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The 10:12
Claire Fitzroy was just trying to get home when her train from Manchester to London was hijacked by a group of armed men. In one terrifying moment she faced the starkest of to stand back. To fight back. And maybe to die either way.
Claire chose to fight back, and in doing so saved hundreds of lives. But what looks like heroism in the heat of the moment can play out very differently in the courts and the eyes of the public. Especially when you have the blood of two men on your hands.
Selfless and quick-thinking. Attention-seeking vigilante. Unrepentant murderer. Whichever she is, this is Claire's story of what happened that day.
But is it the whole story?
A breathtaking thriller where nothing is as it seems and saving the day is only the beginning, The 10:12 is the perfect read for fans of Sarah Vaughan, Catherine Ryan Howard and Ava Glass.
Claire chose to fight back, and in doing so saved hundreds of lives. But what looks like heroism in the heat of the moment can play out very differently in the courts and the eyes of the public. Especially when you have the blood of two men on your hands.
Selfless and quick-thinking. Attention-seeking vigilante. Unrepentant murderer. Whichever she is, this is Claire's story of what happened that day.
But is it the whole story?
A breathtaking thriller where nothing is as it seems and saving the day is only the beginning, The 10:12 is the perfect read for fans of Sarah Vaughan, Catherine Ryan Howard and Ava Glass.
- GenresThriller
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
28 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 27, 2025
This was such a fantastic premise and it was delivered extremely well.
The 10.12 in question is a train which Claire Fitzroy was on, just trying to get home. However, when the train is hijacked, Claire, alongside other passengers decide to fight back, causing death themselves as they fight to take control of the train.
When it's over, and the trial ensues, it is clear that what happened that day is perceived differently by many people. Did they do the right thing fighting back? Or did their vigilantism go too far? Claire writes her account and is determined to put the story straight however do we really know what happened that day?
Although definitely a page turning thriller, I feel there is more depth to this book that I initially envisioned. The role of Claire, as an older woman, is examined in a level of detail which was interesting compared to the actions of 'macho' men on the train. Definite elements of misogyny come through which made me reflect.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books (UK) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
P.S. I'm taking a star off cause the drunk guy on the train was Scottish. We can live without the stereotype! (joking, couldn't care less, it was a four star read)
The 10.12 in question is a train which Claire Fitzroy was on, just trying to get home. However, when the train is hijacked, Claire, alongside other passengers decide to fight back, causing death themselves as they fight to take control of the train.
When it's over, and the trial ensues, it is clear that what happened that day is perceived differently by many people. Did they do the right thing fighting back? Or did their vigilantism go too far? Claire writes her account and is determined to put the story straight however do we really know what happened that day?
Although definitely a page turning thriller, I feel there is more depth to this book that I initially envisioned. The role of Claire, as an older woman, is examined in a level of detail which was interesting compared to the actions of 'macho' men on the train. Definite elements of misogyny come through which made me reflect.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books (UK) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
P.S. I'm taking a star off cause the drunk guy on the train was Scottish. We can live without the stereotype! (joking, couldn't care less, it was a four star read)
January 25, 2026
Having just received some upsetting news regarding her husband, Claire Fitzroy is not in the best of moods when she boards the 10:12 from Manchester to London. She’s anticipating a quiet journey in first class and is annoyed at the behaviour of the obnoxious man sitting next to her and the obvious cokehead a little further down the carriage.
The journey starts - like so many - uneventfully. But it soon becomes the journey that Claire is going to remember for a long time…because the train is hijacked and everyone on board is under threat.
Like so many women of an age, Claire is often overlooked. She finds herself caught up in a truly awful situation, and chooses to try and help those in need. Her decision to help those on board in their attempt to take down the terrorists is not one I fully understand. We follow events through Claire’s perspective, but from a distance as she has - after the trial linked to the attack - decided to write a book about the incident. Her book, with the varying accounts from others who were there or involved, is what we are reading.
From its premise we know that the attack failed. We also know a number of people were injured and some lost their lives. Like Claire, we have questions and want to know why it happened.
Not all our questions are answered. Some are deliberately ignored, and it does become clear later on that there is a conspiracy. The closing stages definitely raise more questions, and help us make sense of some of the elements that didn’t quite gel.
I can see this being a success upon release, and I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review it early.
The journey starts - like so many - uneventfully. But it soon becomes the journey that Claire is going to remember for a long time…because the train is hijacked and everyone on board is under threat.
Like so many women of an age, Claire is often overlooked. She finds herself caught up in a truly awful situation, and chooses to try and help those in need. Her decision to help those on board in their attempt to take down the terrorists is not one I fully understand. We follow events through Claire’s perspective, but from a distance as she has - after the trial linked to the attack - decided to write a book about the incident. Her book, with the varying accounts from others who were there or involved, is what we are reading.
From its premise we know that the attack failed. We also know a number of people were injured and some lost their lives. Like Claire, we have questions and want to know why it happened.
Not all our questions are answered. Some are deliberately ignored, and it does become clear later on that there is a conspiracy. The closing stages definitely raise more questions, and help us make sense of some of the elements that didn’t quite gel.
I can see this being a success upon release, and I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review it early.
February 1, 2026
Free courtesy of Netgalley.
First book from me by Anna Maloney and it was a great read. From the start I was drawn in but I truly believed that I was reading a book written by someone who was on the highjacked train, and even googled it to see when it happened, silly me.
There are many twists and turns whilst the story is being told of a group of passengers who fight back. I really enjoyed the story, but was surprised at Claire's inability to let it go, even if it might cost her family and her marriage.
I would recommend this book as it is very well written and like I said at the beginning of this review very believable.
First book from me by Anna Maloney and it was a great read. From the start I was drawn in but I truly believed that I was reading a book written by someone who was on the highjacked train, and even googled it to see when it happened, silly me.
There are many twists and turns whilst the story is being told of a group of passengers who fight back. I really enjoyed the story, but was surprised at Claire's inability to let it go, even if it might cost her family and her marriage.
I would recommend this book as it is very well written and like I said at the beginning of this review very believable.
Read
December 21, 2025I had high hopes for this story, and I was gripped by the premise. But for me personally the action sequences on the train felt were a little farfetched to me. After the trial there was a lot of information on Claire writing a book and her talking to companions that were on the train and sometimes, I wondered what the relevance of it was that I started losing interest at the end. 3 stars from me.
November 26, 2025
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 🌟
I loved the premise of this novel and was immediately drawn in by the train hijacking storyline. The opening section is fast-paced and action-packed, and I could easily imagine it translating into a gripping film. The tension is high from the outset and the sense of urgency on the train is very well done.
However, there are a lot of characters introduced early on, particularly among the passengers and the hijackers, and I found this quite overwhelming at times. I struggled to keep track of the different terrorists’ names and backgrounds, which meant I wasn’t as fully immersed in the story as I wanted to be. I would have liked more depth and clarity around their backstories to help distinguish them and strengthen my emotional investment.
I actually enjoyed the second half of the book more. As Claire begins to investigate the motives behind the attack in preparation for her upcoming book, the narrative takes on a more reflective and investigative tone. I really liked the use of mixed formats: texts, letters from people on the train, and court records are woven into the story, giving it a convincing, almost documentary feel. The inclusion of commentary from Claire’s editor about her book was also a clever and original touch.
Overall, this is a highly original and ambitious thriller with a strong concept and some very effective moments. While I admired its structure and creativity, I didn’t feel as emotionally invested as I’d hoped due to the sheer number of characters involved. Still, it’s an engaging read and one I would recommend to fans of unconventional thrillers.
I loved the premise of this novel and was immediately drawn in by the train hijacking storyline. The opening section is fast-paced and action-packed, and I could easily imagine it translating into a gripping film. The tension is high from the outset and the sense of urgency on the train is very well done.
However, there are a lot of characters introduced early on, particularly among the passengers and the hijackers, and I found this quite overwhelming at times. I struggled to keep track of the different terrorists’ names and backgrounds, which meant I wasn’t as fully immersed in the story as I wanted to be. I would have liked more depth and clarity around their backstories to help distinguish them and strengthen my emotional investment.
I actually enjoyed the second half of the book more. As Claire begins to investigate the motives behind the attack in preparation for her upcoming book, the narrative takes on a more reflective and investigative tone. I really liked the use of mixed formats: texts, letters from people on the train, and court records are woven into the story, giving it a convincing, almost documentary feel. The inclusion of commentary from Claire’s editor about her book was also a clever and original touch.
Overall, this is a highly original and ambitious thriller with a strong concept and some very effective moments. While I admired its structure and creativity, I didn’t feel as emotionally invested as I’d hoped due to the sheer number of characters involved. Still, it’s an engaging read and one I would recommend to fans of unconventional thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars
The 10:12 is built around a genuinely compelling idea, and for a good portion of the book, it delivers exactly the tension you’d hope for.
Claire Fitzroy is simply trying to get home when the 10:12 train from Manchester to London is hijacked. What follows is a terrifying, split-second decision by a group of passengers to fight back. Lives are saved, but lives are also lost—and once the dust settles, the question isn’t just what happened, but whether what they did was right. As Claire begins writing her account of that day, it becomes clear that truth, memory, and public opinion don’t always align.
The opening is gripping. Short chapters, high stakes, and real urgency kept me turning the pages, desperate to see how the hijacking would unfold. I also appreciated the deeper themes woven into the story, particularly the way Claire’s actions are judged through a different lens because she’s an older woman. The contrast between her choices and the more traditionally “heroic” men on the train raises uncomfortable but important questions about misogyny, credibility, and who gets to be believed.
That said, the momentum does slow in the second half. Once the immediate danger has passed, the story shifts into a more reflective and fragmented structure, framed as Claire’s manuscript with added notes and messages. While I admire the ambition, I found this format slightly pulled me out of the narrative rather than drawing me deeper in. The wider cast of characters also felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to stay invested beyond Claire’s perspective.
The final act leans into conspiracy and hidden motives, but for me it didn’t quite land with the impact promised by such a strong beginning. After such a dramatic setup, the resolution felt a little muted.
Overall, this is a thought-provoking thriller with a standout premise and some sharp social commentary, even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing. Readers who enjoy high-concept suspense with moral ambiguity, and are open to something a little different in structure, will find plenty to unpack here.
The 10:12 is built around a genuinely compelling idea, and for a good portion of the book, it delivers exactly the tension you’d hope for.
Claire Fitzroy is simply trying to get home when the 10:12 train from Manchester to London is hijacked. What follows is a terrifying, split-second decision by a group of passengers to fight back. Lives are saved, but lives are also lost—and once the dust settles, the question isn’t just what happened, but whether what they did was right. As Claire begins writing her account of that day, it becomes clear that truth, memory, and public opinion don’t always align.
The opening is gripping. Short chapters, high stakes, and real urgency kept me turning the pages, desperate to see how the hijacking would unfold. I also appreciated the deeper themes woven into the story, particularly the way Claire’s actions are judged through a different lens because she’s an older woman. The contrast between her choices and the more traditionally “heroic” men on the train raises uncomfortable but important questions about misogyny, credibility, and who gets to be believed.
That said, the momentum does slow in the second half. Once the immediate danger has passed, the story shifts into a more reflective and fragmented structure, framed as Claire’s manuscript with added notes and messages. While I admire the ambition, I found this format slightly pulled me out of the narrative rather than drawing me deeper in. The wider cast of characters also felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to stay invested beyond Claire’s perspective.
The final act leans into conspiracy and hidden motives, but for me it didn’t quite land with the impact promised by such a strong beginning. After such a dramatic setup, the resolution felt a little muted.
Overall, this is a thought-provoking thriller with a standout premise and some sharp social commentary, even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing. Readers who enjoy high-concept suspense with moral ambiguity, and are open to something a little different in structure, will find plenty to unpack here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a gripping and fascinating read, that gave me chills and kept me on edge throughout.
When Claire boards the 10:12 train from Manchester to London, the last thing she expects is to find herself in the centre of a hijacking situation.
One of the things that I found the most interesting was how other people perceived Claire, a 58 year-old woman, and their assumptions that her age would deem her incapable. I am 51 years old so a little bit younger than Claire, but in my head, I don’t feel any different to how I felt when I was 19! So whilst the younger generation would class me as an oldie, I definitely don’t feel that way!
Claire was dealt a devastating blow in her personal life, just that morning, and she finds herself able to channel her shock, anger, and grief into determination to save herself and her fellow passengers from the horrific situation they find themselves facing. The story is told in three alternating parts; the trial, the communication between Claire and her publisher, as she writes a book about the hijacking, and finally, the events on the train as they unfolded.
What isn’t clear, is the why. I could completely relate to Claire‘s need for answers, as I feel that if I suffered through the same ordeal as she had, I would want to know what the point of it all was. This, coupled with the public’s judgement of her actions on the day, made me feel sympathy for Claire and huge admiration as she refused to accept the unacceptable.
The ending wrapped everything up brilliantly, a great read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anna Maloney and Bloomsbury for an ARC of this book.
When Claire boards the 10:12 train from Manchester to London, the last thing she expects is to find herself in the centre of a hijacking situation.
One of the things that I found the most interesting was how other people perceived Claire, a 58 year-old woman, and their assumptions that her age would deem her incapable. I am 51 years old so a little bit younger than Claire, but in my head, I don’t feel any different to how I felt when I was 19! So whilst the younger generation would class me as an oldie, I definitely don’t feel that way!
Claire was dealt a devastating blow in her personal life, just that morning, and she finds herself able to channel her shock, anger, and grief into determination to save herself and her fellow passengers from the horrific situation they find themselves facing. The story is told in three alternating parts; the trial, the communication between Claire and her publisher, as she writes a book about the hijacking, and finally, the events on the train as they unfolded.
What isn’t clear, is the why. I could completely relate to Claire‘s need for answers, as I feel that if I suffered through the same ordeal as she had, I would want to know what the point of it all was. This, coupled with the public’s judgement of her actions on the day, made me feel sympathy for Claire and huge admiration as she refused to accept the unacceptable.
The ending wrapped everything up brilliantly, a great read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anna Maloney and Bloomsbury for an ARC of this book.
January 23, 2026
3.5⭐️💫Claire Fitzroy was just trying to get home when her train from Manchester to London was hijacked by a group of armed men. In one terrifying moment she faced the starkest of choices: to stand back. To fight back. And maybe to die either way. Claire chose to fight back, and in doing so saved hundreds of lives. But what looks like heroism in the heat of the moment can play out very differently in the courts and the eyes of the public. Especially when you have the blood of two men on your hands. Selfless and quick-thinking. Attention-seeking vigilante. Unrepentant murderer. Whichever she is, this is Claire's story of what happened that day. But is it the whole story?
The synopsis of this title instantly appealed and right from the start the tension is evident, the drama of the hijacking’s unfolding before the readers eyes.
I was a little confused with the layout of the story being told through the form of an ‘edited manuscript’ but this was a unique way of telling the story, giving differing aspects from the hijack itself through to the trial and afterwards.
About halfway through the book, the hijack is over and the focus shifts to the trial which, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be such a big part of the book and the pace does drop drastically in this second part. The investigation the main character delves into to satisfy curiosities is interesting but I feel it felt a little dragged out at times unfortunately.
I still found this a really interesting read, despite an inconsistent pacing, and I could also see this easily being adapted for a TV series in the future.
The synopsis of this title instantly appealed and right from the start the tension is evident, the drama of the hijacking’s unfolding before the readers eyes.
I was a little confused with the layout of the story being told through the form of an ‘edited manuscript’ but this was a unique way of telling the story, giving differing aspects from the hijack itself through to the trial and afterwards.
About halfway through the book, the hijack is over and the focus shifts to the trial which, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be such a big part of the book and the pace does drop drastically in this second part. The investigation the main character delves into to satisfy curiosities is interesting but I feel it felt a little dragged out at times unfortunately.
I still found this a really interesting read, despite an inconsistent pacing, and I could also see this easily being adapted for a TV series in the future.
Read
January 27, 2026Hijackers board the Manchester to London train and take control of every carriage and the driver’s cab. Fifty-something art lecturer Claire accidently finds herself the leader of a band of passengers in the rear of the train who fight back.
Months later, after the subsequent trial of the hijackers, she writes a book about what happened that day. Claire’s narrative is interspersed with notes from her editor, the police and railway managers and texts sent to loved ones by panicked passengers and texts between the hijackers before the attack. There are also transcripts of the trial and accompanying newspaper articles that show defence counsel being critical of Claire’s actions during the hijack. Her book is intended to be her way to set the record straight.
I didn’t understand the layout of the train and I couldn’t keep track of named passengers and hijackers, nor did I understand all the text message inserts. However, much like the speeding train, the story, with its action and suspense, had forward momentum that kept my attention. I particularly enjoyed the second half when, a year later, in the process of researching her book, Claire contacts other passengers and even some of the imprisoned hijackers and begins to suspect there may have been more to the hijack than the trial concluded. The interviews Claire conducts are sometimes suspenseful and sometimes heartbreaking.
This is an independent review of an advance copy. I thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Months later, after the subsequent trial of the hijackers, she writes a book about what happened that day. Claire’s narrative is interspersed with notes from her editor, the police and railway managers and texts sent to loved ones by panicked passengers and texts between the hijackers before the attack. There are also transcripts of the trial and accompanying newspaper articles that show defence counsel being critical of Claire’s actions during the hijack. Her book is intended to be her way to set the record straight.
I didn’t understand the layout of the train and I couldn’t keep track of named passengers and hijackers, nor did I understand all the text message inserts. However, much like the speeding train, the story, with its action and suspense, had forward momentum that kept my attention. I particularly enjoyed the second half when, a year later, in the process of researching her book, Claire contacts other passengers and even some of the imprisoned hijackers and begins to suspect there may have been more to the hijack than the trial concluded. The interviews Claire conducts are sometimes suspenseful and sometimes heartbreaking.
This is an independent review of an advance copy. I thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.
November 30, 2025
I am writing this review with mixed feelings. As a novel I thought it had a very interesting concept and central character. However, I also found it a little dull.
Claire Fitzroy is a middle-aged woman, who boards a train from Manchester to London. She has been visiting her in-laws who have revealed, by mistake, that her husband, Jim, is thinking of leaving her. As such, she is distracted on the train and, after a visit to the bathroom, emerges to find an armed man in her carriage. For this is a hijacking and, without really meaning to, Claire becomes one of the leaders fighting back.
This is interesting as Claire is a middle-aged woman (rather like myself) and her leadership skills and ability under pressure both help her with trying to extricate herself and others from the events on board but also show how she is represented afterwards. With everyone likely to whip out a phone and record what is going on rather than help, her actions are questioned. This is followed through the actions at the time, the investigation afterwards and how she is perceived. I still found it a bit of a slog. However, I am sure it will be a huge success. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Claire Fitzroy is a middle-aged woman, who boards a train from Manchester to London. She has been visiting her in-laws who have revealed, by mistake, that her husband, Jim, is thinking of leaving her. As such, she is distracted on the train and, after a visit to the bathroom, emerges to find an armed man in her carriage. For this is a hijacking and, without really meaning to, Claire becomes one of the leaders fighting back.
This is interesting as Claire is a middle-aged woman (rather like myself) and her leadership skills and ability under pressure both help her with trying to extricate herself and others from the events on board but also show how she is represented afterwards. With everyone likely to whip out a phone and record what is going on rather than help, her actions are questioned. This is followed through the actions at the time, the investigation afterwards and how she is perceived. I still found it a bit of a slog. However, I am sure it will be a huge success. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
December 29, 2025
10:12 is Anna Maloney’s debut novel, publishing on the 29th January 2026.
The 10:12 train from Manchester to London is hijacked and the story follows one of the passengers, Claire Fitzroy, who’s writing a book about her experience.
The book is very dramatic and gripping to start with, the short chapters kept me turning the pages and I was desperate to find out what was going to happen. Unfortunately the suspense fizzles out and the second half of the book is much slower and more haphazard.
There are lots of characters mentioned and I found it very difficult to remember who was who as a lot of them have hardly any substance in the story as the focus is on Claire. I would have liked to have learnt more about some of the other characters as I didn’t really connect with Claire.
The author has tried to do something a bit different with the format, the book is meant to read like the manuscript with notes from the publishers and Claire. However I felt this and the random texts took you out of the story and made it feel more disjointed. The ending was a bit of an anticlimax and after a strong start this book fell flat for me.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and NetGalley for my advance copy.
The 10:12 train from Manchester to London is hijacked and the story follows one of the passengers, Claire Fitzroy, who’s writing a book about her experience.
The book is very dramatic and gripping to start with, the short chapters kept me turning the pages and I was desperate to find out what was going to happen. Unfortunately the suspense fizzles out and the second half of the book is much slower and more haphazard.
There are lots of characters mentioned and I found it very difficult to remember who was who as a lot of them have hardly any substance in the story as the focus is on Claire. I would have liked to have learnt more about some of the other characters as I didn’t really connect with Claire.
The author has tried to do something a bit different with the format, the book is meant to read like the manuscript with notes from the publishers and Claire. However I felt this and the random texts took you out of the story and made it feel more disjointed. The ending was a bit of an anticlimax and after a strong start this book fell flat for me.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and NetGalley for my advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Claire is travelling home on a train from Manchester when it becomes hijacked by a group of armed men. She is left with a choice to either stand or fight back, choosing to fight back she saves hundreds of passengers, but what looks like heroism can play out very differently in court. This is the story of Claire’s take on what really happened that day.
This book for me was one of two halves. It started very strongly and I was immediately hooked to the concept and suspense, but unfortunately as the story progressed, the pacing slowed a lot and I began to lose interest, especially once the action scenes stopped. It seemed to drag by the half way point and became quite repetitive. I liked that the story was told with some mixed media format, which helped break up the chapters and add some extra elements in, however at times they felt irrelevant to the overall story. I also had a real issue trying to keep up with all characters as there were so many introduced.
Even though this one was not fully for me, I appreciate what the author was trying to achieve and can see plenty of readers getting a lot out of this one, especially those looking for a complex, original thriller with a difference. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This book for me was one of two halves. It started very strongly and I was immediately hooked to the concept and suspense, but unfortunately as the story progressed, the pacing slowed a lot and I began to lose interest, especially once the action scenes stopped. It seemed to drag by the half way point and became quite repetitive. I liked that the story was told with some mixed media format, which helped break up the chapters and add some extra elements in, however at times they felt irrelevant to the overall story. I also had a real issue trying to keep up with all characters as there were so many introduced.
Even though this one was not fully for me, I appreciate what the author was trying to achieve and can see plenty of readers getting a lot out of this one, especially those looking for a complex, original thriller with a difference. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
A disparate group of hijackers takes over the 10.12 train to London Euston on an ordinary day, only to be met with extraordinary resistance from some of the passengers. The latter are able to dismantle part of the criminals' plan, but one of the women who unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of the fight back - with some pretty unpleasant consequences for her - remains haunted by the motivation of the motley crew who took over the train.
The truth is more layered and complex than it initially appears, and this is an interesting novel - even if it does require some suspension of belief in terms of the passengers' action. That is not an entirely unreasonable ask in a book of this kind.
A bigger problem to me was the sheer length of the novel, which could probably have been edited to better effect. This took away from what was essentially a compelling story.
It gets 3.5 stars, but with some edits, it could have received 4 stars. Nevertheless, overall, this novel is worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The truth is more layered and complex than it initially appears, and this is an interesting novel - even if it does require some suspension of belief in terms of the passengers' action. That is not an entirely unreasonable ask in a book of this kind.
A bigger problem to me was the sheer length of the novel, which could probably have been edited to better effect. This took away from what was essentially a compelling story.
It gets 3.5 stars, but with some edits, it could have received 4 stars. Nevertheless, overall, this novel is worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What would you do if the train you were on was hijacked?
Claire Fitzroy just wants to get home on the 10:12 train from Manchester to London but her journey turns into a nightmare when armed men hijack it. Along with a handful of other passengers, Claire decides to fight back. By the end, two men are dead… by her hand.
Suddenly Claire’s actions are under intense scrutiny. Did she do the right thing? To reclaim her voice she decides to write a book about what really happened but is the full truth being told or are parts of the story still hidden?
This book constantly makes you question what you would do in the same situation. The writing is very descriptive and I could easily visualise the train carriages and unfolding chaos. I was instantly hooked at the beginning and really enjoyed the final third of the book though the middle did drag a little. I also didn’t understand the text messsge inserts every now and again. That said it’s a fascinating concept and the deeper you get the more layers are revealed. Definitely one to put on the list when released
I received a copy from the publisher Bloomsbury and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Claire Fitzroy just wants to get home on the 10:12 train from Manchester to London but her journey turns into a nightmare when armed men hijack it. Along with a handful of other passengers, Claire decides to fight back. By the end, two men are dead… by her hand.
Suddenly Claire’s actions are under intense scrutiny. Did she do the right thing? To reclaim her voice she decides to write a book about what really happened but is the full truth being told or are parts of the story still hidden?
This book constantly makes you question what you would do in the same situation. The writing is very descriptive and I could easily visualise the train carriages and unfolding chaos. I was instantly hooked at the beginning and really enjoyed the final third of the book though the middle did drag a little. I also didn’t understand the text messsge inserts every now and again. That said it’s a fascinating concept and the deeper you get the more layers are revealed. Definitely one to put on the list when released
I received a copy from the publisher Bloomsbury and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2025
The 10:12 is a different style of thriller. A train from Manchester to London is hijacked, but some of the passengers decide to fight back. The main protagonist here is Claire Fitzroy, an art teacher who is one of the key players in the struggle. But after the dust settles, Claire's actions come under the spotlight. And, as she writes a book on her experience, the has a growing feeling that the full story of the hijack hasn't been revealed.
The core narrative here is an excellent and gripping one, as an assortment of passengers, including a former police officer and an army vet, work together to fight the hijackers. Their actions are a mix of co-ordination and spur of the moment bravery, and there are some interesting characters in the "gang".
The final portion of the novel from after the hijack has ended go in a different direction, with conspiracy theories and hidden motives aplenty. It feel a lot less satisfying and the ultimate resolution of the novel will leave readers with mixed feelings.
The core narrative here is an excellent and gripping one, as an assortment of passengers, including a former police officer and an army vet, work together to fight the hijackers. Their actions are a mix of co-ordination and spur of the moment bravery, and there are some interesting characters in the "gang".
The final portion of the novel from after the hijack has ended go in a different direction, with conspiracy theories and hidden motives aplenty. It feel a lot less satisfying and the ultimate resolution of the novel will leave readers with mixed feelings.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a very well written book that looks at matters on various levels. Claire Fitzroy settles into her journey from Manchester to London on the 10:12 train having just received some disturbing personal news. Little did she suspect that train would be hijacked and she would be thrust forward as one of the heroes in fighting back against the hijackers. The story is that realistic I had to check if this had been a real life incident and was being written about retrospectively.
The author cleverly describes this book as the premise of a book within a book. the main character, Claire Fitzroy is allegedly writing a book about her experience on the train, featuring incidents as they happened, the trial and the aftermath of it all. With added inserts from the editor and publisher of said book it made it more realistic.
Throughout the book there are many twists that have you hooked to the storyline. Some things were maybe a bit far fetched hence the 4 star rating but a very intriguing read nonetheless.
The author cleverly describes this book as the premise of a book within a book. the main character, Claire Fitzroy is allegedly writing a book about her experience on the train, featuring incidents as they happened, the trial and the aftermath of it all. With added inserts from the editor and publisher of said book it made it more realistic.
Throughout the book there are many twists that have you hooked to the storyline. Some things were maybe a bit far fetched hence the 4 star rating but a very intriguing read nonetheless.
February 4, 2026
A lot of 'action thrillers' are heavy on the thrills, but after the action ends, there's an unsatisfied feeling of 'now what?' The metaphorical helicopters which took that final aerial shot drift away with the smoke of the conflagration. Heroines walk away with a feeling of satisfaction we're expected to share. The psychological and political wreckage is left un-investigated.
In this engrossing book Anna Maloney relishes the ride and delves into its aftermath, building into it another tense narrative complete with handbrake turns and startling revelations which keep you guessing to the end.
It's led by a defiantly non-Marple heroine, Claire Fitzroy, with her own personal reasons for daring to confront the bad guys. These surface with an entertaining variety of backgrounds and motives. In a literary world where chaos is sometimes king, The 10:12 gives readers loose ends neatly tied and leaves you pondering the dark forces overshadowing everyday life in the 21st century.
In this engrossing book Anna Maloney relishes the ride and delves into its aftermath, building into it another tense narrative complete with handbrake turns and startling revelations which keep you guessing to the end.
It's led by a defiantly non-Marple heroine, Claire Fitzroy, with her own personal reasons for daring to confront the bad guys. These surface with an entertaining variety of backgrounds and motives. In a literary world where chaos is sometimes king, The 10:12 gives readers loose ends neatly tied and leaves you pondering the dark forces overshadowing everyday life in the 21st century.
November 3, 2025
This is my first read by the author and it won't be the last. The 10:12 follows a train from manchester to London as it is hijacked and fellow passengers decide to fight back before anything worse can happen. People are killed and some seriously injured but amongst them is Claire going back home to her husband after somebody lets slip a secret they thought she knew about. Claire's actions on the train that day make the headlines and is questioned whether what she did was right. After the trial she is writing a book and we later see how the other passengers are doing and whether everything was justified and really why the hijacking took place.
I enjoyed this read, it is definitely a page turner full of drama, suspense and all of the characters were a joy to read about. I would recommend this book to fellow book readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books (UK) for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
4.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this read, it is definitely a page turner full of drama, suspense and all of the characters were a joy to read about. I would recommend this book to fellow book readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books (UK) for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
4.5 ⭐️
November 4, 2025
A train. A choice. A moment that changes everything.
In The 10:12, Anna Maloney delivers a gripping, emotionally layered thriller that begins with a hijacked train and spirals into a courtroom drama where heroism is questioned and memory becomes a battleground. Claire Fitzroy’s decision to fight back saves lives—but it also leaves her with blood on her hands and a story the public isn’t sure they want to believe.
Maloney’s writing is taut and evocative, balancing adrenaline with introspection. Claire is a compelling protagonist—flawed, brave, and achingly human. The novel explores not just what happened on that train, but what it means to be seen as a hero, a threat, or something in between.
This is a thriller that asks big questions in quiet ways. Perfect for readers who love suspense with soul, and stories that linger long after the final page.
My thanks to Anna Maloney, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
In The 10:12, Anna Maloney delivers a gripping, emotionally layered thriller that begins with a hijacked train and spirals into a courtroom drama where heroism is questioned and memory becomes a battleground. Claire Fitzroy’s decision to fight back saves lives—but it also leaves her with blood on her hands and a story the public isn’t sure they want to believe.
Maloney’s writing is taut and evocative, balancing adrenaline with introspection. Claire is a compelling protagonist—flawed, brave, and achingly human. The novel explores not just what happened on that train, but what it means to be seen as a hero, a threat, or something in between.
This is a thriller that asks big questions in quiet ways. Perfect for readers who love suspense with soul, and stories that linger long after the final page.
My thanks to Anna Maloney, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
November 23, 2025
The opening is a great scene setter for the characters you will soon meet and leads into what happens. The tension and anxiety are heightened by the well-paced action. Each step leaves you wondering, will it end in failure or success?
It’s well plotted and nothing is given away until the reveals are provided. Claire Fitzroy the lead character is the heroine and I’m peeping over her shoulder, to see how the events unfold. A nervy group who are marshalled into action by Claire’s action brings successes and failure.
Later, criticism of her does not deter her from seeking the truth. While others are happy to see the murderers get justice she is made of stiffer stuff and is a determined lady who is never going to take ‘no’ for an answer to discover the whole truth.
The pacey plot and the brilliant story brings together each thread to make it a book not to be missed. My number 1 book of the year!
This was an ARC from Bloomsbury publishing. Thank you
It’s well plotted and nothing is given away until the reveals are provided. Claire Fitzroy the lead character is the heroine and I’m peeping over her shoulder, to see how the events unfold. A nervy group who are marshalled into action by Claire’s action brings successes and failure.
Later, criticism of her does not deter her from seeking the truth. While others are happy to see the murderers get justice she is made of stiffer stuff and is a determined lady who is never going to take ‘no’ for an answer to discover the whole truth.
The pacey plot and the brilliant story brings together each thread to make it a book not to be missed. My number 1 book of the year!
This was an ARC from Bloomsbury publishing. Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1.5 stars rounded down. The premise was interesting, but sadly this just wasn’t for me - Claire was too unlikely a heroine for me, she seldom listened to anyone including former police on the train, she obsessed and went solo investigating afterwards… it was hard to keep all the characters straight, and to visualise the train hijack from the description. The whole “telling the story via writing a book about the experience” just meant a lot of emails between the publishers and Claire that didn’t really help the story, only pull you out of it, and the texts at the start of each chapter (during the hijack) were just confusing as you couldn’t tell who they were from, so it didn’t add anything to the story either, only distract.
Several people seem to have liked this book, which I’m happy about - but it wasn’t one I enjoyed unfortunately.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Several people seem to have liked this book, which I’m happy about - but it wasn’t one I enjoyed unfortunately.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping multi-layered debut! We kick off with a pulse-pounding account of the hijacking of the 10:12 train to London.
The first part expertly captures the sheer mayhem and chaos of the event, where we meet Claire, a middle-aged protagonist who proves she is not to be underestimated. Leading a group of like-minded passengers, she fights back in a manner that feels both visceral and authentic.
However, the story truly shines in its aftermath. By shifting to the courtroom and examining the fractured public perception of Claire’s heroism, the author forces us to wonder: What would I do?
The narrative structure is particularly clever, incorporating excerpts from a book Claire is writing about the ordeal, complete with meta-commentary from her editor.
These layers, combined with empathetic accounts from other passengers, create a profound look at trauma and truth. I look forward to more from this talented new voice.
The first part expertly captures the sheer mayhem and chaos of the event, where we meet Claire, a middle-aged protagonist who proves she is not to be underestimated. Leading a group of like-minded passengers, she fights back in a manner that feels both visceral and authentic.
However, the story truly shines in its aftermath. By shifting to the courtroom and examining the fractured public perception of Claire’s heroism, the author forces us to wonder: What would I do?
The narrative structure is particularly clever, incorporating excerpts from a book Claire is writing about the ordeal, complete with meta-commentary from her editor.
These layers, combined with empathetic accounts from other passengers, create a profound look at trauma and truth. I look forward to more from this talented new voice.
January 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of The 10:12.
I requested the ARC because I love anything with unusual circumstances, locked room style stories, and people fighting back. This was no exception, for the first half of the book. I actually thought my kindle had got the percentage wrong as it was at 56% when the train was stopped and everyone evacuated. The next few chapters seemed to be winding up the story, but it continued on with the main character trying to establish motives and links for a book she was writing about her experience.
I could see why there was so much after the event, but it did drag a bit, especially after reading the fast paced train hijack section. The main character kept on digging, despite being told to stop by the police. And I’m not sure I understood the ending either 🤔 despite rereading it.
First half was a definite 4 stars, second half brought it down to 3 stars.
I requested the ARC because I love anything with unusual circumstances, locked room style stories, and people fighting back. This was no exception, for the first half of the book. I actually thought my kindle had got the percentage wrong as it was at 56% when the train was stopped and everyone evacuated. The next few chapters seemed to be winding up the story, but it continued on with the main character trying to establish motives and links for a book she was writing about her experience.
I could see why there was so much after the event, but it did drag a bit, especially after reading the fast paced train hijack section. The main character kept on digging, despite being told to stop by the police. And I’m not sure I understood the ending either 🤔 despite rereading it.
First half was a definite 4 stars, second half brought it down to 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
The 10:12 is a book of two distinct halves.
The first, a tense, fast paced thriller of a hijacked train, as gripping as any I’ve read.
The second, a rambling dissection of the above hijack, with the main protagonist attempting to piece it together, all while writing a book about it.
Interspersed throughout are interjections - mostly from the future book “publisher” - all part of the novel. However I found them initially confusing, and at best distracting. They made better sense in the second half of the book however.
Therefore I have quite mixed opinions on this particular book. The writing I loved in the first part, but the second was too drawn out for me.
It wouldn’t stop me from reading this author again however.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The first, a tense, fast paced thriller of a hijacked train, as gripping as any I’ve read.
The second, a rambling dissection of the above hijack, with the main protagonist attempting to piece it together, all while writing a book about it.
Interspersed throughout are interjections - mostly from the future book “publisher” - all part of the novel. However I found them initially confusing, and at best distracting. They made better sense in the second half of the book however.
Therefore I have quite mixed opinions on this particular book. The writing I loved in the first part, but the second was too drawn out for me.
It wouldn’t stop me from reading this author again however.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 29, 2025
A quiet thriller, if by “quiet” you mean “the internet just became a horror show and you’re the main character.” Claire’s situation? Totally plausible, because let’s face it: the world is packed with people who are anti-just-about-everything. And yes, they’re online. Watching. Judging. Waiting.
Terrifying? Absolutely. But let’s be honest—how would you react when the digital boogeymen come for you? Spoiler: probably not well.
Anna Maloney has delivered a brilliantly written, cleverly structured thriller that sneaks up and slaps you with an ending that’s both satisfying and, for the less read, genuinely shocking. I’ll be reading more—she’s got storytelling chops the size of a hard drive.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the ARC of “10:12” by Anna Maloney.
Terrifying? Absolutely. But let’s be honest—how would you react when the digital boogeymen come for you? Spoiler: probably not well.
Anna Maloney has delivered a brilliantly written, cleverly structured thriller that sneaks up and slaps you with an ending that’s both satisfying and, for the less read, genuinely shocking. I’ll be reading more—she’s got storytelling chops the size of a hard drive.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the ARC of “10:12” by Anna Maloney.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed the hijacking part of this book. It was fast paced and very exciting. There were lots of twists which kept my attention and made me want to carry on reading. However, I was initially quite confused and distracted by the constant interruptions by correspondence from publishers etc. I understand that these were being used as a narrative device but I found they disrupted the narrative rather than moved it on. I was however very pleased to have the last chapter which tied everything up very nicely. Not something you see very often in a novel these days. Overall a clever and eminently readable thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2025
What would you do if your train was hijacked ? This is the nail biting story of that situation told in the format of a person on the train writing a book around that day. It was tense and left me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more. The ending will stay with me for a while as I process it. Would you be willing to take on the hijackers ? Or would you move to the end of the train and keep safe ? Claire Fitzroy dubbed ninja gran is a menopausal woman who is not a gran or a ninja but reacts within the scope of her experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
November 23, 2025
This is a pacy thriller that is split into two halves. One is the action side of events written in real-time following the passengers of a hijacked train, I found this to be very fast-paced and exciting with a number of different characters. The second part is the trial and victim statements and the investigation that follows these events.
It is a complex book with a lot going on, so one you really need to focus on and possibly this wasn't the right book for me at this time for that reason, some of the clues and twists were perhaps in need of better formatting to follow but I did however find the plot interesting and revealing.
It is a complex book with a lot going on, so one you really need to focus on and possibly this wasn't the right book for me at this time for that reason, some of the clues and twists were perhaps in need of better formatting to follow but I did however find the plot interesting and revealing.
January 31, 2026
I gave The 10:12 by Anna Maloney 4 stars. It’s a clever, well-paced read with a really interesting concept, and I genuinely liked the way it was written.
That said, it didn’t completely click with me, and a lot of that came down to the main character, Claire. I just couldn’t get on with her. Even when I understood why she was making certain choices, I didn’t feel fully invested in her, and that made it harder to connect emotionally with the story.
The writing itself is solid and the idea behind the book is strong, but something about the tone felt a little off for me at times. Not enough to ruin it, but enough that I didn’t fall in love with it the way I hoped I would.
Overall, I’d still recommend The 10:12 if you enjoy modern thrillers with an unusual format and a fast, readable style. It’s a good book, just not quite a perfect fit for me.
That said, it didn’t completely click with me, and a lot of that came down to the main character, Claire. I just couldn’t get on with her. Even when I understood why she was making certain choices, I didn’t feel fully invested in her, and that made it harder to connect emotionally with the story.
The writing itself is solid and the idea behind the book is strong, but something about the tone felt a little off for me at times. Not enough to ruin it, but enough that I didn’t fall in love with it the way I hoped I would.
Overall, I’d still recommend The 10:12 if you enjoy modern thrillers with an unusual format and a fast, readable style. It’s a good book, just not quite a perfect fit for me.
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