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The Passenger Who Never Left
A timeless train. A haunting mystery. A passenger who never left.
What was supposed to be an elegant cross-country ride, turns into the biggest mystery of Delilah Kane's life. Just before midnight, a piercing scream echoes the halls of the Transcontinental Zephyr, stopping everyone in their tracks.
When the little boy next door goes missing, and all signs point to the charming, protective bunkmate, Wren Crawford, it's up to Delilah to follow her instincts, save the day, and make it out alive. Little does she know, the very past that Delilah is running from, may just be the key to solve the mystery of the missing boy.
What was supposed to be an elegant cross-country ride, turns into the biggest mystery of Delilah Kane's life. Just before midnight, a piercing scream echoes the halls of the Transcontinental Zephyr, stopping everyone in their tracks.
When the little boy next door goes missing, and all signs point to the charming, protective bunkmate, Wren Crawford, it's up to Delilah to follow her instincts, save the day, and make it out alive. Little does she know, the very past that Delilah is running from, may just be the key to solve the mystery of the missing boy.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 4, 2026
This book is OUT THERE.
It's super short, but it never stops, not for a moment. The timeline is between present day and six years ago, and it flashes between the times quite a bit, but they're clearly marked time jumps, so it's not bad.
I liked it. I could have loved it, though. The dialogue is stilted, at times, and there's a feeling of deus ex machina to the resolution.
Most of the bad guys get away with being bad guys. (They aren't even on the train.) Which, let us be honest, is realistic, but we don't read campy cult murder mysteries for the realism.
All in all, it feels rushed. I get that the entire storyline has to take place in the span of one train ride, but a small child dies, and I don't think anyone in the story actually felt it, even his mom.
I know this review sounds like I hated it, but the author asked for brutally honest reviews. Brutal honesty: I think it could've used one more editing pass, and I don't think it needed a romance tacked on at the end.
It's super short, but it never stops, not for a moment. The timeline is between present day and six years ago, and it flashes between the times quite a bit, but they're clearly marked time jumps, so it's not bad.
I liked it. I could have loved it, though. The dialogue is stilted, at times, and there's a feeling of deus ex machina to the resolution.
Most of the bad guys get away with being bad guys. (They aren't even on the train.) Which, let us be honest, is realistic, but we don't read campy cult murder mysteries for the realism.
All in all, it feels rushed. I get that the entire storyline has to take place in the span of one train ride, but a small child dies, and I don't think anyone in the story actually felt it, even his mom.
I know this review sounds like I hated it, but the author asked for brutally honest reviews. Brutal honesty: I think it could've used one more editing pass, and I don't think it needed a romance tacked on at the end.
January 5, 2026
Full disclosure: I read this book as someone who is almost certainly not its intended audience, after interacting with the author (who is a sweetheart!) on Threads. My ratings are based on my own personal level of enjoyment of the book, as always, and should not be taken as an assertion of the objective quality of a work.
I think there are two really great novel ideas in this book – a train murder mystery/romance on the one hand, and an escape-from-a-cult psychological thriller on the other. I would have been delighted to see the author explore either of them in depth, but together, they didn’t quite work for me. I don’t mind a dual timeline, but neither side of the story had quite enough time to breathe and develop; in order to keep pacing tight, the story on both sides is mostly kept to broad strokes. It’s a bummer, because in the smaller, more focused moments, the author does a great job of communicating small details in a way that conjures up a great sense of atmosphere and place. The years between the timelines are a bit of a black box, which hurts character development a bit, and some of the plot on the later timeline required a suspension of disbelief that I just couldn’t quite achieve (although if you’ve never ridden a train regularly—or don’t require your fiction to be realistic--it might not be an issue).
Anyhoodles, this book gives me big Frieda McFadden vibes. That’s not my thing, but if it’s yours, pick it up!
I think there are two really great novel ideas in this book – a train murder mystery/romance on the one hand, and an escape-from-a-cult psychological thriller on the other. I would have been delighted to see the author explore either of them in depth, but together, they didn’t quite work for me. I don’t mind a dual timeline, but neither side of the story had quite enough time to breathe and develop; in order to keep pacing tight, the story on both sides is mostly kept to broad strokes. It’s a bummer, because in the smaller, more focused moments, the author does a great job of communicating small details in a way that conjures up a great sense of atmosphere and place. The years between the timelines are a bit of a black box, which hurts character development a bit, and some of the plot on the later timeline required a suspension of disbelief that I just couldn’t quite achieve (although if you’ve never ridden a train regularly—or don’t require your fiction to be realistic--it might not be an issue).
Anyhoodles, this book gives me big Frieda McFadden vibes. That’s not my thing, but if it’s yours, pick it up!
October 12, 2025
Thank you so much to Rynn Ely for the digital ARC and Quillchemists Archive for the physical ARC!
I loved all the little “words of wisdom” so to speak at the beginning of each chapter.
I really enjoyed the murder mystery, suspect characters, dual timeline, nightmares & family drama, cult backstory, and train ride setting.
“Wren said I lived the life of a novel, yet I was far from the main character. At best, I was the supporting cast. The ones that fade into the background, forgotten when the story ends.” - the relationship from strangers to enemies to allies to love interests between Wren and Delilah was delightful to read in itself. I do hope Delilah finds her family in Amsterdam!
I loved all the little “words of wisdom” so to speak at the beginning of each chapter.
I really enjoyed the murder mystery, suspect characters, dual timeline, nightmares & family drama, cult backstory, and train ride setting.
“Wren said I lived the life of a novel, yet I was far from the main character. At best, I was the supporting cast. The ones that fade into the background, forgotten when the story ends.” - the relationship from strangers to enemies to allies to love interests between Wren and Delilah was delightful to read in itself. I do hope Delilah finds her family in Amsterdam!
October 3, 2025
Rynn always knows how to make you keep turning the pages! This thrilling mystery was one that kept me on the edge of my seat as things kept twisting and turning. I never knew what was going to happen next! Rynn has such talent with making you feel the emotions that the characters are feeling as well as a few of your own! This is such an amazing book, I highly recommend it, especially if you love mysteries!
October 12, 2025
A cozy mystery with twists you won't see coming!
A fantastic read overall! It's a book you wont want to put down, as the shorter, bingeable chapters keep you guessing until the last page. The flashback sequences to the FMCs past make her distrust toward those around her all the more justified (our girl really goes through it)! A "who-dunnit" story loaded with tension and suspense while also having that cozy mystery vibe that makes it a perfect autumn read.
True rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A fantastic read overall! It's a book you wont want to put down, as the shorter, bingeable chapters keep you guessing until the last page. The flashback sequences to the FMCs past make her distrust toward those around her all the more justified (our girl really goes through it)! A "who-dunnit" story loaded with tension and suspense while also having that cozy mystery vibe that makes it a perfect autumn read.
True rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
October 15, 2025
I binged this book on one sitting, mostly overnight. It was intense and I was fully absorbed in my desire to see Delilah make it to a free and happy life of independence. I cringed with her at the “one room” trope and also fell in love with the other characters. A dog, or really any animal, always helps to ground me in a story. When a young boy goes missing, maybe murdered, on the train things take an even more thrilling turn. Secrets are laid bare, bonds are formed, and the stakes are high! Somehow this book retains it’s cozy, slightly gothic feel through all the chaos!
October 15, 2025
thank you so much to Rynn and Quillchemists Archive for an arc copy of this book! once i reached about halfway i was on the edge of my seat. i loved learning about delilah’s past and felt so bad for what she went through. i loved this book so much and i cannot wait to read it again🥰
November 12, 2025
This quick read is a thriller/mystery on a train. It’s fast paced and had me trying to figure it out up until the very last second! I would definitely pick this up and read it during this season, it’s perfect for the vibes.
4 💜’s.
4 💜’s.
October 10, 2025
This was a very interesting mystery thriller book that kept me guessing.
The twists and turns in this book keep you wanting more and not wanting to put the book down i have to say Rynn did great with these characters and the story.
I would recommend it to anyone because it's just what you need in a mystery thriller book.
The twists and turns in this book keep you wanting more and not wanting to put the book down i have to say Rynn did great with these characters and the story.
I would recommend it to anyone because it's just what you need in a mystery thriller book.
November 13, 2025
This book had me gripped from the first page and did not put me down until the end. Twists, turns, a cult and a missing child? Consider me sold! A wonderful book that was very reminiscent of "Girl On A Train".
October 8, 2025
This was my first book by this author and I truly enjoy her writing style.
This was a mystery thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured it out, I was sorely mistaken. I loved that the author gave us a glimpse into the past of the FMC in such vivid details and how she tied it all together nicely at the end with no questions left unanswered.
This was a quick read and a great one at that!
This was a mystery thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured it out, I was sorely mistaken. I loved that the author gave us a glimpse into the past of the FMC in such vivid details and how she tied it all together nicely at the end with no questions left unanswered.
This was a quick read and a great one at that!
December 31, 2025
This book was so so good that I couldn't stop myself but finished this book in one day. I was hooked to the book like what is gonna happen next.
The book is about Delilah who is travelling for the first time in some other country leaving her past life. She met Wren on the train but something about him was both intriguing and mysterious. But what happened in the train was something Delilah never thought would happen from escaping one hell did she land to another one was the only thought she had in the journey.
I loved the characters Wren and Delilah that I wanted more in the last chapter. The twists and turns in the book were something unexpected and especially the last part of the book. The fact that Delilah also loved reading books(the reader in me was so fascinated about her reading). The old lady's character who taught Delilah about books was good I loved how she helped her and was always with her. The absolute favourite thing about this book was the last part. I wish they had more scenes in the book. Also one important character the dog Finn he was so cute and adored. The way he protected Wren was something I loved so freaking much 😭🥺
Overall it was a good read and I really enjoyed reading this book.
The book is about Delilah who is travelling for the first time in some other country leaving her past life. She met Wren on the train but something about him was both intriguing and mysterious. But what happened in the train was something Delilah never thought would happen from escaping one hell did she land to another one was the only thought she had in the journey.
I loved the characters Wren and Delilah that I wanted more in the last chapter. The twists and turns in the book were something unexpected and especially the last part of the book. The fact that Delilah also loved reading books(the reader in me was so fascinated about her reading). The old lady's character who taught Delilah about books was good I loved how she helped her and was always with her. The absolute favourite thing about this book was the last part. I wish they had more scenes in the book. Also one important character the dog Finn he was so cute and adored. The way he protected Wren was something I loved so freaking much 😭🥺
Overall it was a good read and I really enjoyed reading this book.
November 2, 2025
Delilah Kane boarded the Transcontinental Zephyr looking towards the future and running from her past. After a mix-up leads to her bunking with Wren Crawford, strange things start happening. A little boy goes missing and everything is telling Delilah that Wren is responsible... or at least knows more than he's letting on. Will Delilah make it all the way to New York?
As much as this book had Murder on the Orient Express vibes, it didn't try too hard to emulate it. While I love Agatha Christie's writing, I wanted to read something unique. This book delivered! The writing style was very purposeful; full of rich, flowery, and descriptive language. While it felt like more of a psychological mystery than a psychological thriller, it was gripping and had a thrilling conclusion.
The plot was unique. I have read other books with various elements matching this book, but when everything came together, it was not your cookie-cutter thriller. I do wish portions of the book were a little longer (selfishly, I want to know more), but overall, I loved this book! It's a Read It for sure!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
As much as this book had Murder on the Orient Express vibes, it didn't try too hard to emulate it. While I love Agatha Christie's writing, I wanted to read something unique. This book delivered! The writing style was very purposeful; full of rich, flowery, and descriptive language. While it felt like more of a psychological mystery than a psychological thriller, it was gripping and had a thrilling conclusion.
The plot was unique. I have read other books with various elements matching this book, but when everything came together, it was not your cookie-cutter thriller. I do wish portions of the book were a little longer (selfishly, I want to know more), but overall, I loved this book! It's a Read It for sure!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
October 27, 2025
This was a different than usual read for me but I was not disappointed! Rynn and Quillchemist was able to give me an opportunity to ARC in order for an honest review.
This mystery thriller was a nice fast paced book that kept me turning the pages to see what all was going to happen. I was not bored at all! I really enjoyed that we got a glimpse into the FMC's past and then it also tied into the plot of what was going on currently. Sometimes I don't think you get those in books like these, but Rynn really tied that in beautifully together. I love Delilah and how determined she is and that she is unwavering in her efforts.
Truthfully, this book came out of left field to me. I wanted something different and that is exactly what I got. I was able to read this all in a day. Rynn is an author I will continue to watch out for! Great job Rynn!
This mystery thriller was a nice fast paced book that kept me turning the pages to see what all was going to happen. I was not bored at all! I really enjoyed that we got a glimpse into the FMC's past and then it also tied into the plot of what was going on currently. Sometimes I don't think you get those in books like these, but Rynn really tied that in beautifully together. I love Delilah and how determined she is and that she is unwavering in her efforts.
Truthfully, this book came out of left field to me. I wanted something different and that is exactly what I got. I was able to read this all in a day. Rynn is an author I will continue to watch out for! Great job Rynn!
October 18, 2025
From the very beginning, the story surrounds you with a dark, misty atmosphere, just like the cover promises. The author builds a constant sense of unease, where even the quiet moments feel charged with tension. I loved the Agatha Christie references, and there are plenty of moments that spark your curiosity, making the book easy to stay hooked on.
The suspense is maintained through alternating timelines. Each present chapter often ends with a shocking moment (someone screams, or something is revealed) only for the next chapter to shift back to the past. It’s a technique I’ve seen before, and while it keeps the tension high, it can also be a bit frustrating because you just need to know what happens next. Still, the past chapters become increasingly intense, with eerie, almost Hereditary-like vibes rather than Midsommar, especially as strange and unhinged characters appear.
The characters aren’t clearly defined at first, but we slowly uncover more about them, especially Delilah, through the past chapters. I couldn’t quite trust Wren, even when he and Delilah seemed to make a good team.
“Mysterious. Untrustworthy,” as Delilah herself says. "While I wanted to know everything about him, there was always a sense that he was hiding something." You can tell that Rynn Ely also writes romance, because the connection between them carries an emotional pull beneath all the suspense.
The only thing I wished for was a bit more clarity toward the end, especially regarding the cult, the red room, and Wren’s laptop. Some details felt underexplained, and I was left wanting a little more. Maybe that’s why I had the feeling that something was missing.
Still, the book delivers an eerie mystery that blends tension and atmosphere in a way that keeps you hooked till the end. Special thanks to Rynn for giving me the chance to read this book.❤️
The suspense is maintained through alternating timelines. Each present chapter often ends with a shocking moment (someone screams, or something is revealed) only for the next chapter to shift back to the past. It’s a technique I’ve seen before, and while it keeps the tension high, it can also be a bit frustrating because you just need to know what happens next. Still, the past chapters become increasingly intense, with eerie, almost Hereditary-like vibes rather than Midsommar, especially as strange and unhinged characters appear.
The characters aren’t clearly defined at first, but we slowly uncover more about them, especially Delilah, through the past chapters. I couldn’t quite trust Wren, even when he and Delilah seemed to make a good team.
“Mysterious. Untrustworthy,” as Delilah herself says. "While I wanted to know everything about him, there was always a sense that he was hiding something." You can tell that Rynn Ely also writes romance, because the connection between them carries an emotional pull beneath all the suspense.
The only thing I wished for was a bit more clarity toward the end, especially regarding the cult, the red room, and Wren’s laptop. Some details felt underexplained, and I was left wanting a little more. Maybe that’s why I had the feeling that something was missing.
Still, the book delivers an eerie mystery that blends tension and atmosphere in a way that keeps you hooked till the end. Special thanks to Rynn for giving me the chance to read this book.❤️
October 31, 2025
Delilah is just trying to escape a life that was controlling her. This is supposed to be her biggest adventure yet, and give her a sense of relief as she travels from California to New York. Instead she’s met with the mysterious disappearance of someone, a cabin mate that keeps seeming to lie, and more questions than she could ever imagine. Will she survive the ride and be able to start her new life?
I loved the way the book switched back and forth between time lines, and helped to explain all that Delilah was dealing with. I was truly pulled in to the story and found myself trying to figure it all out before the author revealed what was happening.
https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
I loved the way the book switched back and forth between time lines, and helped to explain all that Delilah was dealing with. I was truly pulled in to the story and found myself trying to figure it all out before the author revealed what was happening.
https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
October 22, 2025
I liked the story and the cult. This book left me with a lot of questions when I’d finished. I also think the author repeats a lot of words close together and sometimes says the same description twice back to back just slightly different ways. Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
October 27, 2025
This was a great who-dun-it that kept me guessing until the very end. The atmosphere and flashback scenes were done well and gave you that dark, mysterious, heart pounding feeling. I enjoyed the characters and their stories that helped push the plot. Overall a really good read. Looking forward to reading more by Rynn!
November 3, 2025
SO GOOD!!!! Each chapter left me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought the story was going one way, the next page revealed a whole new path! Rynn Ely crafts an intriguing mystery lined with cult elements and an unreliable main character perspective. This truly is gonna be a staple in my household.
October 8, 2025
This upcoming novel is a very exciting mystery novel. It is my first time reading anything by the author and I will say I was deeply impressed by this novel. If you are someone who enjoys musteries that take place on a train then this is the book for you. The characters are very interesting.
October 25, 2025
This book kept me guessing!!!! I absolutely loved the back and fourth which gave so much backstory and context to dive deeper into the FMC’s character. I also really enjoyed finding out little pieces of the mystery slowing unraveling. Definitely loved the ending!
October 27, 2025
What a thrill!
Rynn Ely makes a new name in mystery! With thrills that keep you on the edge of your seat and keep your head rearing around every corner, The Passenger Who Never Left thrills, shocks, and has you gasping at every turn!
Rynn Ely makes a new name in mystery! With thrills that keep you on the edge of your seat and keep your head rearing around every corner, The Passenger Who Never Left thrills, shocks, and has you gasping at every turn!
December 19, 2025
Amazing mystery with a hint of romance!!!
October 16, 2025
** I was gifted an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback which is being freely given **
What a twisty mystery! I really enjoyed this book. I don't read mystery/thrillers often (I am, at heart, a big chicken) but this one consumed me and I honestly couldn't put it down! I had to unravel the story and get to the truth along with Delilah.
The deeper story of Delilah's past was so captivating and the author did such a good job expressing the complicated emotions of a person escaping from her specific situation. I felt invested in Delilah's journey and honestly didn't want the book to end!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to be taken on a twisty, wild ride!
What a twisty mystery! I really enjoyed this book. I don't read mystery/thrillers often (I am, at heart, a big chicken) but this one consumed me and I honestly couldn't put it down! I had to unravel the story and get to the truth along with Delilah.
The deeper story of Delilah's past was so captivating and the author did such a good job expressing the complicated emotions of a person escaping from her specific situation. I felt invested in Delilah's journey and honestly didn't want the book to end!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to be taken on a twisty, wild ride!
October 27, 2025
I devoured this book. I enjoyed how Rynn set up the book to have present and past for the readers so start to understand Delilah's past and why she is the way she is. There where twists and turns that I didn't expect and the characters were well developed. My favorite character was the dog because who could it not be. There is a little romance in the book and it was a good amount that didnt take away from the mystery. I can't wait to see what Rynn writes next.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews