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The Midnight World #2
The Midnight Train
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 03:22:53
5 copies available
U.S. only
When your life flashes before your eyes, where would you stop?
No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there. The chance to re-live the moments that meant most. To see what kind of person you really were.
For Wilbur his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. On his honeymoon in Venice.
Before he gave it all away.
He wishes he could go back and live differently. But to do so risks everything . . .
A magical, time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.
No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there. The chance to re-live the moments that meant most. To see what kind of person you really were.
For Wilbur his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. On his honeymoon in Venice.
Before he gave it all away.
He wishes he could go back and live differently. But to do so risks everything . . .
A magical, time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
31 people are currently reading
30285 people want to read
About the author
Matt Haig
66 books48.9k followersMatt Haig is the author of novels such as The Midnight Library, How to Stop Time, The Humans, The Radleys, and the forthcoming The Life Impossible. He has also written books for children, such as A Boy Called Christmas, and the memoir Reasons to Stay Alive.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Want to read
October 17, 2025Matt Haig is one my all-time favorite authors.
I’m really looking forward to The Midnight Train being released and having the opportunity to read it.
Can’t wait!
I’m really looking forward to The Midnight Train being released and having the opportunity to read it.
Can’t wait!
Want to read
December 12, 2025I was so happy to see that Matt Haig has written another book.
I love getting lost in Haig's magical world.
I've requested the ARC on NetGalley. Fingers crossed!!!
I love getting lost in Haig's magical world.
I've requested the ARC on NetGalley. Fingers crossed!!!
January 11, 2026
If you read and enjoyed the Midnight Library, you will love this book as well. It is poignant, reflective, and fraught with the perils and plights of life. While the storyline feels very much like A Christmas Carol by Dickens, it does also include moments that really make the reader think. There are several quotes in this book that you’ll want to remember in your own life. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just finished this advanced copy, it was such a comforting and insightful read. It really makes you think about life and all its little moments. I felt like I was on a journey with Wilbur, and it was a beautiful one. If you're looking for something that will leave you feeling a bit more hopeful, definitely pick this one up. It's one of those books you don't want to end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh, this book! After the first chapter, I just knew I was going to love it. I’ve been a Matt Haig fan for a long time and was very pleased to receive this advance review copy. I found myself trying to save this book because I didn’t want it to end. I was highlighting the beautiful writing, and when I do that, I just know it’s a book for me. Conceptually linked to The Midnight Library, which I also loved. Perfect pacing, fabulous characters, and I absolutely adored Wilbur Budd. This book brought me to tears, I can't champion it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second book in Matt Haig’s Midnight World, and I went into it with very high expectations because I loved The Midnight Library. In that book, the quest felt expansive—like many lives were touched by the choices being explored. (Though I may be romanticizing it and should probably reread.)
The Midnight Train is beautifully written. I highlighted something on almost every page, and there’s no denying how thoughtful and quotable it is. But by the end, I realized I didn’t actually care much about how the story resolved. It felt like everything ultimately narrowed back down to whether he was happy. Maggie, too, sure—but the broader ripple effect didn’t land for me the way it did in The Midnight Library.
I also didn’t realize until I’d finished that I didn’t really like Wilbur, which… explains a lot. It made sense of why I never fully settled into the story, even with how lovely the writing is.
I liked this book. I admired it. I just didn’t feel much once it was over—and after loving the first book so much, that surprised me.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC.
#TheMidnightTrain #MattHaig
The Midnight Train is beautifully written. I highlighted something on almost every page, and there’s no denying how thoughtful and quotable it is. But by the end, I realized I didn’t actually care much about how the story resolved. It felt like everything ultimately narrowed back down to whether he was happy. Maggie, too, sure—but the broader ripple effect didn’t land for me the way it did in The Midnight Library.
I also didn’t realize until I’d finished that I didn’t really like Wilbur, which… explains a lot. It made sense of why I never fully settled into the story, even with how lovely the writing is.
I liked this book. I admired it. I just didn’t feel much once it was over—and after loving the first book so much, that surprised me.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC.
#TheMidnightTrain #MattHaig
Want to read
November 21, 2025Snälla låt den vara well executed för midnight library kunde verkligen har varit så så så bra. Kommer definitivt läsa den här!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Could a bookseller change your life?..
..... Well, an author @mattzhaig and a publisher @canongatebooks can... ✨
I have finished The Midnight Train today. This incredibly profound work of art that had me having an existential crisis after the last page in all the best and painful ways. A book that will cleave you in two, and then reheal you - if you are willing and able to let it.
I cannot think of the right words to describe this book to give it the justice that it needs.
It feels layered like inception, if you can see through all the layers to get to the messages.
To be a fly on the wall, looking into Wilburs life, while he himself is a fly on the wall, looking into his own life.. To realise that there are so many things that would do differently or could have done differently, if you had the opportunity to view/visit your own life after death, but not being able to do anything to change it. And yet here we are with this book, a book that can give you the opportunity to reflect on your own life whilst still living - and although we might be without the means to change the past, the messages in this book can hand you the opportunity to change your perspective on your life right now, and to shape your future.
I really feel this is a book that needs to be read by everyone, and if everyone only takes away 1 of the many messages that are in it, then Matt has achieved something invaluable.
..... Well, an author @mattzhaig and a publisher @canongatebooks can... ✨
I have finished The Midnight Train today. This incredibly profound work of art that had me having an existential crisis after the last page in all the best and painful ways. A book that will cleave you in two, and then reheal you - if you are willing and able to let it.
I cannot think of the right words to describe this book to give it the justice that it needs.
It feels layered like inception, if you can see through all the layers to get to the messages.
To be a fly on the wall, looking into Wilburs life, while he himself is a fly on the wall, looking into his own life.. To realise that there are so many things that would do differently or could have done differently, if you had the opportunity to view/visit your own life after death, but not being able to do anything to change it. And yet here we are with this book, a book that can give you the opportunity to reflect on your own life whilst still living - and although we might be without the means to change the past, the messages in this book can hand you the opportunity to change your perspective on your life right now, and to shape your future.
I really feel this is a book that needs to be read by everyone, and if everyone only takes away 1 of the many messages that are in it, then Matt has achieved something invaluable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
“Obviously this isn’t a sequel to The Midnight Library, in any traditional sense. But conceptually, it follows on. The Midnight Library was a library between life and death. This is a train through life after death. “ Matt Haig
I fell in love with the Midnight Library when I read it back in 2023 so when I saw this I knew I had to read it. So let me start off by saying thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this before its release date.
These books are always a great way for me to start my year as they give you a perspective on how to live and look at your life. To appreciate what’s important. It was a nice touch that Nora made a guest appearance in the Midnight Train and had glimpses back into the Midnight Library.
There were more than a few lines that I had to write down as I want to continue to revisit them time and time again to remind myself on the important things in life and I know I will revisit this story again and again.
“Obviously this isn’t a sequel to The Midnight Library, in any traditional sense. But conceptually, it follows on. The Midnight Library was a library between life and death. This is a train through life after death. “ Matt Haig
I fell in love with the Midnight Library when I read it back in 2023 so when I saw this I knew I had to read it. So let me start off by saying thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this before its release date.
These books are always a great way for me to start my year as they give you a perspective on how to live and look at your life. To appreciate what’s important. It was a nice touch that Nora made a guest appearance in the Midnight Train and had glimpses back into the Midnight Library.
There were more than a few lines that I had to write down as I want to continue to revisit them time and time again to remind myself on the important things in life and I know I will revisit this story again and again.
Read
January 16, 2026Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
The Midnight Train is not a sequel to The Midnight Library but it has the same hopeful and reflective quality that made me fall in love with The Midnight Library.
After 81-year-old Wilbur dies he boards the Midnight Train, where he takes a journey through his life to see what kind of person he was with the life he had. The train stops at certain junctures in time along the way, centering on his relationships with his mom, brother, best friend, and wife Maggie. He is able to see where things went astray in his life with this new perspective and desperately wants to get a message to his younger self in the event that his destiny can be changed.
This book is a delightful and fast read and I enjoyed it very much.
The Midnight Train is not a sequel to The Midnight Library but it has the same hopeful and reflective quality that made me fall in love with The Midnight Library.
After 81-year-old Wilbur dies he boards the Midnight Train, where he takes a journey through his life to see what kind of person he was with the life he had. The train stops at certain junctures in time along the way, centering on his relationships with his mom, brother, best friend, and wife Maggie. He is able to see where things went astray in his life with this new perspective and desperately wants to get a message to his younger self in the event that his destiny can be changed.
This book is a delightful and fast read and I enjoyed it very much.
January 18, 2026
I was so excited to have the chance to read The Midnight Train by Matt Haig before its publication date. Thank you to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the opportunity!
If you could look back on your life after death, would you do anything differently? This is the question this book tackles. Fans of Haig’s novel The Midnight Library will love this book, asking a similar question as the first novel but in a very different context. The Midnight Train is book two in Haig’s Midnight World series, and I think it’s important to note that you do not have to read these books in order.
When Wilbur dies in his 80’s he finds himself on a train platform, greeted by a ghost of his past. As the train leaves the station he realizes he is on a ride to re-visit his life - the ups and the many, many downs that formed who he was over his long tenure on Earth. They say hindsight is 20/20, and Wilbur’s hindsight leads him to a decision that may change his own destiny, as well as those in his orbit.
I was instantly reminded of how much I loved The Midnight Library when I picked up this book, and knew this one would be an equally fun ride. After the initial excitement, there was a short period where I worried this would be a bit repetitive and reminiscent of the classical story of A Christmas Carol. However, just as quickly as my concern creeped in, it dissipated as Haig took the story in its own direction. The story of Wilbur and his wife Maggie was both hopeful and sad, real and fantastical. It touches on themes of grief, self-awareness, motivation, and growth. I found myself highlighting many quotes in this book, and like the previous novel, it was a good reminder to live in the moment and stay true to yourself.
A lovely, quick read that will make you think and feel. Well done, Matt Haig, I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
If you could look back on your life after death, would you do anything differently? This is the question this book tackles. Fans of Haig’s novel The Midnight Library will love this book, asking a similar question as the first novel but in a very different context. The Midnight Train is book two in Haig’s Midnight World series, and I think it’s important to note that you do not have to read these books in order.
When Wilbur dies in his 80’s he finds himself on a train platform, greeted by a ghost of his past. As the train leaves the station he realizes he is on a ride to re-visit his life - the ups and the many, many downs that formed who he was over his long tenure on Earth. They say hindsight is 20/20, and Wilbur’s hindsight leads him to a decision that may change his own destiny, as well as those in his orbit.
I was instantly reminded of how much I loved The Midnight Library when I picked up this book, and knew this one would be an equally fun ride. After the initial excitement, there was a short period where I worried this would be a bit repetitive and reminiscent of the classical story of A Christmas Carol. However, just as quickly as my concern creeped in, it dissipated as Haig took the story in its own direction. The story of Wilbur and his wife Maggie was both hopeful and sad, real and fantastical. It touches on themes of grief, self-awareness, motivation, and growth. I found myself highlighting many quotes in this book, and like the previous novel, it was a good reminder to live in the moment and stay true to yourself.
A lovely, quick read that will make you think and feel. Well done, Matt Haig, I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Author Matt Haig states that 'The Midnight Train' is not a sequel to the 'The Midnight Library', but rather a companion piece. I would offer that for those who see the recent movie 'Eternity', this is also a companion piece. When you reach the place in your life where you are wondering what the after-life could be like, novels like 'The Midnight Train' offer you a lens with which to view your life. For some readers, this novel could offer a realistic process to assess the highs and lows that have preceded this moment of their lives. As a reader, I was so engaged with Wilbur's life journey that I read it in one sitting on Christmas Eve. For me, it was the perfect piece to entice reflection about the year that was coming to a close, as well as the totality of my years. A small detail which keeps popping up in my brain is what mode of transportation my life's journey would take if this is indeed what happens when we die.
My sincere thanks to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review. This novel crossed my path at the perfect time and I hope other readers have the same experience.
My sincere thanks to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review. This novel crossed my path at the perfect time and I hope other readers have the same experience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In 2020 The Midnight Library was my favorite book of the year. I was excited to read this companion novel. While The Library focused on the space between life and death, The Midnight Train explores the afterlife experience. Wilber dies in his eighties and boards the train that stops at the junctures in his life that have made him who he is. The story didn't engage me right away, Wilber's character and that of his beloved Maggie seemed too basic, the other characters and circumstances were ordinary, and yet the book picks up speed at the midway mark. There is plenty of reflection on was make a good life. There are mistakes, regrets and the possibility of redemption which is a favorite theme for me. If Midnight Library was a favorite this is worth a read. 3.5* rounded up.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reader copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
** This review contains spoilers **
Such a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved The Midnight Library and was so happy to delve into the world of magical realism again. The Midnight Train focuses on the afterlife and the journey towards eternity. Matt Haig does an exceptional job at creating worlds that truly make you think. As with The Midnight Library, I found myself thinking about the way that I live my own life and how I will feel about my choices in the end. This story was thought-provoking, interesting, original and pulled at my heartstrings.
This will be a definite purchase for our library and find an easy home on a Staff Pick shelf. Pass along to those who enjoy magical realism or just a good story in general.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Such a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved The Midnight Library and was so happy to delve into the world of magical realism again. The Midnight Train focuses on the afterlife and the journey towards eternity. Matt Haig does an exceptional job at creating worlds that truly make you think. As with The Midnight Library, I found myself thinking about the way that I live my own life and how I will feel about my choices in the end. This story was thought-provoking, interesting, original and pulled at my heartstrings.
This will be a definite purchase for our library and find an easy home on a Staff Pick shelf. Pass along to those who enjoy magical realism or just a good story in general.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2026
4.75/5 stars
I am so grateful to have gotten early access to this book through NetGalley. Matt Haig’s writing and philosophy once again strikes such a deep chord with me in this story, just like it did in the Midnight Library. I’m undergoing a lot of change in my life right now, and this book has centered me and reminded me how life is in fact scary and painful, but also exciting and wonderful. I’m trying my best to savor it all like Wilbur learns to.
I love how the Midnight Train emphasizes the power of stories because they are my lifeline just like they are for its characters. I’m now adding this book to the list of stories that are balm for my aching soul.
If you loved the Midnight Library like I did, I believe this story will touch your heart just as deeply.
I am so grateful to have gotten early access to this book through NetGalley. Matt Haig’s writing and philosophy once again strikes such a deep chord with me in this story, just like it did in the Midnight Library. I’m undergoing a lot of change in my life right now, and this book has centered me and reminded me how life is in fact scary and painful, but also exciting and wonderful. I’m trying my best to savor it all like Wilbur learns to.
I love how the Midnight Train emphasizes the power of stories because they are my lifeline just like they are for its characters. I’m now adding this book to the list of stories that are balm for my aching soul.
If you loved the Midnight Library like I did, I believe this story will touch your heart just as deeply.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Midnight Train is not a sequel to The Midnight Library, but it exists in the same imaginative world. While the two novels differ in tone and structure, this one stands on its own as an ode to books, bookshops, booksellers, and the quiet magic of reading.
Wilbur loves Maggie. But when he loses everything, he is given a rare chance to relive his life aboard the midnight train. Like The Midnight Library, this novel made me reflect on the choices we make, how they shape us, and how different our lives might have been if we had chosen another path.
What lingers most is the writing. The quotes stay with you, echoing long after the final page. I know I will return to this book again, not just for the story, but for the way it made me feel.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for this book.
Wilbur loves Maggie. But when he loses everything, he is given a rare chance to relive his life aboard the midnight train. Like The Midnight Library, this novel made me reflect on the choices we make, how they shape us, and how different our lives might have been if we had chosen another path.
What lingers most is the writing. The quotes stay with you, echoing long after the final page. I know I will return to this book again, not just for the story, but for the way it made me feel.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to the publishers and Net Galley for the ARC of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The premise of this book is very interesting, about a train that takes you through critical moments of your life after you die. Not a sequel to the Midnight Library, but certainly in the same fantastical realm. As someone who liked the Midnight Library (not LOVED or HATED), I enjoyed this book.
I think it was a very cool concept, and I liked the main characters Wilber, Charlie, Maggie, etc. I personally like how certain (reflective) themes were woven throughout the book, and I really liked the ending. I'm sure this book will be a hit and I hope others enjoy this book as much as I did!
The premise of this book is very interesting, about a train that takes you through critical moments of your life after you die. Not a sequel to the Midnight Library, but certainly in the same fantastical realm. As someone who liked the Midnight Library (not LOVED or HATED), I enjoyed this book.
I think it was a very cool concept, and I liked the main characters Wilber, Charlie, Maggie, etc. I personally like how certain (reflective) themes were woven throughout the book, and I really liked the ending. I'm sure this book will be a hit and I hope others enjoy this book as much as I did!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As soon as I recieved this ARC I had to binge it and did so in a few hours, I was a massive fan of The Midnight Library, but this is definitely my favourite of this ‘world’ I presuming that a ‘midnight world’ means plenty more books to come and will be holding the author accountable for that 😂🥰
This was absolutely beautiful, making me feel all warm and mushy throughout, its themes are poignant and resonating, I feel that every reader will gain something from this book and it will impact them in someways, it did for me.
This is perfect for every single person let alone every reader, the author draws you into a world of timelines, events and thoughts in how to appreciate the life we are given ❤️.
This was absolutely beautiful, making me feel all warm and mushy throughout, its themes are poignant and resonating, I feel that every reader will gain something from this book and it will impact them in someways, it did for me.
This is perfect for every single person let alone every reader, the author draws you into a world of timelines, events and thoughts in how to appreciate the life we are given ❤️.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! The Midnight Train, like every other Matt Haig book, makes you want to sit and reflect on your life afterwards. I love the magical, time-traveling aspects that are used because it makes the hard-hitting parts reach an audience in a different way. Following Wilbur is a journey not miss. The reflection of life is so important for everyone. While I did really enjoy this, The Midnight Train is still my favorite Matt Haig novel. My interest got lost at some points, which I didn't really see before.
Thank you NetGalley, Viking, & Matt Haig for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Midnight Train is released on May 26, 2026!
Thank you NetGalley, Viking, & Matt Haig for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Midnight Train is released on May 26, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Midnight Train will have you reflecting on your life and the choices you have made leading up to the point where you are right now. It definitely felt very Christmas Carol-y with looking back at past choices and the journey to death. I also felt it was a little slow at the beginning and I felt a little bored, but was more engaged halfway through. It's an easy read, despite having some darker tones/situations to reflect on, so I think anyone could pick this up and enjoy it. I did find myself smiling at the end - inviting myself to feel nostalgic about the present.
Thank you Canongate Books for the advanced copy!
Thank you Canongate Books for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a beautiful story of love, regret, and learning what matters most. It is the story of Wilbur and Maggie. They both have hard things in their young lives, but find a home in each other. Until Wilbur lets work overtake his life and we see the end of his life at the beginning of the book. What happens after he dies is the ride of the midnight train. Wilbur sees his life "flash before his eyes" and realizes too late what mattered most. Is it too late? I love the way this book made me reflect on my life and my desire to live in the moment and cherish what matters most.
January 17, 2026
nothing will ever top The Midnight Library to me. that book will forever hold its own place in my heart, but in another timeline where I read this book first...
Matt Haig has such a way of weaving together time and life lessons in a way that should feel obvious but instead feel like just the words you need to hear
Matt Haig has such a way of weaving together time and life lessons in a way that should feel obvious but instead feel like just the words you need to hear
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
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December 21, 2025People will like this because people like stories on reflection of the past and the possibility for change.
DM for full review.
DM for full review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3 1/2 stars, not my favorite of his, but still good & it was fun to see Nora from the Midnight Library make a cameo appearance
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you, Viking, for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews