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The Midnight World #2
The Midnight Train
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 23:00:12
5 copies available
U.S. only
When your life flashes before your eyes, where would you stop?
No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there.
The chance to re-live the moments that meant most.
To see what kind of person you really were.
For Wilbur his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. On his honeymoon in Venice.
Before he gave it all away.
He wishes he could go back and live differently. But to do so risks everything . . .
A magical, time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.
No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there.
The chance to re-live the moments that meant most.
To see what kind of person you really were.
For Wilbur his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. On his honeymoon in Venice.
Before he gave it all away.
He wishes he could go back and live differently. But to do so risks everything . . .
A magical, time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication May 26, 2026
110254 people want to read
About the author
Matt Haig
77 books50.4k followersMatt Haig is the author of novels such as The Midnight Library, How to Stop Time, The Humans, The Life Impossible and now The Midnight Train. He has also written books for children, such as A Boy Called Christmas, the memoir Reasons to Stay Alive and also The Comfort Book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
March 29, 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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February 9, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
If you could ride a midnight train through your life, how many moments would be worth reliving? How many moments would be too painful to stop for? How many mistakes would you yearn to fix?
It’s an apt time for me to read this, as I reflect on my life and the fraught path I travel. I’d definitely skip over this part of my journey, starting straight forward, hoping against hope I’ll never have to look back.
A tender, heartwarming l novel, it reminds us that these individual moments we live all add up to a life. And in that life, we have regrets, we have things we take for granted, we have magical memories we wish to live in on a loop.
But we ultimately get none of that, and we have to come to terms with the elusiveness of joy to understand the importance of savoring it. I think we can all learn from Wilbur, and by realizing that we are dying in stages as we walk this earth, perhaps we can spend less time grieving the passing of your previous versions, and more time celebrating the current one.
Live life like today is the moment you’d return to if you could change only one day.
If you could ride a midnight train through your life, how many moments would be worth reliving? How many moments would be too painful to stop for? How many mistakes would you yearn to fix?
It’s an apt time for me to read this, as I reflect on my life and the fraught path I travel. I’d definitely skip over this part of my journey, starting straight forward, hoping against hope I’ll never have to look back.
A tender, heartwarming l novel, it reminds us that these individual moments we live all add up to a life. And in that life, we have regrets, we have things we take for granted, we have magical memories we wish to live in on a loop.
But we ultimately get none of that, and we have to come to terms with the elusiveness of joy to understand the importance of savoring it. I think we can all learn from Wilbur, and by realizing that we are dying in stages as we walk this earth, perhaps we can spend less time grieving the passing of your previous versions, and more time celebrating the current one.
Live life like today is the moment you’d return to if you could change only one day.
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
February 8, 202607 Feb 2026. Oh my God! I need it now!
I loved, luvvved, LOVED the Midnight Library, even though it's such a sad story (now that I think of it once again). I expect this one to be equally transformative as well!!
Godspeed to this book's publication!
I loved, luvvved, LOVED the Midnight Library, even though it's such a sad story (now that I think of it once again). I expect this one to be equally transformative as well!!
Godspeed to this book's publication!
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!!!
April 27, 2026
Am primit un exemplar în avanpremiera și m-am bucurat tare mult să mă întorc în acest univers.
“Trenul de la miezul nopții”, de Matt Haig a fost un reminder să trăiești în prezent, să nu te lași copleșit de nefericire și să accepți greutățile vieții, nu să fugi de ele.
Cu același ton blând cu care ne-a obișnuit Haig, trenul îl duce pe personajul nostru principal într-o călătorie a vieții sale - să o înțeleagă și să o accepte pentru a păși ulterior spre eternitate.
Profundă, caldă și realistă, povestea aceasta te va alina și te va îndurera deopotrivă.
“E sfâșietor. Dar uneori trebuie să-ți lași inima să se frângă ca să poți ramane in viață”
“Nu știu unde se ascunde trecutul, dar te voi întâlni acolo.”
“Cărțile sunt oglinzi pentru suflet. Așa că, dacă surprinzi o frântură din sufletul cuiva, vei ști care e oglinda potrivită pentru el.”
“Există zile în viață care trec și la care nu te mai gândești niciodată. Și există și zile care îți sunt atât de dragi sau importante, încât conțin în ele tot ce urmează. Zile-matrioşka, mereu cuibărite în viitorul care se tot lărgește.”
“Cụ cât fugi mai tare de ceva, cu atât acel ceva te găsește mai repede.”
“Că ai nevoie de întuneric uneori ca să faci celelalte lucruri mai luminoase.”
“Nimic nu e la intâmplare, și-a dat seama Fantoma. Chiar și cea mai nechibzuită acțiune era doar rezultatul a ceva anterior.
Totul era o consecință a ceea ce se întâmplase înainte, așa cum fiecare greșeală zgomotoasă din lume era produsul unei dureri tăcute și ascunse.”
“Lumea asta e plină de oameni care privesc, dar nu văd”
“O viață fără durere nu e în meniu, băiete. O viață în care eviți durerea devine o viață definită de durere. De durere și regret. Şi tu ai trăit deja durere. Ai supraviețuit după moartea lui Dougie....
Vei supraviețui tuturor greutăților pe care ți le aruncă viața. Trebuie doar să scapi de mentalitatea asta prăpăstioasă.”
“Trenul de la miezul nopții”, de Matt Haig a fost un reminder să trăiești în prezent, să nu te lași copleșit de nefericire și să accepți greutățile vieții, nu să fugi de ele.
Cu același ton blând cu care ne-a obișnuit Haig, trenul îl duce pe personajul nostru principal într-o călătorie a vieții sale - să o înțeleagă și să o accepte pentru a păși ulterior spre eternitate.
Profundă, caldă și realistă, povestea aceasta te va alina și te va îndurera deopotrivă.
“E sfâșietor. Dar uneori trebuie să-ți lași inima să se frângă ca să poți ramane in viață”
“Nu știu unde se ascunde trecutul, dar te voi întâlni acolo.”
“Cărțile sunt oglinzi pentru suflet. Așa că, dacă surprinzi o frântură din sufletul cuiva, vei ști care e oglinda potrivită pentru el.”
“Există zile în viață care trec și la care nu te mai gândești niciodată. Și există și zile care îți sunt atât de dragi sau importante, încât conțin în ele tot ce urmează. Zile-matrioşka, mereu cuibărite în viitorul care se tot lărgește.”
“Cụ cât fugi mai tare de ceva, cu atât acel ceva te găsește mai repede.”
“Că ai nevoie de întuneric uneori ca să faci celelalte lucruri mai luminoase.”
“Nimic nu e la intâmplare, și-a dat seama Fantoma. Chiar și cea mai nechibzuită acțiune era doar rezultatul a ceva anterior.
Totul era o consecință a ceea ce se întâmplase înainte, așa cum fiecare greșeală zgomotoasă din lume era produsul unei dureri tăcute și ascunse.”
“Lumea asta e plină de oameni care privesc, dar nu văd”
“O viață fără durere nu e în meniu, băiete. O viață în care eviți durerea devine o viață definită de durere. De durere și regret. Şi tu ai trăit deja durere. Ai supraviețuit după moartea lui Dougie....
Vei supraviețui tuturor greutăților pe care ți le aruncă viața. Trebuie doar să scapi de mentalitatea asta prăpăstioasă.”
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
April 18, 2026
Thank you Matt Haig, Net Galley, and Viking for this ARC - 4.5 Stars.
‘A train through life after death’. What a great concept, executed with heart, sadness, and wisdom to chew on as well.
As stated, this isn’t a true sequel to Midnight Library but the author’s ability to ‘take you on a ride’ on this train with one poignant line after another lets you know it’s still a part of that world.
“Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forward”. That’s the gist of this, after having a massive heart attack Wilbur takes the train to view how he lived his life. Most of the time spent on the bad days, as good days didn’t leave much to learn.
The story of how he views his life, tries to disrupt his past to change the way it ended up, and live like his true self is probably one we can all learn from, or at least one we should sit and reflect on.
Loved this and I hope for more as Matt Haig is an amazing author, and person it seems.
‘A train through life after death’. What a great concept, executed with heart, sadness, and wisdom to chew on as well.
As stated, this isn’t a true sequel to Midnight Library but the author’s ability to ‘take you on a ride’ on this train with one poignant line after another lets you know it’s still a part of that world.
“Life can only be understood backward; but it must be lived forward”. That’s the gist of this, after having a massive heart attack Wilbur takes the train to view how he lived his life. Most of the time spent on the bad days, as good days didn’t leave much to learn.
The story of how he views his life, tries to disrupt his past to change the way it ended up, and live like his true self is probably one we can all learn from, or at least one we should sit and reflect on.
Loved this and I hope for more as Matt Haig is an amazing author, and person it seems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
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
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!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy from netgalley to read and review.
The second book in the Midnight series. Not an actual sequel, but it takes place in the same kind of world. I really enjoyed this book. The writing is very pleasant and I really loved the story. This is also a book that makes you stop and think about your own life (choices).
The second book in the Midnight series. Not an actual sequel, but it takes place in the same kind of world. I really enjoyed this book. The writing is very pleasant and I really loved the story. This is also a book that makes you stop and think about your own life (choices).
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!]
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
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
Read
April 26, 2026This is one of those books that might just change your life.
Bear with me while I gather my thoughts for a full review.
Bear with me while I gather my thoughts for a full review.
March 16, 2026
4.3 ⭐️
Your life flashes before your eyes - What will you see?
Wilbur is a hugely successful bookstore owner who dies alone at 81. Instead of simply dying, he is taken on the Midnight Train and revisits key points from his life. He reassesses and decides to take matters into his own hands.
This is both poignant and painful at times. I felt deeply for many of the characters. I found it sad that Ghost Wilbur had to endure many of the painful memories because there is "little to be learned from happiness".
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC copy in return for my honest review.
Your life flashes before your eyes - What will you see?
Wilbur is a hugely successful bookstore owner who dies alone at 81. Instead of simply dying, he is taken on the Midnight Train and revisits key points from his life. He reassesses and decides to take matters into his own hands.
This is both poignant and painful at times. I felt deeply for many of the characters. I found it sad that Ghost Wilbur had to endure many of the painful memories because there is "little to be learned from happiness".
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC copy in return for my honest review.
March 11, 2026
The Midnight Train by Matt Haig ⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Wilbur has a heart attack, he finds himself in a train station boarding the Midnight Train; his last chance to journey through the important moments of his life. There’s one person who is in each happy memory, Maggie.
I have to admit that my expectations for this were very high, since we all loved The Midnight Library so much. Haig has a way with words and that clearly showed with this one as well. Personally I just didn’t feel the connection with the main character that I felt before. I enjoyed the story. It is an emotional and powerful tale, showing the missed opportunity of living every moment to the fullest. I just feel I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t loved Library so much!
“Maybe.. the world was full of this. Chaos trying too hard to be order. Violence trying to be peace. Maybe sometimes bad actions were just good motives without a map.”
Read if you like:
-Magical realism
-Second chance stories
-The Midnight Library
The Midnight Train comes out 5/26.
When Wilbur has a heart attack, he finds himself in a train station boarding the Midnight Train; his last chance to journey through the important moments of his life. There’s one person who is in each happy memory, Maggie.
I have to admit that my expectations for this were very high, since we all loved The Midnight Library so much. Haig has a way with words and that clearly showed with this one as well. Personally I just didn’t feel the connection with the main character that I felt before. I enjoyed the story. It is an emotional and powerful tale, showing the missed opportunity of living every moment to the fullest. I just feel I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t loved Library so much!
“Maybe.. the world was full of this. Chaos trying too hard to be order. Violence trying to be peace. Maybe sometimes bad actions were just good motives without a map.”
Read if you like:
-Magical realism
-Second chance stories
-The Midnight Library
The Midnight Train comes out 5/26.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was given the physical ARC of this book. I did not read The Midnight Library so I almost did not read this but I saw you could read this one as a standalone so I did. So it starts with Wilbur and Maggie madly in love on their honeymoon and then we realize they ended up divorced. Wilbur is in his eighties and dies. The Midnight Train comes along to show Wilbur his life. So we get to see his life and so does he, he sees what he did wrong and how he lost Maggie and he wants to try to tell the past Wilbur to be better. Obviously there would be great consequences to messing with his past self. I thought the messaging was interesting. What if we could go back and change parts of our past? How would that change the future? I think this would be an excellent book club book and it is under 300 pages with short chapters so it is a quick read. I highlighted so many quotes!
-"But what if there are things that I did wrong?"
"That means you have lived."
-"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
-"...you need the dark sometimes to make the other things brighter."
-"My mam always said people go mad thinking they can change things. Sometimes things were meant to happen."
-"Sometimes everything you need isn't so far from where you start."
-"Love is a garden. You have to keep tending to it."
-"But what if there are things that I did wrong?"
"That means you have lived."
-"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
-"...you need the dark sometimes to make the other things brighter."
-"My mam always said people go mad thinking they can change things. Sometimes things were meant to happen."
-"Sometimes everything you need isn't so far from where you start."
-"Love is a garden. You have to keep tending to it."
April 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
As a huge fan of The Midnight Library, I was thrilled to return to this world, and Matt delivers exactly what you'd hope for.
Where The Midnight Library was about infinite possibilities and the paths not taken, The Midnight Train turns its gaze inward, looking back at a long life already lived: the beautiful, the painful, and the ugly. It's deeply atmospheric and quietly reflective, the kind of book that asks you to sit with it rather than rush through it.
Haig's writing is as warm and precise as ever, and the structure of the book feels perfectly calibrated, lean enough to never overstay its welcome, yet rich enough to leave an impression. It's exactly the right length for the story it wants to tell.
A gentle, moving meditation on life, regret, and the things that matter most.
As a huge fan of The Midnight Library, I was thrilled to return to this world, and Matt delivers exactly what you'd hope for.
Where The Midnight Library was about infinite possibilities and the paths not taken, The Midnight Train turns its gaze inward, looking back at a long life already lived: the beautiful, the painful, and the ugly. It's deeply atmospheric and quietly reflective, the kind of book that asks you to sit with it rather than rush through it.
Haig's writing is as warm and precise as ever, and the structure of the book feels perfectly calibrated, lean enough to never overstay its welcome, yet rich enough to leave an impression. It's exactly the right length for the story it wants to tell.
A gentle, moving meditation on life, regret, and the things that matter most.
February 8, 2026
I was lucky enough to read this pre-publication in return for a review. Thanks to the publishers, NetGalley, and MH for the privilege!
If you’re familiar with Matt’s voice and his previous work, you’ll get what you’re expecting with this. It’s his usual reassessment of the mundanity of life, with a reminder that it’s all an experience to cherish. I feel like I have to read something like this every once in a while to remind myself not to take everything for granted.
A heartwarming, gently challenging, quick read. Of course I recommend!
If you’re familiar with Matt’s voice and his previous work, you’ll get what you’re expecting with this. It’s his usual reassessment of the mundanity of life, with a reminder that it’s all an experience to cherish. I feel like I have to read something like this every once in a while to remind myself not to take everything for granted.
A heartwarming, gently challenging, quick read. Of course I recommend!
April 26, 2026
firstly a big thank you to the netgalley for blessing me with an arc of this lovely lovely book!
would you give up your eternity to fix mistakes you made in the past?
this book was everything! i had very very high expectations for this after loving the midnight library so much and i’m glad to say it exceeded all my expectations. matt haig is a brilliant writer who knows exactly how to write such beautiful books filled with impactful meaning, his writing heals you in ways you didn’t even think possible. and even though you could see exactly how the book was going to end you can’t even wish for it to end any other way and i think there’s something so perfectly simplistic in that. i would highly recommend this book especially if you loved the midnight library!
would you give up your eternity to fix mistakes you made in the past?
this book was everything! i had very very high expectations for this after loving the midnight library so much and i’m glad to say it exceeded all my expectations. matt haig is a brilliant writer who knows exactly how to write such beautiful books filled with impactful meaning, his writing heals you in ways you didn’t even think possible. and even though you could see exactly how the book was going to end you can’t even wish for it to end any other way and i think there’s something so perfectly simplistic in that. i would highly recommend this book especially if you loved the midnight library!
April 15, 2026
Thank you Net Galley for access to this arc. The Midnight Library is one of my favorite books so I was very excited to read The Midnight Train!
The Midnight Train follows Wilbur who has many regrets in life, but the biggest one being how his relationship with Maggie turned out. As he boards the train, he quickly sees the key moments in his life that influenced him in different ways.
This book is similar to The Midnight Library concept wise except instead of a library its a train! I really loved that this one was done from the perspective of someone who lived his life fully. It did a good job at reflecting and making you question what is important in life. Wilbur’s transformation was heart warming and I can’t wait for others to get the same experience with the release of this book!
The Midnight Train follows Wilbur who has many regrets in life, but the biggest one being how his relationship with Maggie turned out. As he boards the train, he quickly sees the key moments in his life that influenced him in different ways.
This book is similar to The Midnight Library concept wise except instead of a library its a train! I really loved that this one was done from the perspective of someone who lived his life fully. It did a good job at reflecting and making you question what is important in life. Wilbur’s transformation was heart warming and I can’t wait for others to get the same experience with the release of this book!
February 21, 2026
Wilbur is an old man. At the hour of his death he is picked up by a train and starts seeing significant events in his life. He realizes there are mistakes he made in life that he wishes he could redo.
After really loving The Midnight library I was so excited for this book! I didn’t like it as much but it was still really good. Wilbur is an easy character to like, most of the time.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Viking Penguin Press for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review. Publication date May 26, 1026.
After really loving The Midnight library I was so excited for this book! I didn’t like it as much but it was still really good. Wilbur is an easy character to like, most of the time.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Viking Penguin Press for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review. Publication date May 26, 1026.
April 23, 2026
I'm a big fan of Matt Haig and an avid follower on social media. I think fans of The Midnight Library will really enjoy The Midnight Train. The book was a little on the nose for my taste but I appreciated how it was succinct and didn't drag on. I definitely enjoyed the book the further I got into the story. I think my favourite Matt Haig book will always be The Humans.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced eARC of this book.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced eARC of this book.
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.
March 25, 2026
I loved The Midnight Library and loved The Midnight Train. The book has heart and soul. And perspective. What does it mean to live and to love? A beautiful, beautifully written book. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2026
I loved The Midnight Library and wanted to enjoy this but it was not the same at all. It dragged on and I found myself falling asleep/being uninterested in picking it up. What a disappointment.
March 30, 2026
*thank you NetGalley for the ARC!*
(i may or may not have forgotten to update on here oops)
4.5!!
I was happy to find out that this book is not a traditional sequel to The Midnight Library but rather a book that takes place in the same world. Matt Haig does a great job at bringing up the tough questions and making the reader reallyyyyy think about their personal situation. Same vibes as Midnight Library but different characters, story, and big decisions. When your life flashes before your eyes at the very end, do you think you’ll be content or wished you loved life differently? If it’s the ladder and you COULD have the opportunity to make different choices, would you risk it??
(i may or may not have forgotten to update on here oops)
4.5!!
I was happy to find out that this book is not a traditional sequel to The Midnight Library but rather a book that takes place in the same world. Matt Haig does a great job at bringing up the tough questions and making the reader reallyyyyy think about their personal situation. Same vibes as Midnight Library but different characters, story, and big decisions. When your life flashes before your eyes at the very end, do you think you’ll be content or wished you loved life differently? If it’s the ladder and you COULD have the opportunity to make different choices, would you risk it??
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