that I read this entire book on my iPhone.
3. Don’t drink bad coffee. If the coffee tastes like “licking a battery that just dropped out of a cat’s asshole”, then toss it. You’d have to ask the author how he knows this. He does have two cats.
4. If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life, seek therapy from a licensed professional that you chose. Do not allow someone else to make that choice for you.
June 25, 2025
"The Survivor" by Andrew Reid is an explosive thriller that will keep readers gripped to the last page. Told in third-person POV, the story alternates between timelines and protagonists, weaving together a pulse-pounding narrative full of twists and rising suspense.
Ben Cross suffers from acute claustrophobia due to a traumatic past. Fired on his first day at a new job in New York City, he boards the subway—only to start receiving text messages from an anonymous killer warning him not to turn off his phone or get off the train. Otherwise, people will die. There’s already one victim, and the body count is rising.
Meanwhile, NYPD detective Kelly Hendricks—assigned to the transit police as a punishment—tries to figure out what’s really going on. Is Ben the victim or the perpetrator? The plot thickens when the train is hijacked and the demands escalate. As the story unfolds, we discover the reasons behind it all, along with the protagonists.
I enjoyed the book and was immediately pulled into the story. This is one subway ride you won’t forget! The action keeps you riveted, and the twists keep you guessing. I love a good twisty thriller where the reader is left in the dark just as much as the characters, and we get to piece together the puzzle right alongside them.
The book started off a bit slow, but once the action begins, it doesn’t stop. The pacing is like a train ride—there are brief stops along the way, but once it picks up speed, it doesn’t let up. Some passages require a suspension of disbelief, and I did think Ben could have avoided all the hassle with one simple act, but you need to understand his psyche to understand his choices.
Overall, it’s a well-crafted and engaging thriller that builds the right atmosphere to carry off the tale. My opinion of Ben changed frequently, and I didn’t guess the identity of the killer—which genuinely surprised me. If you like your characters flawed yet understandable, realistic yet fascinating, you’ll love this. If you like a book to surprise you, you’ll love this. And most of all, if you enjoy a frantic roller coaster of a novel—then you’ll absolutely love this.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
Ben Cross suffers from acute claustrophobia due to a traumatic past. Fired on his first day at a new job in New York City, he boards the subway—only to start receiving text messages from an anonymous killer warning him not to turn off his phone or get off the train. Otherwise, people will die. There’s already one victim, and the body count is rising.
Meanwhile, NYPD detective Kelly Hendricks—assigned to the transit police as a punishment—tries to figure out what’s really going on. Is Ben the victim or the perpetrator? The plot thickens when the train is hijacked and the demands escalate. As the story unfolds, we discover the reasons behind it all, along with the protagonists.
I enjoyed the book and was immediately pulled into the story. This is one subway ride you won’t forget! The action keeps you riveted, and the twists keep you guessing. I love a good twisty thriller where the reader is left in the dark just as much as the characters, and we get to piece together the puzzle right alongside them.
The book started off a bit slow, but once the action begins, it doesn’t stop. The pacing is like a train ride—there are brief stops along the way, but once it picks up speed, it doesn’t let up. Some passages require a suspension of disbelief, and I did think Ben could have avoided all the hassle with one simple act, but you need to understand his psyche to understand his choices.
Overall, it’s a well-crafted and engaging thriller that builds the right atmosphere to carry off the tale. My opinion of Ben changed frequently, and I didn’t guess the identity of the killer—which genuinely surprised me. If you like your characters flawed yet understandable, realistic yet fascinating, you’ll love this. If you like a book to surprise you, you’ll love this. And most of all, if you enjoy a frantic roller coaster of a novel—then you’ll absolutely love this.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thrilling pace of passenger Ben on a subway, after leaving his office, he has to get home by subway. Ben, unable to justify his firing after he had been scouted by his company, knows his past has been leaked and his life is once again being judged by his past. Anxiously sitting in a seat after being guided into the subway platform by a friendly stranger, realizing his cell phone is ringing persistently. He looks around the car and notices the people around him, their anonymous faces. The caller sends him a message about his seat in the car. He is warned not to get off the train. He notified that a man in that car will be killed if he leaves the car. Ben knows it must be scammer and looks around the car but cannot see anyone who might be sending it in his area. Was it someone from his former job, is it a frightening hacker enjoying the thrills. Ben responds to the message and is still unable to believe it is real. The man he is given the description of is sitting across from him. If he warns him, will it help? The man departs the car and is blown up farther into the platform as he walks towards the outside exit. Anonymous messages continue, warnings that get more dangerous, he begins to think these people seem familiar to him in suspicious images from his past.
A female detective has been reassigned to subway duty for her response to a harassment response from a superior and resigns herself to the duty with a knowing feeling she must not allow herself to give up and resign. Her career advancement is in the abyss of political maneuvering; the passenger explodes as he exits the subway car. Now passenger and detective must find the cellphone owner and stop the killings. Wow, the pow of suspense and rigid series of killings keep the reader on their toes. What is Ben's secret and why are they warning him of what will happen. Your eyes will glue themselves to the mystery page by page, the clock ticking and failures at every level of responders.
A female detective has been reassigned to subway duty for her response to a harassment response from a superior and resigns herself to the duty with a knowing feeling she must not allow herself to give up and resign. Her career advancement is in the abyss of political maneuvering; the passenger explodes as he exits the subway car. Now passenger and detective must find the cellphone owner and stop the killings. Wow, the pow of suspense and rigid series of killings keep the reader on their toes. What is Ben's secret and why are they warning him of what will happen. Your eyes will glue themselves to the mystery page by page, the clock ticking and failures at every level of responders.
August 9, 2025
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Ben Cross stands four steps from the top of the subway station, hesitant to descend into the darkness. The heat of the afternoon against his dark blue suit eventually moves him down two more steps, only to be stopped once more by the darkness. But a hand on his shoulder and the kindness of a fellow traveler encourages him and he rushes down the remaining steps . . . and finds calmness inside the subway station.
With the doors closing, Ben ducks into the subway car and settles down near the front of the car. Certain his day cannot get any worse . . . fired on his first full day of work is definitely enough “worse” for one day . . . he counts his trip to New York as a dead-end journey.
And then the messages came. “Don’t turn off your phone” followed by “Don’t get off the train.”
Time is running out . . . and Ben is certain it’s much more than a sick prank.
=========
Ben’s terror-filled subway ride keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what is coming next as the unfolding story slowly spills its secrets and reveals its twisted plot. Why has Ben been targeted? What is he hiding? There’s an ever-building sense of dread with a cat-and-mouse vibe amping up the reader’s apprehension as the fast-paced momentum helps build an ominous feeling.
The tension is palpable; suspense builds with an alarming immediacy and readers find themselves turning pages as fast as possible. The captivating plot keeps readers invested in the story; those who enjoy psychological thrillers, intense storylines, and unexpected surprises will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable thriller.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheSurvivor #NetGalley
Ben Cross stands four steps from the top of the subway station, hesitant to descend into the darkness. The heat of the afternoon against his dark blue suit eventually moves him down two more steps, only to be stopped once more by the darkness. But a hand on his shoulder and the kindness of a fellow traveler encourages him and he rushes down the remaining steps . . . and finds calmness inside the subway station.
With the doors closing, Ben ducks into the subway car and settles down near the front of the car. Certain his day cannot get any worse . . . fired on his first full day of work is definitely enough “worse” for one day . . . he counts his trip to New York as a dead-end journey.
And then the messages came. “Don’t turn off your phone” followed by “Don’t get off the train.”
Time is running out . . . and Ben is certain it’s much more than a sick prank.
=========
Ben’s terror-filled subway ride keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what is coming next as the unfolding story slowly spills its secrets and reveals its twisted plot. Why has Ben been targeted? What is he hiding? There’s an ever-building sense of dread with a cat-and-mouse vibe amping up the reader’s apprehension as the fast-paced momentum helps build an ominous feeling.
The tension is palpable; suspense builds with an alarming immediacy and readers find themselves turning pages as fast as possible. The captivating plot keeps readers invested in the story; those who enjoy psychological thrillers, intense storylines, and unexpected surprises will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable thriller.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheSurvivor #NetGalley
October 23, 2025
A hijacked New York subway train, an anonymous killer, and a young man trapped by his hidden past converge in a breathless, breathtaking thriller.
Do not turn off your phone
Do not get off the train
I know who you really are...
Fired and walked out by security on his first day at his new job in New York City, Ben Cross thought his day couldn't get worse. But he couldn't be more wrong. Getting on the 1 train headed uptown, Ben starts receiving text messages from an anonymous killer, showing that they've already killed someone, then pointedly killing another as they got off the train to prove they aren't bluffing and to ensure Ben follows orders. But Ben wasn't picked at random—he has a history that no one is supposed to know.
At the same time, A NYPD detective, Kelly Hendricks, is on punishment duty with the transit police. The first one on the scene after the first murder, she gets on the train to find out what is really going on.
Switching rapidly between Cross and Hendricks, as the hijacked 1 train heads from South Ferry to 181st, the secret to the killer lies in Ben's own history—why he's been targeted and punished.
Ben gets fired on his first day at his new job in New York City. He's cagey about getting onto the subway and when he finally does, he should have trusted his gut. After the first few chapters of Ben not wanting to get on the train this is a super fast paced locked room pulse pounding thriller until the story fell apart little flat at the ending
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Andrew Red and St. Martin's Press for my gifted eARC. for my onion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do not turn off your phone
Do not get off the train
I know who you really are...
Fired and walked out by security on his first day at his new job in New York City, Ben Cross thought his day couldn't get worse. But he couldn't be more wrong. Getting on the 1 train headed uptown, Ben starts receiving text messages from an anonymous killer, showing that they've already killed someone, then pointedly killing another as they got off the train to prove they aren't bluffing and to ensure Ben follows orders. But Ben wasn't picked at random—he has a history that no one is supposed to know.
At the same time, A NYPD detective, Kelly Hendricks, is on punishment duty with the transit police. The first one on the scene after the first murder, she gets on the train to find out what is really going on.
Switching rapidly between Cross and Hendricks, as the hijacked 1 train heads from South Ferry to 181st, the secret to the killer lies in Ben's own history—why he's been targeted and punished.
Ben gets fired on his first day at his new job in New York City. He's cagey about getting onto the subway and when he finally does, he should have trusted his gut. After the first few chapters of Ben not wanting to get on the train this is a super fast paced locked room pulse pounding thriller until the story fell apart little flat at the ending
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Andrew Red and St. Martin's Press for my gifted eARC. for my onion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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