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Exit Row
Judi Culbertson returns with a page-turning mystery that answers every frequent flyer’s fear: What happens if I never make it home?
Journalist Fiona Reina had every intention of picking up her boyfriend, Lee, from the airport and heading out for a nice dinner together. But when Lee isn’t on the plane, Fiona begins to get nervous. It seems Lee isn’t the only passenger who never arrived. Three other people are also missing. Worse, it seems they were never on the flight.
With no help from the airline, it’s up to Fiona and the friends and family of the missing passengers to discover what happened—and, more importantly, to find Lee. But when Fiona receives a mysterious note—It happened in between Denver and Taos—the patchwork team is thrust into a dangerous race against time…a race that could cost them more than who they’ve already lost.
Journalist Fiona Reina had every intention of picking up her boyfriend, Lee, from the airport and heading out for a nice dinner together. But when Lee isn’t on the plane, Fiona begins to get nervous. It seems Lee isn’t the only passenger who never arrived. Three other people are also missing. Worse, it seems they were never on the flight.
With no help from the airline, it’s up to Fiona and the friends and family of the missing passengers to discover what happened—and, more importantly, to find Lee. But when Fiona receives a mysterious note—It happened in between Denver and Taos—the patchwork team is thrust into a dangerous race against time…a race that could cost them more than who they’ve already lost.
288 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2015
125 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 14, 2019
A travel blog writer goes to the Long Island airport to pick up her boyfriend, but he does not show up. She meets a small group of people who are also waiting for arrivals. A man overhears them and tells them that he was on the flight but it was late due to fuel line problems and the others were probably just waiting to catch another flight out. They don't appear and suspicious details start to emerge, so Fiona flies to Taos, New Mexico to find out what happened. The small airline seemed to be covering things up and employees who were questioned appeared to be nervous and skittish.
I really enjoyed this book, even though I felt that it was a bit silly that their group did not take the issue to a higher authority. One person might go missing after a flight, but several? Still, this is fiction and it was indeed an exciting story.
Well, I have just read the other reviews of Exit Row and quite enjoyed the diverse opinions. Some people thought the characters were not fleshed out well or were unrealistic in their reactions, but I found them very well portrayed. Just as we reviewers see the book differently, so do many humans see life differently and react accordingly. There are men like "pool guy" who believe that things always work out in the end and who are not demonstrative in their love for their children or wives. The shallow climber, who was more interested in his business deal than in the welfare of his friend was also realistic, as was the editor who truly cared about her writer, but ultimately was willing to use the story to benefit her own interests. And why would she not? There was nothing unethical about writing their story and it could, in fact, be cathartic.
I really enjoyed this book, even though I felt that it was a bit silly that their group did not take the issue to a higher authority. One person might go missing after a flight, but several? Still, this is fiction and it was indeed an exciting story.
Well, I have just read the other reviews of Exit Row and quite enjoyed the diverse opinions. Some people thought the characters were not fleshed out well or were unrealistic in their reactions, but I found them very well portrayed. Just as we reviewers see the book differently, so do many humans see life differently and react accordingly. There are men like "pool guy" who believe that things always work out in the end and who are not demonstrative in their love for their children or wives. The shallow climber, who was more interested in his business deal than in the welfare of his friend was also realistic, as was the editor who truly cared about her writer, but ultimately was willing to use the story to benefit her own interests. And why would she not? There was nothing unethical about writing their story and it could, in fact, be cathartic.
February 21, 2019
Horrible
This plot sounded different, and had a lot of potential for a really good book. But instead, we were lead on many wild goose chases with a multitude of characters whose role was impossible to follow. Even the ending did not explain the accident. I will never read this author again.
This plot sounded different, and had a lot of potential for a really good book. But instead, we were lead on many wild goose chases with a multitude of characters whose role was impossible to follow. Even the ending did not explain the accident. I will never read this author again.
April 15, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The premise of this book immediately grabbed my attention! A passenger who never arrives? So intriguing! The book immediately starts by jumping into the action. Fiona arrives at the airport to pick up her new fiancé Lee so they can celebrate at a nice dinner. She soon realizes that he is not getting off the plane. As she looks around her, others are waiting for their loved ones as well, and they never arrive either.
Fiona goes on a crazy, eventful, suspenseful journey to find out what really happened to Lee and the plane between Denver and Taos. Did Lee decide he wanted to end their relationship and never come home, or did something really terrible happen? And why are all of the other people missing from the plane as well?
