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The Midnight World #2
The Midnight Train
Not yet published
Expected 21 May 26When 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, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
67 people are currently reading
43793 people want to read
About the author
Matt Haig
67 books49.2k 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 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 2, 2026
In the simplest words from my romantic heart: I truly, deeply adored this book.
Even though you can sense where the story is heading, the beauty lies in its simplicity and sincerity. The writing doesn’t try to be clever or complicated—it’s genuine, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. Many of the emotional moments resonated with me in a way that felt almost personal, and because of that, I loved this story even more.
This novel is both sensational and quietly inspirational. It gently reminds us of life lessons we already know, but too often forget to actually live by: to slow down, to be present, to forgive, to let go. Life is not a marathon—it is a collection of moments, and sometimes we rush past the very ones that matter the most. Letting go isn’t something any of us ever fully masters, because we’re human. We make mistakes, we hurt each other, and we choose wrong when choosing right would have been harder. Pain is part of loving, and this book understands that deeply.
Maybe if I had read this story twenty years ago, Wilbur Budd’s journey wouldn’t have touched me so strongly. But as we grow older, the truths in this novel feel sharper and more real. We start thinking about time, about regret, about what we would change if we were given another chance. And we also start wondering about death—what comes after, if anything. Is it darkness? Heaven? Another beginning? A second life in another body? This book dares to explore those questions in the most tender and imaginative way.
Wilbur Budd is a wealthy bookstore owner who dies alone in his house, just after losing the love of his life once again. He reads Maggie’s farewell letter, collapses, and suffers a fatal heart attack. It feels final. Devastating. But that’s not where his story ends.
Wilbur becomes a ghost and boards the mysterious Midnight Train, guided by the unforgettable Agnes Deborah Amaryllis Bagsdale—the eccentric, magical owner of the bookshop where Wilbur first fell in love with reading as a child. She was the kind of woman who could place the perfect book into your hands and somehow know exactly what your soul needed. Years later, Wilbur would work in that very same shop and eventually inherit it, carrying on her legacy.
Now, Agnes becomes his guide through eternity, taking him through the most important moments of his life. We witness the tragedies that shaped him, the losses that broke him, and the love that defined him. One of the most beautiful memories is his honeymoon in Venice with Maggie—wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets, lost together, discovering what happiness truly feels like.
But Wilbur is heartbroken even in death. And a question begins to haunt him: what if he could go back? What if time isn’t as fixed as we think? What if, by risking eternity itself, he could correct his mistakes and save the love he lost? His old friend Charlie believed that time is relative—that the past might still be part of the future. But interfering with time comes with a terrifying cost. Could Wilbur change his fate without erasing himself?
This story is romantic in the purest sense of the word. To me, it is much more a love story than a fantasy—an emotional, inspirational, beautifully tender drama about regret, devotion, and second chances. I loved its simplicity and its directness. It warmed my heart from the very first page to the last, and it earned every one of its five stars.
It was also one of my fastest, most absorbing reads—easy to fall into, impossible not to feel.
Highly recommended. 💫
A million thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Viking for sharing one of the most anticipated books of 2026 with me in exchange for my honest thoughts, which I truly and sincerely appreciate.
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Even though you can sense where the story is heading, the beauty lies in its simplicity and sincerity. The writing doesn’t try to be clever or complicated—it’s genuine, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. Many of the emotional moments resonated with me in a way that felt almost personal, and because of that, I loved this story even more.
This novel is both sensational and quietly inspirational. It gently reminds us of life lessons we already know, but too often forget to actually live by: to slow down, to be present, to forgive, to let go. Life is not a marathon—it is a collection of moments, and sometimes we rush past the very ones that matter the most. Letting go isn’t something any of us ever fully masters, because we’re human. We make mistakes, we hurt each other, and we choose wrong when choosing right would have been harder. Pain is part of loving, and this book understands that deeply.
Maybe if I had read this story twenty years ago, Wilbur Budd’s journey wouldn’t have touched me so strongly. But as we grow older, the truths in this novel feel sharper and more real. We start thinking about time, about regret, about what we would change if we were given another chance. And we also start wondering about death—what comes after, if anything. Is it darkness? Heaven? Another beginning? A second life in another body? This book dares to explore those questions in the most tender and imaginative way.
Wilbur Budd is a wealthy bookstore owner who dies alone in his house, just after losing the love of his life once again. He reads Maggie’s farewell letter, collapses, and suffers a fatal heart attack. It feels final. Devastating. But that’s not where his story ends.
Wilbur becomes a ghost and boards the mysterious Midnight Train, guided by the unforgettable Agnes Deborah Amaryllis Bagsdale—the eccentric, magical owner of the bookshop where Wilbur first fell in love with reading as a child. She was the kind of woman who could place the perfect book into your hands and somehow know exactly what your soul needed. Years later, Wilbur would work in that very same shop and eventually inherit it, carrying on her legacy.
Now, Agnes becomes his guide through eternity, taking him through the most important moments of his life. We witness the tragedies that shaped him, the losses that broke him, and the love that defined him. One of the most beautiful memories is his honeymoon in Venice with Maggie—wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets, lost together, discovering what happiness truly feels like.
But Wilbur is heartbroken even in death. And a question begins to haunt him: what if he could go back? What if time isn’t as fixed as we think? What if, by risking eternity itself, he could correct his mistakes and save the love he lost? His old friend Charlie believed that time is relative—that the past might still be part of the future. But interfering with time comes with a terrifying cost. Could Wilbur change his fate without erasing himself?
This story is romantic in the purest sense of the word. To me, it is much more a love story than a fantasy—an emotional, inspirational, beautifully tender drama about regret, devotion, and second chances. I loved its simplicity and its directness. It warmed my heart from the very first page to the last, and it earned every one of its five stars.
It was also one of my fastest, most absorbing reads—easy to fall into, impossible not to feel.
Highly recommended. 💫
A million thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Viking for sharing one of the most anticipated books of 2026 with me in exchange for my honest thoughts, which I truly and sincerely appreciate.
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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!
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.
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!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"I can’t fix you. I can’t even fix myself." When a Matt Haig book starts you off with tears in chapter 1, you know you're in for an emotional rollercoaster of a book. The Midnight Library focused on the endless directions and possibilities, where The Midnight Train is more reflective on the life we've already lived.
The midnight train takes the reader through all seasons of life: The mundane moments, life-changing seconds, and memories we wish to never revisit. Similar to A Christmas Carol, we follow Wilbur as he witnesses all the core moments that made up his life and created who he was at the end of his journey. But what if you could change what happens along the way?
Thank you NetGalley for this arc. Pub day: May 2026
The midnight train takes the reader through all seasons of life: The mundane moments, life-changing seconds, and memories we wish to never revisit. Similar to A Christmas Carol, we follow Wilbur as he witnesses all the core moments that made up his life and created who he was at the end of his journey. But what if you could change what happens along the way?
Thank you NetGalley for this arc. Pub day: May 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5🌟
Thanks to Netgalley, Matt Haig, and Viking Penguin for sending me an Arc to review.
Wow! I knew I would enjoy this book, but I ended up absolutely adoring it. This one will stay with me for awhile. The first half is background story, learning about Wilbur and his life. Why he has made the choices he has made, how he has dealt with traumas and experiences he has survived. The second half I could not put down. I ignored everything I was supposed to do tonight because this took priority. Zero regrets. I won't give spoilers, but I will say, the journey this takes you on is something all people should consider. It's raw emotion and relatable. If only everyone did get a midnight train. I highly recommend this book and personally will probably reread it at some point.
While this is set in the same World as The Midnight Library, it is not necessary to read (or reread) the first book. Although that one is also a great read. I'm hoping there will be more to come in this world!!
Thanks to Netgalley, Matt Haig, and Viking Penguin for sending me an Arc to review.
Wow! I knew I would enjoy this book, but I ended up absolutely adoring it. This one will stay with me for awhile. The first half is background story, learning about Wilbur and his life. Why he has made the choices he has made, how he has dealt with traumas and experiences he has survived. The second half I could not put down. I ignored everything I was supposed to do tonight because this took priority. Zero regrets. I won't give spoilers, but I will say, the journey this takes you on is something all people should consider. It's raw emotion and relatable. If only everyone did get a midnight train. I highly recommend this book and personally will probably reread it at some point.
While this is set in the same World as The Midnight Library, it is not necessary to read (or reread) the first book. Although that one is also a great read. I'm hoping there will be more to come in this world!!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Midnight Train follows the main character Wilbur Budd, looking back at his past life as a passenger on the midnight train, stopping at significant moments. It has echoes of A Christmas Carol and of course Haig's earlier novel, The Midnight Library, even bringing back characters from that book. This is an emotional story about choices, regret and love lost.
I have read several of Matt Haig's novels and usually rate then either 3 or 4 stars. This was a 3 star read for me, so not my favourite, in comparison to the Midnight Library which I gave 4 stars. That's not to say it wasn't a good read, it was, but it didn't have the wow factor for me this time. Having said that I flew though it. Haig's writing style feels effortless and the story moves quickly, although I felt once I got to the mid point I was fairly sure where it was going.
This novel will appeal to Haig's many fans, lovers of The Midnight Library and anyone interested in emotional stories with a light supernatural/time-travel element. It should also appeal to anyone looking for a satisfying but not too challenging read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canongate books for the ARC.
I have read several of Matt Haig's novels and usually rate then either 3 or 4 stars. This was a 3 star read for me, so not my favourite, in comparison to the Midnight Library which I gave 4 stars. That's not to say it wasn't a good read, it was, but it didn't have the wow factor for me this time. Having said that I flew though it. Haig's writing style feels effortless and the story moves quickly, although I felt once I got to the mid point I was fairly sure where it was going.
This novel will appeal to Haig's many fans, lovers of The Midnight Library and anyone interested in emotional stories with a light supernatural/time-travel element. It should also appeal to anyone looking for a satisfying but not too challenging read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canongate books for the ARC.
February 1, 2026
ARC review
4.5 ⭐️
“But what if there are things that I did wrong?’…’That, Old Bean, means you have lived.”
I think Matt Haig books are best entered in to blind, so I won’t share what this one’s about, just that if you loved The Midnight Library, you’ll adore this too!
This was deeply moving, heartbreaking and introspective. Much like the Midnight Library, I’m left with an appreciation for life’s small moments and a view on what’s really important in life (though I doubt I’ll find myself with the life that Wilber has!).
I also loved the call backs to The Midnight Library, while this is not a sequel, it was fun to see the two connected.
I found this slightly more predictable than TML, but loved it nonetheless.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
4.5 ⭐️
“But what if there are things that I did wrong?’…’That, Old Bean, means you have lived.”
I think Matt Haig books are best entered in to blind, so I won’t share what this one’s about, just that if you loved The Midnight Library, you’ll adore this too!
This was deeply moving, heartbreaking and introspective. Much like the Midnight Library, I’m left with an appreciation for life’s small moments and a view on what’s really important in life (though I doubt I’ll find myself with the life that Wilber has!).
I also loved the call backs to The Midnight Library, while this is not a sequel, it was fun to see the two connected.
I found this slightly more predictable than TML, but loved it nonetheless.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2026
Gosh what a great story about how all the moments of life - big and small - make us who we are. Matt Haig took us back to the world of The Midnight Library and did an amazing job imparting nuggets of wisdom about living life well. Great premise, well thought out middle, and a beautiful wrap up.
Hop on the train with Wilbur; you won't regret it!
[Note for the mems: this is my first physical ARC - Thanks to Kerri at Penguin Random House!]
Hop on the train with Wilbur; you won't regret it!
[Note for the mems: this is my first physical ARC - Thanks to Kerri at Penguin Random House!]
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Train is a quiet, contemplative exploration of a life viewed from the edge of its end. I came to this book without having read The Midnight Library, so I had no preconceptions or framing for Haig’s metaphysical style. That absence made the story feel less like part of a series and more like a standalone meditation on mortality, memory, and love.
The novel follows Wilbur Budd, who, after collapsing from a heart attack, finds himself aboard the Midnight Train, a passageway through his own past. Unlike The Midnight Library, which is about imagined alternate lives, this story is about the life that was actually lived and the moments that mattered within it. Haig draws Wilbur back through the pivotal decisions, regrets, and joys that shaped him, centering on his relationship with Maggie, the love who defined the arc of his life. The narrative is spare but tender, with each chapter moving through memory as if it were a room illuminated by soft, shifting light.
Reading this in the weeks after my father’s death, made it unexpectedly intimate. The book does not offer consolation through imagined possibilities or neat resolutions. Instead, it asks a simpler, harder question, what in this one life is worth holding onto? That question landed hard. Wilbur’s reflections on love, loss, and regret mirrored my own, in ways that were sometimes comforting, sometimes raw.
Wilbur and Maggie are the emotional centers of the novel, anchors in a story otherwise defined by introspection. Their connection illustrates the gravity of presence over possibility, showing how meaning arises not from what could have been, but from what actually was, the lives we touch, the choices we make, and the love we allow ourselves to carry.
The Midnight Train is understated yet resonant. It is not a philosophical treatise, nor a dramatic speculative puzzle, it is a reflective, elegiac meditation on living fully in the face of impermanence. For anyone navigating loss, uncertainty, or the quiet weight of their own decisions, it reads less like guidance and more like companionship, an invitation to sit with the life you have, and for a moment, see it clearly.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my unbiased, honest, and voluntary review.
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Train is a quiet, contemplative exploration of a life viewed from the edge of its end. I came to this book without having read The Midnight Library, so I had no preconceptions or framing for Haig’s metaphysical style. That absence made the story feel less like part of a series and more like a standalone meditation on mortality, memory, and love.
The novel follows Wilbur Budd, who, after collapsing from a heart attack, finds himself aboard the Midnight Train, a passageway through his own past. Unlike The Midnight Library, which is about imagined alternate lives, this story is about the life that was actually lived and the moments that mattered within it. Haig draws Wilbur back through the pivotal decisions, regrets, and joys that shaped him, centering on his relationship with Maggie, the love who defined the arc of his life. The narrative is spare but tender, with each chapter moving through memory as if it were a room illuminated by soft, shifting light.
Reading this in the weeks after my father’s death, made it unexpectedly intimate. The book does not offer consolation through imagined possibilities or neat resolutions. Instead, it asks a simpler, harder question, what in this one life is worth holding onto? That question landed hard. Wilbur’s reflections on love, loss, and regret mirrored my own, in ways that were sometimes comforting, sometimes raw.
Wilbur and Maggie are the emotional centers of the novel, anchors in a story otherwise defined by introspection. Their connection illustrates the gravity of presence over possibility, showing how meaning arises not from what could have been, but from what actually was, the lives we touch, the choices we make, and the love we allow ourselves to carry.
The Midnight Train is understated yet resonant. It is not a philosophical treatise, nor a dramatic speculative puzzle, it is a reflective, elegiac meditation on living fully in the face of impermanence. For anyone navigating loss, uncertainty, or the quiet weight of their own decisions, it reads less like guidance and more like companionship, an invitation to sit with the life you have, and for a moment, see it clearly.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my unbiased, honest, and voluntary review.
January 19, 2026
The book is only as Matt Haig could write it. The Midnight Train is the vehicle that the protagonist, Wilbur, boards when he dies. He had led a full life but one with regret. He regretted the fact that he wasn’t still married to his one true love, Maggie. And whilst the train takes him through his life, as they say, looking back over the years when you die. It shows when they first met and all the milestones that he achieved and missed during his life. It also shows his interactions with his family and the difficulty he had with his brother, Dougie. But more importantly, it shows his honeymoon when he was at his happiest. And this is where the train takes a slight diversion. He picks his old self up to show him the mistakes he made, and the reason why he lost Maggie and other people who were important in his life.
It’s quite a fascinating journey and it does make you think, although it’s whimsical in essence, could this really happen in death that you have a guide, (in Wilbur’s case, it was Agnes, the old bookstore owner,) who takes you through your life? And if you could go back in time and look back at your life, what would you change? Would you change anything at all? There is an excellent quote in the book, which I think is quite poignant. It is “The incredibly annoying thing about being dead was that you’ve got all your priorities in order just when it was late to do anything about it.”
The Midnight Train is primarily about loss and having yourself showing your future so that you can change the past so that he doesn’t have to endure the loss of love, not just Maggie. He lost his father in the war and then his brother, Dougie, in a terrible accident. He himself was always looked upon as a burden by his mother. She saw him as just another mouth to feed when they lost his father, rather than someone to love. I cried in places because this book is so touching. Especially when Wilbur wakes up and sees Maggie again for the first time through old eyes.
It’s quite a fascinating journey and it does make you think, although it’s whimsical in essence, could this really happen in death that you have a guide, (in Wilbur’s case, it was Agnes, the old bookstore owner,) who takes you through your life? And if you could go back in time and look back at your life, what would you change? Would you change anything at all? There is an excellent quote in the book, which I think is quite poignant. It is “The incredibly annoying thing about being dead was that you’ve got all your priorities in order just when it was late to do anything about it.”
The Midnight Train is primarily about loss and having yourself showing your future so that you can change the past so that he doesn’t have to endure the loss of love, not just Maggie. He lost his father in the war and then his brother, Dougie, in a terrible accident. He himself was always looked upon as a burden by his mother. She saw him as just another mouth to feed when they lost his father, rather than someone to love. I cried in places because this book is so touching. Especially when Wilbur wakes up and sees Maggie again for the first time through old eyes.
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
The Midnight Train is a rare kind of story that found me exactly when I needed it. If you’ve ever wondered "what if" or looked back at your past with a bit of "if only," this book is a beautiful, emotional gut-punch in the best way possible. If you loved The Midnight Library, you will love this book.
I gave it 5 stars because it truly made me feel everything. While it's set in the same world as The Midnight Library, Wilbur’s journey aboard the train felt so personal. It’s a powerful exploration of regret, the choices that define us, and the moments we take for granted. Reading about his reflections on Maggie and the life they shared forced me to take a hard look at my own priorities and what actually matters. It makes me think of one of my favorite quotes:
“What is success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s moving, hopeful, and incredibly grounding. Matt Haig has this incredible way of making you feel nostalgic for your own present life, and reflect on your own choices you've made. If you’re looking for a book that stays with you long after the final stop, this is it. It’s a gentle reminder that we can't change the past, but we can certainly change how we see our lives right now.
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for this Arc
I gave it 5 stars because it truly made me feel everything. While it's set in the same world as The Midnight Library, Wilbur’s journey aboard the train felt so personal. It’s a powerful exploration of regret, the choices that define us, and the moments we take for granted. Reading about his reflections on Maggie and the life they shared forced me to take a hard look at my own priorities and what actually matters. It makes me think of one of my favorite quotes:
“What is success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s moving, hopeful, and incredibly grounding. Matt Haig has this incredible way of making you feel nostalgic for your own present life, and reflect on your own choices you've made. If you’re looking for a book that stays with you long after the final stop, this is it. It’s a gentle reminder that we can't change the past, but we can certainly change how we see our lives right now.
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for this Arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At 81, Wilbur Budd has led a long, succesful life, if you measure success in terms of money, influence, and possessions. But Wilbur now finds himself wealthy, lonely, and filled with regret. He dies the day Maggie, the only woman he ever loved, contacts him for the first time in 30 years. He then realizes that his life has been one of missed chances, where "no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused." He then embarks on a journey to review his life before arriving at his final destination, Eternity.
The bones of this book are the same as Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but it is not nearly so well told. The story is stitched together with a tangle of motifs: train travel, contemporary music, classic literature, and string theory. Wilbur weaves through it not as a miserly misanthrope who's led to see the error of his ways before it's too late. He does it as someone for whom it's already too late, a smart everyman who succeeds in spite of circumstances only to lose what's really important--love. Wilbur cannot accept this failure and determines to fix it, even if it means forfeiting Eternity.
I can see this as an extension of The Midnight Library, but I did not enjoy it as much. Haig is a talented writer, but for me, this book was a disappointment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for a review copy of this book.
The bones of this book are the same as Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but it is not nearly so well told. The story is stitched together with a tangle of motifs: train travel, contemporary music, classic literature, and string theory. Wilbur weaves through it not as a miserly misanthrope who's led to see the error of his ways before it's too late. He does it as someone for whom it's already too late, a smart everyman who succeeds in spite of circumstances only to lose what's really important--love. Wilbur cannot accept this failure and determines to fix it, even if it means forfeiting Eternity.
I can see this as an extension of The Midnight Library, but I did not enjoy it as much. Haig is a talented writer, but for me, this book was a disappointment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for a review copy of this book.
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.
January 24, 2026
I went into The Midnight Train with really high expectations, mostly because The Midnight Library moved me so much, and while I did enjoy this book overall, it didn’t quite hit the same way for me. I loved the premise and the idea of revisiting important moments from your life, and I thought the ending and the overall story worked, but I had a hard time connecting with Wilbur. I don’t feel like I really got to know him before the main part of the story started, which made it harder for me to feel fully invested.
The themes of regret, love, and redemption felt a little too on the nose at times, and the pacing and flow were uneven. It wasn’t a page turner for me the way The Midnight Library was, and a lot of it felt pretty predictable. It also reminded me a lot of A Christmas Carol, which made it feel less fresh than I was hoping for.
That said, I still think fans of The Midnight Library should read this. The concept is strong, the writing style will feel familiar, and there’s a lot to appreciate here, even if it didn’t quite land as hard for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The themes of regret, love, and redemption felt a little too on the nose at times, and the pacing and flow were uneven. It wasn’t a page turner for me the way The Midnight Library was, and a lot of it felt pretty predictable. It also reminded me a lot of A Christmas Carol, which made it feel less fresh than I was hoping for.
That said, I still think fans of The Midnight Library should read this. The concept is strong, the writing style will feel familiar, and there’s a lot to appreciate here, even if it didn’t quite land as hard for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Midnight Train is one of those quietly powerful stories that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go. Matt Haig has a gift for writing about loneliness, hope, and the fragile, beautiful in-between spaces of being human—and this book is no exception.
There’s something almost dreamlike about the atmosphere of this story, like you’re drifting through shadows and memories on a train that isn’t just traveling through places, but through grief, regret, and healing. The characters feel achingly real, and the emotional weight builds in such a gentle, thoughtful way that you don’t even realize how deep you’re in until your heart is already breaking a little.
What I loved most is how Haig explores the idea that sometimes the smallest moments—and the briefest connections—can change the entire direction of a life. It’s introspective, haunting, and quietly hopeful, with that signature Matt Haig touch that makes you reflect on your own choices, losses, and second chances.
This is not a fast, action-packed read—it’s a moody, contemplative journey—but if you love emotional, thoughtful stories that linger long after you close the book, The Midnight Train is absolutely worth the ride. 🚆✨
There’s something almost dreamlike about the atmosphere of this story, like you’re drifting through shadows and memories on a train that isn’t just traveling through places, but through grief, regret, and healing. The characters feel achingly real, and the emotional weight builds in such a gentle, thoughtful way that you don’t even realize how deep you’re in until your heart is already breaking a little.
What I loved most is how Haig explores the idea that sometimes the smallest moments—and the briefest connections—can change the entire direction of a life. It’s introspective, haunting, and quietly hopeful, with that signature Matt Haig touch that makes you reflect on your own choices, losses, and second chances.
This is not a fast, action-packed read—it’s a moody, contemplative journey—but if you love emotional, thoughtful stories that linger long after you close the book, The Midnight Train is absolutely worth the ride. 🚆✨
January 31, 2026
Has this ever happened to you? You finally get your hands on a much-anticipated book, you devour it, and then you’re immediately sad that it’s over? This is what happened to me with The Midnight Train. I finished it a matter of hours, and I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
When we die, our life flashes before our eyes. In Wilbur Budd’s case, it flashes before him while on a train ride. Occasionally the train stops so he can get off and view things up close. Wilbur realizes that his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. He wishes he could change the way his life played out, but interfering is too risky.
While this isn’t a sequel to The Midnight Library, it does exist in the same world, and it has similar themes. The Midnight Train is about life, death, love, loss, friendship, and savoring the little moments. I was in tears by the end.
There were so many poignant quotes in this book, but sadly my digital arc didn’t allow for highlighting. I can see myself rereading it with a highlighter and sticky notes in hand once the hardcover is released, because I will be buying a copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking for the arc.
When we die, our life flashes before our eyes. In Wilbur Budd’s case, it flashes before him while on a train ride. Occasionally the train stops so he can get off and view things up close. Wilbur realizes that his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. He wishes he could change the way his life played out, but interfering is too risky.
While this isn’t a sequel to The Midnight Library, it does exist in the same world, and it has similar themes. The Midnight Train is about life, death, love, loss, friendship, and savoring the little moments. I was in tears by the end.
There were so many poignant quotes in this book, but sadly my digital arc didn’t allow for highlighting. I can see myself rereading it with a highlighter and sticky notes in hand once the hardcover is released, because I will be buying a copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking for the arc.
January 22, 2026
Review of ‘The Midnight Train’ by Matt Haig, due to be published on 21 May 2026 by Canongate Books.
A follow on book to The Midnight Library, in the sense of concept, not characters. This book finds Wilbur Budd, 81 years old and a hugely successful bookshop chain owner living in a sprawling estate, just in the moments before his death.
Wilbur boards The Midnight Train at 1 minute past midnight on the day he dies for his journey through his life and death, the scenes playing through the windows and making significant life stops along the way.
The stops have Wilbur looking back on his life, the joys, regrets and tragedies that made up who he was at the end of his life, opening up in his mind the possibility that he could have chosen a different path.
This book is exceptional, it’s poignant and loaded with raw emotion. I was completely and utterly engrossed in Wilbur’s story, he stays with you long after the last page has been read. I didn’t love this book, I adored it. A highly recommended read.
A follow on book to The Midnight Library, in the sense of concept, not characters. This book finds Wilbur Budd, 81 years old and a hugely successful bookshop chain owner living in a sprawling estate, just in the moments before his death.
Wilbur boards The Midnight Train at 1 minute past midnight on the day he dies for his journey through his life and death, the scenes playing through the windows and making significant life stops along the way.
The stops have Wilbur looking back on his life, the joys, regrets and tragedies that made up who he was at the end of his life, opening up in his mind the possibility that he could have chosen a different path.
This book is exceptional, it’s poignant and loaded with raw emotion. I was completely and utterly engrossed in Wilbur’s story, he stays with you long after the last page has been read. I didn’t love this book, I adored it. A highly recommended read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Midnight Train is a soft and reflective novel that explores human emotions and the little moments that can change the course of a life. Once again, Matt Haig captures deep emotion while leaving room for hope, delivering a story that feels intimate but relatable on a universal level.
Through gentle, reflective writing and strong characters, Haig looks at grief, mental health, and the thoughts people struggle to voice. The train becomes a meaningful symbol of transition and escape, capturing the idea of moving on even when the future feels uncertain. The story unfolds slowly, giving readers space to feel the emotions without pushing for quick answers. This book was beautifully written and really leaves you feeling almost weightless. Overall, The Midnight Train by Matt Haig was a gorgeous, thought and emotion provoking read that belongs on your shelf this may.
Thankyou to the publishers for allowing me the chance to read an ARC copy.
Through gentle, reflective writing and strong characters, Haig looks at grief, mental health, and the thoughts people struggle to voice. The train becomes a meaningful symbol of transition and escape, capturing the idea of moving on even when the future feels uncertain. The story unfolds slowly, giving readers space to feel the emotions without pushing for quick answers. This book was beautifully written and really leaves you feeling almost weightless. Overall, The Midnight Train by Matt Haig was a gorgeous, thought and emotion provoking read that belongs on your shelf this may.
Thankyou to the publishers for allowing me the chance to read an ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you loved The Midnight Library, you will love this book as well. It’s filled with moments that make you pause, think, and reflect on your own life and choices. It reminds us to slow down, appreciate the present, and not take life for granted—concepts we all know but often forget while living our fast-paced lives.
Wilbur Budd is a main character you can’t help but adore and root for throughout the novel. His journey on the midnight train is one many of us can relate to, especially as we get older and realize just how quickly the days and years pass. The Midnight Train is full of quotes and themes that will resonate deeply with readers and make you want to revisit them or jot them down. For me, I’ll hold on to: “The only way to learn is to live.” And to all the readers who haven’t had the opportunity to read the Midnight Train, enjoy it! It goes by too fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Viking for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wilbur Budd is a main character you can’t help but adore and root for throughout the novel. His journey on the midnight train is one many of us can relate to, especially as we get older and realize just how quickly the days and years pass. The Midnight Train is full of quotes and themes that will resonate deeply with readers and make you want to revisit them or jot them down. For me, I’ll hold on to: “The only way to learn is to live.” And to all the readers who haven’t had the opportunity to read the Midnight Train, enjoy it! It goes by too fast.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Viking for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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.
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