This book had me hooked. I really enjoyed the relationships she creates with the others looking for their missing family. Each story is unique, and kept me interested throughout the book. One of my favorite parts of this book was that I wasn’t able to figure the mystery out on my own. Too many times mystery novels are simple to crack and predictable, but this one kept me guessing till the end.
I really enjoyed this book. I am giving it three stars because some of the events in the story seemed very far-fetched, and I am still not sure I really ever understood the motives of the big reveal at the end. Overall, it was a fun read that keep me engaged.
The premise of this book immediately grabbed my attention! A passenger who never arrives? So intriguing! The book immediately starts by jumping into the action. Fiona arrives at the airport to pick up her new fiancé Lee so they can celebrate at a nice dinner. She soon realizes that he is not getting off the plane. As she looks around her, others are waiting for their loved ones as well, and they never arrive either.
Fiona goes on a crazy, eventful, suspenseful journey to find out what really happened to Lee and the plane between Denver and Taos. Did Lee decide he wanted to end their relationship and never come home, or did something really terrible happen? And why are all of the other people missing from the plane as well?
This book had me hooked. I really enjoyed the relationships she creates with the others looking for their missing family. Each story is unique, and kept me interested throughout the book. One of my favorite parts of this book was that I wasn’t able to figure the mystery out on my own. Too many times mystery novels are simple to crack and predictable, but this one kept me guessing till the end.
I really enjoyed this book. I am giving it three stars because some of the events in the story seemed very far-fetched, and I am still not sure I really ever understood the motives of the big reveal at the end. Overall, it was a fun read that keep me engaged.
January 13, 2019
This was a fairly exciting mystery/thriller. When Fiona's boyfriend doesn't arrive on the plane as expected in NY, she notices several other people who also are missing expected arrivals. When she tries to look into the facts, she gets no help from either airline. So she goes off to New Mexico, to look into the small plane that was to have taken him to Denver. With the help of a few others missing their arrivals, they poke around, consult a psychic, try to talk to the few whose arrivals actually did arrive, and end up nearly getting killed. Although a lot of the happenings are rather unrealistic, the book kept me turning pages to find out what "really" happened. The ending was a bit weak, but at least a lot was explained.
February 3, 2019
Good Read
An excellent thriller! I got the book free from Bookbub, but the price did not influence the five star rating. I have discovered quite a few good author's through Bookbub, and I even found a Leon Uris book there last week for two dollars! If you read multiple genres, you know what I am talking about. Praising Boobbub instead of the author of the present book is done on purpose. I am not giving away any secrets about EXIT ROW . Just read it.
Thank you, Ms. Culbertson, for a good read.
An excellent thriller! I got the book free from Bookbub, but the price did not influence the five star rating. I have discovered quite a few good author's through Bookbub, and I even found a Leon Uris book there last week for two dollars! If you read multiple genres, you know what I am talking about. Praising Boobbub instead of the author of the present book is done on purpose. I am not giving away any secrets about EXIT ROW . Just read it.
Thank you, Ms. Culbertson, for a good read.
January 28, 2019
Disappointing after a promising start.
After the prologue grabbed my attention, Judy's somewhat confusing and unclear writing style muddled the promising premise with a far-fetched conclusion. The characters' actions and emotional reactions were odd and shallow (like the man with a missing young daughter who seemed strangely detached and unconcerned). At times I didn't know which character was speaking or what point they were trying to make, or whether the characters were walking or riding in a vehicle. All in all, a less-than-satisfying read.
After the prologue grabbed my attention, Judy's somewhat confusing and unclear writing style muddled the promising premise with a far-fetched conclusion. The characters' actions and emotional reactions were odd and shallow (like the man with a missing young daughter who seemed strangely detached and unconcerned). At times I didn't know which character was speaking or what point they were trying to make, or whether the characters were walking or riding in a vehicle. All in all, a less-than-satisfying read.
January 18, 2019
Spoiler alert. But I have a question for the author
I really liked the story but I’m so confused. Why was the first plane sabotaged? Why was Day Star planning to switch out the planes? It’s very unclear. I assumed they were trying to mitigate liability from the crash on the mountain but from the story, I got that the plan was to switch planes all along. I don’t get it.
I really liked the story but I’m so confused. Why was the first plane sabotaged? Why was Day Star planning to switch out the planes? It’s very unclear. I assumed they were trying to mitigate liability from the crash on the mountain but from the story, I got that the plan was to switch planes all along. I don’t get it.
August 18, 2025
Exit Row begins well, and picks up pace quickly. However, the storyline becomes a little unbelievable and starts to falter.
This could have been a very good read with better characterization, and a little more research to make the story more realistic.
I did enjoy it, but can only give it four stars.
This could have been a very good read with better characterization, and a little more research to make the story more realistic.
I did enjoy it, but can only give it four stars.
January 11, 2019
Truly a page turner. This book plays on the natural apprehension some feel when boarding and takes it to a while different level.
The characters are diverse and interesting. The locations are interesting and well presented. The plot is complex and exciting.
A good read for sure.
The characters are diverse and interesting. The locations are interesting and well presented. The plot is complex and exciting.
A good read for sure.
January 28, 2019
My standard preface when delivering bad news: I'm not an author. I've never written a novel. I admire those who write for my entertainment and I cannot imagine the effort that must go into doing so. And because I've never written a book myself, I feel guilty passing judgement on someone else's work.
But this was bad.
The concept of the novel was intriguing. A plane travels from point A to point B but somehow not all the passengers make the same journey. Cool, right? Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the promise of the concept.
The writing was average. The characters were flat, lifeless and largely unlikable. The action was disjointed and there were numerous holes in both the plot and the action that left the reader connecting the dots in the absence of words to do so. There were several plot points that made no sense whatsoever which was frustrating since the ending refused to provide the reader any resolution or answers.
Overall, it seemed as though the author had a good idea but couldn't figure out how to translate that idea to the page.
But this was bad.
The concept of the novel was intriguing. A plane travels from point A to point B but somehow not all the passengers make the same journey. Cool, right? Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the promise of the concept.
The writing was average. The characters were flat, lifeless and largely unlikable. The action was disjointed and there were numerous holes in both the plot and the action that left the reader connecting the dots in the absence of words to do so. There were several plot points that made no sense whatsoever which was frustrating since the ending refused to provide the reader any resolution or answers.
Overall, it seemed as though the author had a good idea but couldn't figure out how to translate that idea to the page.
February 5, 2019
Don’t Bother
I can’t believe I paid for this book. It was so bad that I went back to the reviews after the third chapter and realized I wasn’t the only one who thought it was a waste of time and gave up. It doesn’t even deserve the one star I gave it.
I can’t believe I paid for this book. It was so bad that I went back to the reviews after the third chapter and realized I wasn’t the only one who thought it was a waste of time and gave up. It doesn’t even deserve the one star I gave it.
February 23, 2019
Good but not great
I feel the scenario could have been more developed. Some characters were good but flat. I enjoyed the book but thought more could have been done with the characters
I feel the scenario could have been more developed. Some characters were good but flat. I enjoyed the book but thought more could have been done with the characters
March 2, 2019
I considered not finishing
I read part of the book and had almost decided to skip the rest when I actually got caught up in the last part. For me it was just too wordy. The mystery got sidelined too often.
I read part of the book and had almost decided to skip the rest when I actually got caught up in the last part. For me it was just too wordy. The mystery got sidelined too often.
March 17, 2019
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author. It is, perhaps, a little overdramatic; but is a very good read. The writing style is smooth and skilled, the characters are fully drawn, and the plot moves logically.
April 18, 2019
Only finished this because it was a book club selection. I read a mystery to try and guess who-done-it from the clues given in the narrative. In this book, the clues didn't make sense and the premise was so ridiculous that I kept saying "Oh, come on now! Really?"
September 18, 2019
A mysterious adventure awaits
Fiona must find out what happened to her boyfriend. Too many missing people on a flight home brings others to join in on her journey. Twists and turns, mysterious clues, and an adventure like no other.
Fiona must find out what happened to her boyfriend. Too many missing people on a flight home brings others to join in on her journey. Twists and turns, mysterious clues, and an adventure like no other.
April 2, 2020
A book doesn't have to be be true to life in order to be enjoyable. This book demonstrates this. The characters are varied and likeable. The mystery (we actually know half of what happened from the beginning) is scary. Good prevails and the bad guys get their comeuppance.
January 10, 2019
Great plane crash story
This story was enjoyable. The characters were almost real. The details of the crash seemed credible. Try it, you’ll like it.
This story was enjoyable. The characters were almost real. The details of the crash seemed credible. Try it, you’ll like it.
January 13, 2019
Very interesting
Enjoyed this story in the mountains of Colorado. Liked the characters and the way they reacted to each other. Was not happy about some of the language.
Enjoyed this story in the mountains of Colorado. Liked the characters and the way they reacted to each other. Was not happy about some of the language.
May 17, 2019
This one just wasn't for me. I found too much of it far-fetched.
May 9, 2016
Fiona Reina is waiting to pick her boyfriend Lee up at the airport. But he is not on the flight. The airline has no information for Fiona except that he may be on a later flight. But Lee is not on that flight either. Fiona notices other people waiting for others from the same flight. She gets their information then goes on the search for Lee and the missing people. But she cannot find anything that tells her were Lee is through the airline. Then she gets a note that Lee and the others disappeared between Taos and Denver. Fiona and the others go searching for the missing people but someone wants to keep the truth hidden through bribes or death.
This is my first story from Judi Culbertson and I have to say that I really liked it. I had no idea what had happened to the passengers and though that it could have been anything from terrorists to aliens. It was great following along with Fiona as she tried to find Lee. I liked how she even had moments of hesitation when someone suggests Lee might have wanted out of their relationship.
I do have to say that the ending was a bit abrupt. Suddenly the passengers are found and the pivotal event is glossed over. I reread the end a couple times because I felt like I had missed something. Having said that I still liked the story and would gladly read other books by Judi Culbertson. This is a great mystery that had me guessing until the end.
I received Exit Row for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first story from Judi Culbertson and I have to say that I really liked it. I had no idea what had happened to the passengers and though that it could have been anything from terrorists to aliens. It was great following along with Fiona as she tried to find Lee. I liked how she even had moments of hesitation when someone suggests Lee might have wanted out of their relationship.
I do have to say that the ending was a bit abrupt. Suddenly the passengers are found and the pivotal event is glossed over. I reread the end a couple times because I felt like I had missed something. Having said that I still liked the story and would gladly read other books by Judi Culbertson. This is a great mystery that had me guessing until the end.
I received Exit Row for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2019
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. - from Hamlet, Shakespeare
This was a real "suspend your disbelief from the first page" book. It had me shaking my head multiple times during the story because...c'mon, that's not going to happen in real life. But I still ended up enjoying the book. I would have rated it 3 1/2 stars if I could have.
Fiona Reina is a freelance journalist who used to write a popular syndicated travel blog. Now she's trying to figure out her professional and her personal life. She's at the airport to pick up her boyfriend and he's not on the expected arrival plane. She ends up finding out that there are other passengers that didn't arrive as expected, too. She ends up rounding up the waiting people and they start trying to figure out what happened on a flight from Taos, New Mexico to Denver, Colorado. And then happenings get really bizarre.
This was an entertaining story and a fast read. I thought the characters could have been fleshed out more. Fiona was the lead character and even she felt two-dimensional.
I recommend this to people wanting a convoluted mystery that wouldn't happen (in my opinion) but was still fun to read.
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. - from Hamlet, Shakespeare
This was a real "suspend your disbelief from the first page" book. It had me shaking my head multiple times during the story because...c'mon, that's not going to happen in real life. But I still ended up enjoying the book. I would have rated it 3 1/2 stars if I could have.
Fiona Reina is a freelance journalist who used to write a popular syndicated travel blog. Now she's trying to figure out her professional and her personal life. She's at the airport to pick up her boyfriend and he's not on the expected arrival plane. She ends up finding out that there are other passengers that didn't arrive as expected, too. She ends up rounding up the waiting people and they start trying to figure out what happened on a flight from Taos, New Mexico to Denver, Colorado. And then happenings get really bizarre.
This was an entertaining story and a fast read. I thought the characters could have been fleshed out more. Fiona was the lead character and even she felt two-dimensional.
I recommend this to people wanting a convoluted mystery that wouldn't happen (in my opinion) but was still fun to read.
April 28, 2016
Well written quick read with a somewhat stretched ending that didn't diminish the pleasure of the journey. I liked the settings. Irconicly, I read this during a trip and it made me look around when I arrived at my destination and wonder. I hadn't read Culbertson before but she's got a way with language so I'm going to look for her again. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. You'll like this if you enjoy mysteries/thrillers which keep you guessing.
Read
April 30, 2019Interesting story line that really kept my interest. The end was a bit contrived and happily ever after but I liked the book!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews