What do you think?
Rate this book
The Woman in Seat 13
I survived. He died. And now someone wants me to pay…
When I spot I’m in row 13 on the flight, I barely notice. I’m not superstitious. But then I am offered the window seat by a stranger with melting brown eyes and no wedding ring. As we begin to chat, I find myself drawn to him. I never imagined that just half an hour later, I’d be clutching his hand, passengers screaming around us as our plane plummets terrifyingly through the night sky…
Months later I’m trying to make a fresh start as the only survivor of the crash. My brand-new apartment should feel like a haven for me but I’m still jumping at every noise, frightened to confide in my new neighbors. My therapist tells me this is normal, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not alone in my new home.
Then the notes begin. Notes that say It should have been you. You weren’t meant to survive. I think back to the stranger on the plane, who seemed to be just a nice, uncomplicated man. I remember his last words, lost under the roar of the failing engines. ‘There’s something I need to tell you. Look out for—’
If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive. But is he the reason I am in terrible danger now?
A completely gripping and unputdownable thriller that will have you turning pages deep into the night. Fans of The Silent Patient and Jeneva Rose will be completely hooked on The Woman in Seat 13.
When I spot I’m in row 13 on the flight, I barely notice. I’m not superstitious. But then I am offered the window seat by a stranger with melting brown eyes and no wedding ring. As we begin to chat, I find myself drawn to him. I never imagined that just half an hour later, I’d be clutching his hand, passengers screaming around us as our plane plummets terrifyingly through the night sky…
Months later I’m trying to make a fresh start as the only survivor of the crash. My brand-new apartment should feel like a haven for me but I’m still jumping at every noise, frightened to confide in my new neighbors. My therapist tells me this is normal, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not alone in my new home.
Then the notes begin. Notes that say It should have been you. You weren’t meant to survive. I think back to the stranger on the plane, who seemed to be just a nice, uncomplicated man. I remember his last words, lost under the roar of the failing engines. ‘There’s something I need to tell you. Look out for—’
If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive. But is he the reason I am in terrible danger now?
A completely gripping and unputdownable thriller that will have you turning pages deep into the night. Fans of The Silent Patient and Jeneva Rose will be completely hooked on The Woman in Seat 13.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
Ellie Midwood
51 books1,252 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
May 1, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of The Woman In Seat 13 by Ellie Midwood.
For fans of suspenseful & unpredictable twists, this one is for you!..What starts out as a once in a million miracle that should be celebrated turns into a chilling game of paranoia and survival. Ellie Midwood delivers what we all love and crave when it comes to an "edge of your seat" thriller. All this being said, this one does lean more towards entertainment than literary depth. So, if those are the reads you usually go for, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise I feel most are really going to enjoy this one! It's
most definitely the "one more chapter" at 2am kinda read.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
For fans of suspenseful & unpredictable twists, this one is for you!..What starts out as a once in a million miracle that should be celebrated turns into a chilling game of paranoia and survival. Ellie Midwood delivers what we all love and crave when it comes to an "edge of your seat" thriller. All this being said, this one does lean more towards entertainment than literary depth. So, if those are the reads you usually go for, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise I feel most are really going to enjoy this one! It's
most definitely the "one more chapter" at 2am kinda read.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
April 16, 2026
If you’re drawn to stories that start off feeling ordinary and gradually twist into something unsettling and impossible to ignore, The Woman in Seat 13 by Ellie Midwood is well worth picking up.
The story follows a woman who survives a devastating plane crash, but surviving is only the beginning. As she tries to rebuild her life, she is left dealing with PTSD and a series of increasingly disturbing incidents—anonymous threatening notes, slashed tyres, and the creeping feeling that she is being watched. Nothing feels accidental, and part of the tension comes from trying to understand who is behind it all and why she has been targeted.
This is a slow-burning psychological thriller that relies on atmosphere, emotion, and suspicion rather than fast-paced action. The sense of unease builds steadily, keeping you guessing and fully invested right up to the final pages.
The writing is clear, immersive, and easy to read, making it simple to fall into the protagonist’s perspective and feel every bit of her fear and uncertainty. The cover also fits the tone perfectly—subtle, understated, and quietly ominous, reflecting the tension within the story.
Overall, it’s a gripping and engaging read that keeps you turning the pages and stays with you long after you’ve finished.
Thank you to the author Ellie Midwood, publisher Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows a woman who survives a devastating plane crash, but surviving is only the beginning. As she tries to rebuild her life, she is left dealing with PTSD and a series of increasingly disturbing incidents—anonymous threatening notes, slashed tyres, and the creeping feeling that she is being watched. Nothing feels accidental, and part of the tension comes from trying to understand who is behind it all and why she has been targeted.
This is a slow-burning psychological thriller that relies on atmosphere, emotion, and suspicion rather than fast-paced action. The sense of unease builds steadily, keeping you guessing and fully invested right up to the final pages.
The writing is clear, immersive, and easy to read, making it simple to fall into the protagonist’s perspective and feel every bit of her fear and uncertainty. The cover also fits the tone perfectly—subtle, understated, and quietly ominous, reflecting the tension within the story.
Overall, it’s a gripping and engaging read that keeps you turning the pages and stays with you long after you’ve finished.
Thank you to the author Ellie Midwood, publisher Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2026
3.5★s
After the plane crash, where Jess was the only survivor, her PTSD levels were through the roof. Her life on hold, she lived with her parents, cocooned in their safe comfort and love. The councellor she was seeing helped tremendously, but Jess' survivor guilt was insurmountable. After she moved to a new house, not too far from her business which her best friend, Mari, had kept going for her, Jess still felt "watched". With her paranoia peaking, one of her new neighbours installed full security throughout the house.
As Jess learned more about the man who had given her the window seat on the plane, which saved her life, she wondered about Leandro's family - were they after her because she should have died instead of him? The notes; the damage - and then the body...
The Woman in Seat 13 by Ellie Midwood is an intense and gripping thriller - for the most part. A slow beginning as we meet all the characters, including a woman who doesn't seem to have anything to do with anything - until she does. Not much happens after the initial plane crash, until about half way through, and then it becomes fast paced, twisty and psychologically enjoyable. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
After the plane crash, where Jess was the only survivor, her PTSD levels were through the roof. Her life on hold, she lived with her parents, cocooned in their safe comfort and love. The councellor she was seeing helped tremendously, but Jess' survivor guilt was insurmountable. After she moved to a new house, not too far from her business which her best friend, Mari, had kept going for her, Jess still felt "watched". With her paranoia peaking, one of her new neighbours installed full security throughout the house.
As Jess learned more about the man who had given her the window seat on the plane, which saved her life, she wondered about Leandro's family - were they after her because she should have died instead of him? The notes; the damage - and then the body...
The Woman in Seat 13 by Ellie Midwood is an intense and gripping thriller - for the most part. A slow beginning as we meet all the characters, including a woman who doesn't seem to have anything to do with anything - until she does. Not much happens after the initial plane crash, until about half way through, and then it becomes fast paced, twisty and psychologically enjoyable. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
May 2, 2026
3 1/2 Stars
July 11, 2026
My first novel by this author, a well paced, gripping story, slow burning, lots of suspicious characters, although I guessed the guilty character quite early.
I survived. He died. And now someone wants me to pay…
A massive trigger warning is needed if you have even a slight fear of flying. The opening crash sequence is visceral, terrifying and claustrophobic.
When I spot I’m in row 13 on the flight, I barely notice. I’m not superstitious. But then I am offered the window seat by a stranger with melting brown eyes and no wedding ring. As we begin to chat, I find myself drawn to him. I never imagined that just half an hour later, I’d be clutching his hand, passengers screaming around us as our plane plummets terrifyingly through the night sky…
Months later I’m trying to make a fresh start as the only survivor of the crash. My brand-new apartment should feel like a haven for me but I’m still jumping at every noise, frightened to confide in my new neighbors. My therapist tells me this is normal, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not alone in my new home.
Then the notes begin. Notes that say it should have been you. You weren’t meant to survive. I think back to the stranger on the plane, who seemed to be just a nice, uncomplicated man. I remember his last words, lost under the roar of the failing engines. ‘There’s something I need to tell you. Look out for—’
If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive. But is he the reason I am in terrible danger now?
Worth a read and recommended
four stars
I survived. He died. And now someone wants me to pay…
A massive trigger warning is needed if you have even a slight fear of flying. The opening crash sequence is visceral, terrifying and claustrophobic.
When I spot I’m in row 13 on the flight, I barely notice. I’m not superstitious. But then I am offered the window seat by a stranger with melting brown eyes and no wedding ring. As we begin to chat, I find myself drawn to him. I never imagined that just half an hour later, I’d be clutching his hand, passengers screaming around us as our plane plummets terrifyingly through the night sky…
Months later I’m trying to make a fresh start as the only survivor of the crash. My brand-new apartment should feel like a haven for me but I’m still jumping at every noise, frightened to confide in my new neighbors. My therapist tells me this is normal, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not alone in my new home.
Then the notes begin. Notes that say it should have been you. You weren’t meant to survive. I think back to the stranger on the plane, who seemed to be just a nice, uncomplicated man. I remember his last words, lost under the roar of the failing engines. ‘There’s something I need to tell you. Look out for—’
If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive. But is he the reason I am in terrible danger now?
Worth a read and recommended
four stars
March 18, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC opportunity via NetGalley.
This book fell a little flat for me after a promising beginning, the pace felt off after a while and I struggled to connect with the FMC.
This book fell a little flat for me after a promising beginning, the pace felt off after a while and I struggled to connect with the FMC.
October 13, 2026
Whelp, I finished it.
This isn't great. It was entertaining enough that I did finish the book - mostly because I wanted to know the who of everything. And, wow, the who and the why were really stupid.
The book has very little do to with our MC being the sole survivor. I wanted to know so much more about that. Instead, I got an incredibly inane plot.
As for our MC, I certainly did hate her. However, I also hated every other character so kind of equal opportunity hating.
Not for me.
This isn't great. It was entertaining enough that I did finish the book - mostly because I wanted to know the who of everything. And, wow, the who and the why were really stupid.
The book has very little do to with our MC being the sole survivor. I wanted to know so much more about that. Instead, I got an incredibly inane plot.
As for our MC, I certainly did hate her. However, I also hated every other character so kind of equal opportunity hating.
Not for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The dog actually died. I thought it would be a plot device where the sweet baby dog readers bonded with from the beginning wasnt really dead. No, no, she actually killed the dog. I don't do dead dogs Ms. Midwood. Too raw and a crappy plot device.
Also, way too many connection coincidences. The odds of Ben having come into contact with Leandro are astronomical. I abhor easy plot connections. Lazy writing.
Easy to spot villain and rushed ending. An absolute shame.
Also, way too many connection coincidences. The odds of Ben having come into contact with Leandro are astronomical. I abhor easy plot connections. Lazy writing.
Easy to spot villain and rushed ending. An absolute shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve had a couple of Ellie Midwood’s books sitting on my TBR shelf for years, so when Bookouture approved me for this one I was genuinely excited to finally see what her writing was like, especially since she’s so well known for historical fiction. And honestly, it’s easy to see why her books get so much love because she really knows how to tell a story.
The premise grabbed me right away and I liked the uneasy, suspenseful tone that followed the main character after the crash. There were definitely moments that kept me curious and wanting to know what was really going on. That said, the pacing felt a little uneven for me at times, and I wished a few twists had been pushed just a bit further emotionally. Even with a few bumps, I never felt disconnected from the story.
This was a solid, compelling mystery and it made me even more interested in checking out more of Midwood’s backlist soon.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
I’ve had a couple of Ellie Midwood’s books sitting on my TBR shelf for years, so when Bookouture approved me for this one I was genuinely excited to finally see what her writing was like, especially since she’s so well known for historical fiction. And honestly, it’s easy to see why her books get so much love because she really knows how to tell a story.
The premise grabbed me right away and I liked the uneasy, suspenseful tone that followed the main character after the crash. There were definitely moments that kept me curious and wanting to know what was really going on. That said, the pacing felt a little uneven for me at times, and I wished a few twists had been pushed just a bit further emotionally. Even with a few bumps, I never felt disconnected from the story.
This was a solid, compelling mystery and it made me even more interested in checking out more of Midwood’s backlist soon.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
April 30, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read The woman in seat 13 by Ellie Midwood. This was a perfect gaslighting thriller that had me turning pages! This is a new author for me, but I am definitely adding her to my TBR notes! The character of Jess, who was obviously a cat in another life, is extremely likeable, and has great chemistry with Ben, who she meets at a survivor group, but it's Ben service dog Archie, who I just adored! With twists, red herrings, and some romance thrown in, I definitely recommend it!!!
April 13, 2026
Jess is a therapist who needs a nice, relaxing vacation. She boards the plane headed to a yoga retreat, but a Karen is upset that she has her dog with her. While they are arguing, a man steps in and said he has two seats in business class - he always buys an extra so he can spread out and work on the plane. He offers her the window seat, and she gladly accepts…then all hell breaks loose.
She wakes up in the hospital not understanding what happened. The plane crashed, and she walked away with just minor bruising and scratches. Everybody else died, and now Jess has PTSD and survivor’s guilt. She got a large settlement from the airline, and her parents helped her invest it and buy a new townhouse. When a panic attack woke her, she screamed and met her new neighbors, who all came to see if she was okay. Out of this she makes a couple of new friends, but there’s one problem: someone keeps leaving her menacing notes, implying that Jess should have died in the crash, not Leandro, the man who gave up his seat for her.
The book is mostly about Jess, but there are also small parts written from the point of view of the person who is stalking her. We also get a side story about a woman with post-partum depression whose husband hired a nanny…and may be getting a little too close to her. Overall this was a great story and a quick read. I’m giving it 4.5, rounded down because I figured out who the stalker was right away.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “The Woman in Seat 13” is set to be released on April 29, 2026.)
She wakes up in the hospital not understanding what happened. The plane crashed, and she walked away with just minor bruising and scratches. Everybody else died, and now Jess has PTSD and survivor’s guilt. She got a large settlement from the airline, and her parents helped her invest it and buy a new townhouse. When a panic attack woke her, she screamed and met her new neighbors, who all came to see if she was okay. Out of this she makes a couple of new friends, but there’s one problem: someone keeps leaving her menacing notes, implying that Jess should have died in the crash, not Leandro, the man who gave up his seat for her.
The book is mostly about Jess, but there are also small parts written from the point of view of the person who is stalking her. We also get a side story about a woman with post-partum depression whose husband hired a nanny…and may be getting a little too close to her. Overall this was a great story and a quick read. I’m giving it 4.5, rounded down because I figured out who the stalker was right away.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “The Woman in Seat 13” is set to be released on April 29, 2026.)
March 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This was my first Ellie Midwood novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love a book with an unreliable (or potentially unreliable) narrator, bonus points if they are a therapist. My favourite niche psychological thriller trope.
This book gripped me from page one. I found myself wanting to sneak in a few chapters everywhere I could. There were a few unexpected twists, but the ending wasn’t a total surprise (lots of Easter eggs).
I found the FMC mostly likeable, especially when she didn’t question or doubt herself as others began to. I found her use of objective evidence refreshing and made me trust her as a narrator.
Overall I found the pace to be consistently building and I stayed engaged throughout.
P.s. good boy Archie, thanks for all the goofy comic relief!
This was my first Ellie Midwood novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love a book with an unreliable (or potentially unreliable) narrator, bonus points if they are a therapist. My favourite niche psychological thriller trope.
This book gripped me from page one. I found myself wanting to sneak in a few chapters everywhere I could. There were a few unexpected twists, but the ending wasn’t a total surprise (lots of Easter eggs).
I found the FMC mostly likeable, especially when she didn’t question or doubt herself as others began to. I found her use of objective evidence refreshing and made me trust her as a narrator.
Overall I found the pace to be consistently building and I stayed engaged throughout.
P.s. good boy Archie, thanks for all the goofy comic relief!
May 7, 2026
Saw this first on NetGalley, waited for it to come out on KU to pick it up.
I'm glad I did.
This is everything I want in a thriller. A little psychological drama with a seemingly unreliable narrator, a little murder mystery with a second POV that seems unrelated at first but which is, of course, inexplicably tied to our main character. The MC's BFF and her supposed sociopathic boyfriend as a potential red-herring. A love interest to help give us something to root for and make our MC less of a basket case and more sympathetic, twists and turns that keep you guessing. And obviously, an unhinged villain who manages to slip past our MC's (and the reader's) guard for the majority of the story.
The end is filled with high stakes that feel real and terrifying. I flew through the last 20% of this story, desperate to find out exactly what was happening and see Jess (our MC) finally safe and happy.
Now I'm not going to say this story got me. Because it didn't. I called the villain 20% of the way through, after we first encounter Taylor. I knew EXACTLY what was happening.
The rest of the story was just me watching things play out and waiting patiently until I was proven right.
But sometimes those are the BEST kinds of stories. The way this story is written, I wasn't annoyed that I'd figured it out. There were enough red-herrings, enough plausible motives, a sufficiently unreliable narrator - I was certain I had the right of it early on - but with every new twist I found myself having to go back and reevaluate my early judgement. I was playing detective right alongside Jess.
This would honestly make a great movie. I have no complaints.
I'm glad I did.
This is everything I want in a thriller. A little psychological drama with a seemingly unreliable narrator, a little murder mystery with a second POV that seems unrelated at first but which is, of course, inexplicably tied to our main character. The MC's BFF and her supposed sociopathic boyfriend as a potential red-herring. A love interest to help give us something to root for and make our MC less of a basket case and more sympathetic, twists and turns that keep you guessing. And obviously, an unhinged villain who manages to slip past our MC's (and the reader's) guard for the majority of the story.
The end is filled with high stakes that feel real and terrifying. I flew through the last 20% of this story, desperate to find out exactly what was happening and see Jess (our MC) finally safe and happy.
Now I'm not going to say this story got me. Because it didn't. I called the villain 20% of the way through, after we first encounter Taylor. I knew EXACTLY what was happening.
The rest of the story was just me watching things play out and waiting patiently until I was proven right.
But sometimes those are the BEST kinds of stories. The way this story is written, I wasn't annoyed that I'd figured it out. There were enough red-herrings, enough plausible motives, a sufficiently unreliable narrator - I was certain I had the right of it early on - but with every new twist I found myself having to go back and reevaluate my early judgement. I was playing detective right alongside Jess.
This would honestly make a great movie. I have no complaints.
May 29, 2026
Jess boards a plane and is forced to switch seats because another passenger makes a fuss about her dog being aboard. Leandro offers her his seat and she takes it. Then the plane crashes and only one survivor - Jess.
Suffering from PTSD, Jess gradually rebuilds her life. She moves into her own place in Brooklyn. But then the threats begin. She begins getting suspicious, threatening notes. Insidious paintings of the crash. Someone breaks into her home.
This is one of those thrillers where everyone is just a tad suspicious with a hint of an unreliable narrator (Jess is on Ambien to sleep and her psychiatrist is suspicious that Jess is doing things in her sleep without remembering...). I did guess the ending but not early enough in the book that it ruined it. I enjoyed the writing. This was a very bingeable thriller with great characters!
Suffering from PTSD, Jess gradually rebuilds her life. She moves into her own place in Brooklyn. But then the threats begin. She begins getting suspicious, threatening notes. Insidious paintings of the crash. Someone breaks into her home.
This is one of those thrillers where everyone is just a tad suspicious with a hint of an unreliable narrator (Jess is on Ambien to sleep and her psychiatrist is suspicious that Jess is doing things in her sleep without remembering...). I did guess the ending but not early enough in the book that it ruined it. I enjoyed the writing. This was a very bingeable thriller with great characters!
May 6, 2026
Thank you to Ellie Midwood, Bookouture and netgalley, for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
This book had so much promise but it just didn't live up to it for me.
Picture this - the sole survivor of a plane crash after she moved seats just before takeoff. What is fate or is there something more at play?
This premise was new to me so I was excited to get stuck in, but it fell really flat in the execution. The pacing was off, practically a snails pace with lots of filler info, so it failed to keep me invested.
I couldn't connect with the characters, the plot had so many "coincidences" to make it work and the ending felt rushed.
Overall it wasn't for me, but if you enjoy a slow burn read, you may enjoy this one.
This book had so much promise but it just didn't live up to it for me.
Picture this - the sole survivor of a plane crash after she moved seats just before takeoff. What is fate or is there something more at play?
This premise was new to me so I was excited to get stuck in, but it fell really flat in the execution. The pacing was off, practically a snails pace with lots of filler info, so it failed to keep me invested.
I couldn't connect with the characters, the plot had so many "coincidences" to make it work and the ending felt rushed.
Overall it wasn't for me, but if you enjoy a slow burn read, you may enjoy this one.
June 5, 2026
Sedona is not in Utah. A psychiatrist ≠ a therapist. The lack of literally any fact checking in this book ruined any chances at a good story. A truly painful read.
April 8, 2026
Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! 🫶🏻 I loved the premise of this book, but the execution fell a bit flat for me.
Our FMC, Jess, is the only survivor of a fiery plane crash, and the only reason she survived is because a random stranger, Leandro, gave up his seat for her. And now she’s seemingly being stalked by someone out to avenge Leandro’s death. I think the first half was really good — it’s the immediate aftermath of the accident where Jess is dealing with an enormous amount of trauma and survivor’s guilt, and there were a couple of instances that really freaked me out….but the second half just didn’t seem to match the first half. I struggled to connect with ANY of the characters, to be honest, and Jess herself seems to go through a significant personality shift (towards the end, she seemed a bit more sarcastic, almost like she was laughing off her own trauma….it was odd.) There were a few chapters (maybe five in the whole book?) from another character’s POV, and I really felt that they were out of place and just unnecessary to the story…. I don’t think it added anything. And to me, the “bad guy” was PAINFULLY obvious….literally from the moment this character was introduced, I knew they were the perpetrator. 😩 And the reveal of said bad guy was the most anticlimactic thing I think I’ve ever read in a book….Jess basically said “I think it’s ___”, and that was it. No suspense at all.
I would also like to point out (and I don’t consider this to be a spoiler, as it has virtually nothing to do with the overall story), that I think the book blurb on Goodreads/Amazon/Netgalley is incorrect — it says that Leandro said something to Jess as the plane was going down, but unless I’m misremembering, that actually only happened in a DREAM that Jess had later on. 😑 And tbh, THAT is what really got me interested in the book, because it made it seem like he somehow already knew Jess and was trying to warn her about something….when in fact he was a total stranger. Has anyone else read this book? Am I wrong here?
Anyway, I think a lot of people would enjoy this, but it was just “meh” for me. 🤷🏼♀️
Our FMC, Jess, is the only survivor of a fiery plane crash, and the only reason she survived is because a random stranger, Leandro, gave up his seat for her. And now she’s seemingly being stalked by someone out to avenge Leandro’s death. I think the first half was really good — it’s the immediate aftermath of the accident where Jess is dealing with an enormous amount of trauma and survivor’s guilt, and there were a couple of instances that really freaked me out….but the second half just didn’t seem to match the first half. I struggled to connect with ANY of the characters, to be honest, and Jess herself seems to go through a significant personality shift (towards the end, she seemed a bit more sarcastic, almost like she was laughing off her own trauma….it was odd.) There were a few chapters (maybe five in the whole book?) from another character’s POV, and I really felt that they were out of place and just unnecessary to the story…. I don’t think it added anything. And to me, the “bad guy” was PAINFULLY obvious….literally from the moment this character was introduced, I knew they were the perpetrator. 😩 And the reveal of said bad guy was the most anticlimactic thing I think I’ve ever read in a book….Jess basically said “I think it’s ___”, and that was it. No suspense at all.
I would also like to point out (and I don’t consider this to be a spoiler, as it has virtually nothing to do with the overall story), that I think the book blurb on Goodreads/Amazon/Netgalley is incorrect — it says that Leandro said something to Jess as the plane was going down, but unless I’m misremembering, that actually only happened in a DREAM that Jess had later on. 😑 And tbh, THAT is what really got me interested in the book, because it made it seem like he somehow already knew Jess and was trying to warn her about something….when in fact he was a total stranger. Has anyone else read this book? Am I wrong here?
Anyway, I think a lot of people would enjoy this, but it was just “meh” for me. 🤷🏼♀️
June 30, 2026
This was the perfect book to really pull me out of the reading slump I’ve been in. It’s engaging and action packed from the very first page, and that pretty much continues for the whole book. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and the author did an amazing job at keeping the tension and suspense going the whole time. Sometimes thrillers can get a bit tedious in the middle in the lead up to the reveal at the end, but this one was definitely an exception to that.
I unfortunately did guess the plot twist pretty early on, but I do read a lot of thrillers so I’d say that I’m pretty tuned in to spotting the clues and hints that the author scattered along the way. Even though I guessed the twist, I still really enjoyed the climax and the reveal at the end. I had literal goosebumps at one point! I also found the majority of the characters in this book intriguing and likeable, which is rare for me when it comes to thrillers as I don’t always connect with the characters. Archie was definitely the best character of them all though and he was a highlight when reading!
I throughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and would recommend it to any thriller fans looking for a quick, suspenseful read with interesting and complex characters.
I’m writing this review pretty late because I was in a massive reading slump, so I apologise to and thank the kind publishers and Netgalley who gave me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I unfortunately did guess the plot twist pretty early on, but I do read a lot of thrillers so I’d say that I’m pretty tuned in to spotting the clues and hints that the author scattered along the way. Even though I guessed the twist, I still really enjoyed the climax and the reveal at the end. I had literal goosebumps at one point! I also found the majority of the characters in this book intriguing and likeable, which is rare for me when it comes to thrillers as I don’t always connect with the characters. Archie was definitely the best character of them all though and he was a highlight when reading!
I throughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and would recommend it to any thriller fans looking for a quick, suspenseful read with interesting and complex characters.
I’m writing this review pretty late because I was in a massive reading slump, so I apologise to and thank the kind publishers and Netgalley who gave me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2026
Ellie Midwood is a new to me author, and I am thoroughly impressed! By reading the title, you think you know which way this book is going to go, but that’s not the way that the book goes at all!
This is more of a slow burning thriller with not a ton of action. That’s not normally my favorite, but it really worked with this book because of the suspicion of a ton of characters throughout the book, and because Jess is a therapist with PTSD, taking a medicine that can cause her to do things that she can’t remember, so she is seemingly unreliable. I didn’t know if I could trust anyone in her life, and while she could have been unreliable, I really believed her. I felt for her through the entire book. I couldn’t imagine being through what she went through and then to have a stalker?
Jess was extremely self aware, and maybe that’s due to the fact that she is a therapist. I really felt that even though she didn’t necessarily seem it outwardly, Jess was really a strong person. When her therapist and her parents didn’t want her to do things, she did them because she wanted to move on and stop living a hermit life. I really enjoyed her strength, and her growth throughout the book.
When it came to the stalker, I was fooled! I didn’t guess at all! This is out now, so check it out!
This is more of a slow burning thriller with not a ton of action. That’s not normally my favorite, but it really worked with this book because of the suspicion of a ton of characters throughout the book, and because Jess is a therapist with PTSD, taking a medicine that can cause her to do things that she can’t remember, so she is seemingly unreliable. I didn’t know if I could trust anyone in her life, and while she could have been unreliable, I really believed her. I felt for her through the entire book. I couldn’t imagine being through what she went through and then to have a stalker?
Jess was extremely self aware, and maybe that’s due to the fact that she is a therapist. I really felt that even though she didn’t necessarily seem it outwardly, Jess was really a strong person. When her therapist and her parents didn’t want her to do things, she did them because she wanted to move on and stop living a hermit life. I really enjoyed her strength, and her growth throughout the book.
When it came to the stalker, I was fooled! I didn’t guess at all! This is out now, so check it out!
May 10, 2026
Lots of potential suspects here
I've read and enjoyed many of Ellie's historical fiction novels before this, so when I saw this one it caught my eye. The fact that it started with an airplane crash was another inducement to read it. After being the sole survivor of a plane crash, Jess begins to notice strange things happening around her. Someone is not happy that she survived and will do anything to kill her. Elsewhere, Taylor has been diagnosed with post-partum depression and suspects the "nanny" is out for her husband. How do these stories interconnect and is someone really out to get Jessica? I had my suspicions early on, but there were plenty of red hearings that made me stop and think.
I've read and enjoyed many of Ellie's historical fiction novels before this, so when I saw this one it caught my eye. The fact that it started with an airplane crash was another inducement to read it. After being the sole survivor of a plane crash, Jess begins to notice strange things happening around her. Someone is not happy that she survived and will do anything to kill her. Elsewhere, Taylor has been diagnosed with post-partum depression and suspects the "nanny" is out for her husband. How do these stories interconnect and is someone really out to get Jessica? I had my suspicions early on, but there were plenty of red hearings that made me stop and think.
June 22, 2026
Great psychological thriller. When I feel crazy I know it's a good book. It's almost hard to read because you are only in the one point of view and can't trust that pov. It's a 4 star because I guessed "twist" really early but I was satisfied with how it came together. The ending fizzled out quick which was a little bit of let down. All in all an entertaining read.
April 28, 2026
A completely gripping and unputdownable thriller that will have you turning pages deep into the night. Fans of The Silent Patient and Jeneva Rose will be completely hooked on The Woman in Seat 13.
It’s a fast paced book, it had twists and turn and you like be an rollercoaster.
I survived. He died. And now someone wants me to pay…
It’s a fast paced book, it had twists and turn and you like be an rollercoaster.
I survived. He died. And now someone wants me to pay…
June 14, 2026
4 1/2⭐ A fast-paced, page-turning thriller! I thought I had figured out the stalker more than once, but the other characters kept making me second-guess myself. Really enjoyable from start to finish.
July 29, 2026
Good read, not plausible in some cases, but I looked forward to getting back to it at bedtime and was certainly entertained and that is what I was looking for. A quick little fun read.
May 28, 2026
4.5 stars
This book thoroughly captured my attention and did not let go! I kept saying, "just one more chapter!" The opening is gripping, and the storyline quickly pulls the reader in. There are numerous twists that keep you guessing. You're never quite sure who to trust. I found this to be a highly addictive psychological thriller. if you love stories with lots of suspense and red hearings, this edge-of-your-seat thriller is a great book for you to pick up ... though it just might make you feel a little paranoid at times.
This book thoroughly captured my attention and did not let go! I kept saying, "just one more chapter!" The opening is gripping, and the storyline quickly pulls the reader in. There are numerous twists that keep you guessing. You're never quite sure who to trust. I found this to be a highly addictive psychological thriller. if you love stories with lots of suspense and red hearings, this edge-of-your-seat thriller is a great book for you to pick up ... though it just might make you feel a little paranoid at times.
March 2, 2026
The Woman in Seat 13 is exactly the kind of fresh twist I’ve been craving for years. I’ve been a thriller girlie for a long time now, and it’s getting harder and harder to genuinely surprise me in this genre. The premise alone had me clicking “request” on NetGalley, and I’m glad I did because the story absolutely delivered. Even though I clocked a few tropes early on, I still found myself fully hooked. This is the kind of read that makes you whisper “what?!” and “no way!” at random pages.
What I Enjoyed:
• Survivor trope — always a hit!
• Brownstone setting — the vintage and slightly eerie vibe
• Authentic female friendship — supportive without being cheesy
What Sort of Fell Flat:
• Some tropes felt overused and ready for retirement
• Predictable plot and twist in a few places
• A couple of culturally clumsy terms that pulled me out of the story
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 5⭐️
• Characters: 3⭐️
• Writing: 3⭐️
• Message: 4⭐️
• Overall: 4⭐️
To sum it up, this was an intense yet easy-to-devour read. The characters felt real, and the MC’s tragic past added so much weight and purpose to the story. A solid pick for readers who love survivor tropes mixed with stalking, vengeance, and that simmering sense of danger. Huge thanks to Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for my copy. My thoughts are, as always, my own.
~ JaNnA ~
What I Enjoyed:
• Survivor trope — always a hit!
• Brownstone setting — the vintage and slightly eerie vibe
• Authentic female friendship — supportive without being cheesy
What Sort of Fell Flat:
• Some tropes felt overused and ready for retirement
• Predictable plot and twist in a few places
• A couple of culturally clumsy terms that pulled me out of the story
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 5⭐️
• Characters: 3⭐️
• Writing: 3⭐️
• Message: 4⭐️
• Overall: 4⭐️
To sum it up, this was an intense yet easy-to-devour read. The characters felt real, and the MC’s tragic past added so much weight and purpose to the story. A solid pick for readers who love survivor tropes mixed with stalking, vengeance, and that simmering sense of danger. Huge thanks to Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for my copy. My thoughts are, as always, my own.
~ JaNnA ~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1.5: This was meant to be a tense psychological thriller. I’ve experienced more tension reading the back of a cereal box. What a masterclass in how to absolutely obliterate a great premise.
I loved the sound of this. A sole survivor of a plane crash? A creeping sense she wasn’t meant to live? Someone out to ruin her life?
A thousand times yes. This should have been unputdownable.
But instead, my hopes were dashed by the end of page one. Like, dropped from height into secondhand embarrassment.
The opening scene's pure fantasy. Not the fun, escapist kind, but the painful kind.
We’re introduced to a woman who doesn’t want to sit next to our MC Jess and her dog on a flight, which could mean allergies, fear, or just not wanting an animal wedged into your personal space at 30,000 feet. The book, however, treats her like a war criminal so that Jess and a handsome stranger can swoop in with perfectly crafted, mic drop comebacks.
And then, because subtlety's dead, the entire plane joins in.
“The rest of the cabin giggles conspiratorially. Someone in the back even claps.” Of course they do. Why stop there? Release doves. Cue a standing ovation. Roll credits.
It isn't an opening scene to a suspenseful thriller. It’s a shower argument fantasy where the author wins and everyone claps. Literally. They literally clap because apparently the scene wasn’t heavy-handed enough already.
And the tone (and entire book if we're being honest) never recovers.
The dialogue's so unnatural. It's so smug and self-aggrandising. No one speaks like a human being. They're all just there to fawn over Jess and dogs and essentially submit character references for themselves.
“I’m a son of two immigrants from Brazil. I drove Uber throughout my college years to pay for my degree.” Who talks like this? Who has ever talked like this? Bro, this is a conversation, not your LinkedIn About section.
Then we get the endless therapy-speak, with stupid sentences like “Don’t minimize me.” I’m begging someone to confirm this is satire. Please.
And then we have Jess.
Jess never complains.
Jess is sunshine.
Jess is adored.
Jess is perfect.
Jess is unbearable.
She has no flaws or bite. She has no personality beyond being nice. Her only flaw is that she's TOO nice. Seriously.
And her defining trait (after being nice of course) is that she likes dogs.
The book treats "nice lady who likes nice doggies" like it's the pinnacle of character writing instead of the narrative beige slop that it is.
To quote Bob’s Burgers: “If she were a spice, she’d be flour."
This author can't tolerate disagreement. Anyone who challenges Jess is immediately framed as toxic, unreasonable, difficult, or “gaslighting” her. Conflict gets shut down before it can be explored. Add in the lazy use of “Karen” for any woman with the audacity to exist near Jess without wanting to brush her hair and tell her how lovely she is and it all starts to feel less like a thriller and more like wish fulfilment.
Everyone else is just… there. Being nice and liking dogs. Existing in a constant state of bland approval of a bland woman. The love interest (I think he was an LI but I stopped caring) has the personality of a golden retriever written by someone who’s never actually met a human man.
Oh and the repeated use of “doggie/doggy” in what's allegedly an adult novel made me feel like I was being infantilised against my will. I’m having Baby Dragon Café flashbacks and I want compensation.
The mystery, which is ostensibly the point of the entire book, drags like it’s being paid by the page. What should be tight and suspenseful becomes stretched and padded. It's like the plot mistakes length for suspense. The author's so worried about making stupid Jess likeable that she allows any shred of tension to evaporate.
Honestly, the biggest mystery here isn’t what happened on that plane, it’s how this made it past editing.
I loved the sound of this. A sole survivor of a plane crash? A creeping sense she wasn’t meant to live? Someone out to ruin her life?
A thousand times yes. This should have been unputdownable.
But instead, my hopes were dashed by the end of page one. Like, dropped from height into secondhand embarrassment.
The opening scene's pure fantasy. Not the fun, escapist kind, but the painful kind.
We’re introduced to a woman who doesn’t want to sit next to our MC Jess and her dog on a flight, which could mean allergies, fear, or just not wanting an animal wedged into your personal space at 30,000 feet. The book, however, treats her like a war criminal so that Jess and a handsome stranger can swoop in with perfectly crafted, mic drop comebacks.
And then, because subtlety's dead, the entire plane joins in.
“The rest of the cabin giggles conspiratorially. Someone in the back even claps.” Of course they do. Why stop there? Release doves. Cue a standing ovation. Roll credits.
It isn't an opening scene to a suspenseful thriller. It’s a shower argument fantasy where the author wins and everyone claps. Literally. They literally clap because apparently the scene wasn’t heavy-handed enough already.
And the tone (and entire book if we're being honest) never recovers.
The dialogue's so unnatural. It's so smug and self-aggrandising. No one speaks like a human being. They're all just there to fawn over Jess and dogs and essentially submit character references for themselves.
“I’m a son of two immigrants from Brazil. I drove Uber throughout my college years to pay for my degree.” Who talks like this? Who has ever talked like this? Bro, this is a conversation, not your LinkedIn About section.
Then we get the endless therapy-speak, with stupid sentences like “Don’t minimize me.” I’m begging someone to confirm this is satire. Please.
And then we have Jess.
Jess never complains.
Jess is sunshine.
Jess is adored.
Jess is perfect.
Jess is unbearable.
She has no flaws or bite. She has no personality beyond being nice. Her only flaw is that she's TOO nice. Seriously.
And her defining trait (after being nice of course) is that she likes dogs.
The book treats "nice lady who likes nice doggies" like it's the pinnacle of character writing instead of the narrative beige slop that it is.
To quote Bob’s Burgers: “If she were a spice, she’d be flour."
This author can't tolerate disagreement. Anyone who challenges Jess is immediately framed as toxic, unreasonable, difficult, or “gaslighting” her. Conflict gets shut down before it can be explored. Add in the lazy use of “Karen” for any woman with the audacity to exist near Jess without wanting to brush her hair and tell her how lovely she is and it all starts to feel less like a thriller and more like wish fulfilment.
Everyone else is just… there. Being nice and liking dogs. Existing in a constant state of bland approval of a bland woman. The love interest (I think he was an LI but I stopped caring) has the personality of a golden retriever written by someone who’s never actually met a human man.
Oh and the repeated use of “doggie/doggy” in what's allegedly an adult novel made me feel like I was being infantilised against my will. I’m having Baby Dragon Café flashbacks and I want compensation.
The mystery, which is ostensibly the point of the entire book, drags like it’s being paid by the page. What should be tight and suspenseful becomes stretched and padded. It's like the plot mistakes length for suspense. The author's so worried about making stupid Jess likeable that she allows any shred of tension to evaporate.
Honestly, the biggest mystery here isn’t what happened on that plane, it’s how this made it past editing.
April 8, 2026
What a cracking psychological thriller from Ellie Midwood! I have read her historical fiction books before, which I have enjoyed, so I was eager to read a book in my favourite genre by her and I wasn’t disappointed. A very muchly deserved 5 stars for this twisty well written psychological thriller.
When Jess gets on a plane headed for Utah, she is looking forward to her first vacation in two years- a relaxing women's yoga retreat. She doesn't expect a handsome fellow passenger to come to her aid when another fellow economy seated passenger puts up a ruckus at her having her dog with her and offers her his additional seat in business class. Once seated together flirting ensues between them but then stops suddenly when they realise there is something seriously wrong with their plane. The plane crashes and Jess is lucky to walk away unharmed, physically anyway. She receives a substantial payout from the airline involved and whilst she recovers her parents use some of the money to buy her a new house. A year later, after much psychological care, Jess is determined to get some semblance of her old life left and so moves into the house and re-starts her job as a therapist, but odd things begin to occur at the house from the day she moves in. These odd things then start to turn threatening, and Jess starts to think that although she was lucky once maybe this time her luck has run out. It seems whoever this person is that are threatening her they are determined to punish her for something she doesn’t know she has done. With no-one believing her Jess turns detective but can she find the perpetrator before they manage to achieve their goal of achieving what the plane crash didn’t and will Jess be able to find out exactly what they have against her?!
I really enjoyed this read and I loved the main character Jess so much. She had been through such an ordeal and yet still had the determination in her to not let it shape her life any more than it had to. I also really liked her “inner voice”- I need to talk to mine the way she talked to hers. I adored the mystery character bits at the end of some chapters. I found myself thinking about the plot and trying to put the story and theories together- which for me is always the sign of a really good read. I will admit I had guessed the twist at around halfway through, but I put this down to me being a seasoned psychological thriller fan, rather than the twist being too obvious. I was still really excited to read on to see if I was right so guessing correctly didn’t ruin the book for me at all! I also was educated on Zen Gardens as I had never heard of them before, but I now have my very own Zen Garden to soothe myself with!
Ultimately a really great read from Ellie Midwood which I loved. I believe this is her first psychological thriller, so I really hope she writes some more as this was such a good story. It totally deserves a 5 star rating, and I highly recommend it for any fans of the psychological thriller genre. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Midwood and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out 29th April 2026.
When Jess gets on a plane headed for Utah, she is looking forward to her first vacation in two years- a relaxing women's yoga retreat. She doesn't expect a handsome fellow passenger to come to her aid when another fellow economy seated passenger puts up a ruckus at her having her dog with her and offers her his additional seat in business class. Once seated together flirting ensues between them but then stops suddenly when they realise there is something seriously wrong with their plane. The plane crashes and Jess is lucky to walk away unharmed, physically anyway. She receives a substantial payout from the airline involved and whilst she recovers her parents use some of the money to buy her a new house. A year later, after much psychological care, Jess is determined to get some semblance of her old life left and so moves into the house and re-starts her job as a therapist, but odd things begin to occur at the house from the day she moves in. These odd things then start to turn threatening, and Jess starts to think that although she was lucky once maybe this time her luck has run out. It seems whoever this person is that are threatening her they are determined to punish her for something she doesn’t know she has done. With no-one believing her Jess turns detective but can she find the perpetrator before they manage to achieve their goal of achieving what the plane crash didn’t and will Jess be able to find out exactly what they have against her?!
I really enjoyed this read and I loved the main character Jess so much. She had been through such an ordeal and yet still had the determination in her to not let it shape her life any more than it had to. I also really liked her “inner voice”- I need to talk to mine the way she talked to hers. I adored the mystery character bits at the end of some chapters. I found myself thinking about the plot and trying to put the story and theories together- which for me is always the sign of a really good read. I will admit I had guessed the twist at around halfway through, but I put this down to me being a seasoned psychological thriller fan, rather than the twist being too obvious. I was still really excited to read on to see if I was right so guessing correctly didn’t ruin the book for me at all! I also was educated on Zen Gardens as I had never heard of them before, but I now have my very own Zen Garden to soothe myself with!
Ultimately a really great read from Ellie Midwood which I loved. I believe this is her first psychological thriller, so I really hope she writes some more as this was such a good story. It totally deserves a 5 star rating, and I highly recommend it for any fans of the psychological thriller genre. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Midwood and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out 29th April 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3,5 stars for me.
I read this book as a NetGalley ARC and this review is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.
This is one of those thrillers where you know something is off right from the book blurb and before you reach page one but you’re not entirely sure what kind of ride you’ve signed up for and which way the story would go.
We start with a plane crash.
Immediate chaos.
Immediate intrigue.
A mysterious man.
A good samaritan.
A single survivor.
It is the kind of opening that makes you think, “Oh yes, this is going to be intense.” And to be fair, the premise absolutely delivers on that promise; eventually.
Because here is the thing. The first half is slow, really slow and more than that the initial part of the book meanders about and the two parallel stories of two distinct women entwined by fate, one our protagonist and another who is dead, makes the reading tough, the to and fro being inconsistent leading to some disconnect with the storyline.
A lot of time is spent inside the main character’s head which makes sense with trauma, therapy, confusion, second guessing reality. It is very psychological, something I usually enjoy, but here it starts to feel a bit repetitive. You keep waiting for something to happen and instead you get a lot of introspection. It builds atmosphere, yes, but it also drags the pacing down quite a bit.
And then,
Around the halfway mark, things finally click into place.
The tension ramps up. The mystery starts to feel urgent. There are threats, twists and that lingering question about what really happened on that plane suddenly becomes a lot more compelling. This is where the book shines. I found myself flipping pages much faster, actually invested, actually curious and finally getting that thriller energy I was hoping for from the start.
What I did appreciate throughout was the focus on survivor’s guilt and unreliable memory. You are constantly questioning what is real and what is not and that unease works really well for the story. Some twists land nicely, others feel a bit rushed compared to the slower buildup, but overall the second half definitely carries the book.
So where does that leave us?
The Woman in Seat 13 is a mixed experience. Strong concept. Slow burn beginning that might lose some readers. But a much more gripping and twisty second half that makes sticking with it worthwhile.
If you like psychological thrillers that lean heavily into character mindset before unleashing the action, this one might work for you. Just be prepared to be patient, the payoff takes its time but is worth the wait.
I read this book as a NetGalley ARC and this review is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.
This is one of those thrillers where you know something is off right from the book blurb and before you reach page one but you’re not entirely sure what kind of ride you’ve signed up for and which way the story would go.
We start with a plane crash.
Immediate chaos.
Immediate intrigue.
A mysterious man.
A good samaritan.
A single survivor.
It is the kind of opening that makes you think, “Oh yes, this is going to be intense.” And to be fair, the premise absolutely delivers on that promise; eventually.
Because here is the thing. The first half is slow, really slow and more than that the initial part of the book meanders about and the two parallel stories of two distinct women entwined by fate, one our protagonist and another who is dead, makes the reading tough, the to and fro being inconsistent leading to some disconnect with the storyline.
A lot of time is spent inside the main character’s head which makes sense with trauma, therapy, confusion, second guessing reality. It is very psychological, something I usually enjoy, but here it starts to feel a bit repetitive. You keep waiting for something to happen and instead you get a lot of introspection. It builds atmosphere, yes, but it also drags the pacing down quite a bit.
And then,
Around the halfway mark, things finally click into place.
The tension ramps up. The mystery starts to feel urgent. There are threats, twists and that lingering question about what really happened on that plane suddenly becomes a lot more compelling. This is where the book shines. I found myself flipping pages much faster, actually invested, actually curious and finally getting that thriller energy I was hoping for from the start.
What I did appreciate throughout was the focus on survivor’s guilt and unreliable memory. You are constantly questioning what is real and what is not and that unease works really well for the story. Some twists land nicely, others feel a bit rushed compared to the slower buildup, but overall the second half definitely carries the book.
So where does that leave us?
The Woman in Seat 13 is a mixed experience. Strong concept. Slow burn beginning that might lose some readers. But a much more gripping and twisty second half that makes sticking with it worthwhile.
If you like psychological thrillers that lean heavily into character mindset before unleashing the action, this one might work for you. Just be prepared to be patient, the payoff takes its time but is worth the wait.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Row 13 is a cheap omen. Ellie Midwood uses it not as a supernatural wink, but as a starting line for a very modern sort of guilt. Our protagonist survives a plane crash because a man with "melting brown eyes" swapped seats with her. It is a classic trade; his life for hers. The survivor’s guilt that follows is not a polite emotional weight but a jagged, intrusive haunting. Midwood manages to capture that specific, claustrophobic anxiety of being the "only one" left, where every floorboard creak in a new apartment feels like a cosmic correction.
The protagonist is convincingly frayed. She is not a hero; she is a nerve ending. Her growth is less about finding strength and more about navigating the predatory nature of "the notes" appearing in her sanctuary. The supporting cast, particularly the neighbors and the therapist, serve as mirrors for her paranoia. You start to wonder if the kindness of strangers is ever actually benign. It is a sharp look at how trauma strips away the ability to trust the basic mechanics of social interaction.
The pacing mirrors a descent. We move from the terrifying roar of failing engines to the silent, suffocating dread of a stalker. Midwood’s style is lean. She avoids the decorative bloat often found in thrillers. There is a commendable lack of sentimentality regarding the crash itself. It was messy, loud, and unfair. That lack of sugarcoating makes the subsequent psychological unraveling feel grounded. It is less a "whodunit" and more an autopsy of a ruined peace of mind.
Culturally, we are obsessed with the "why me" narrative. This book pokes at that bruise. In a world of curated lives, surviving a catastrophe becomes a public performance. The notes saying "It should have been you" reflect the dark underbelly of our collective fascination with tragedy. We want the survivor to be perfect, or we want them to fail. Midwood chooses the latter, showing the messy reality of a life saved by a literal twist of fate.
The book is unique because it refuses to let the "stranger on the plane" stay a saint. His dying words—"Look out for"—become a poisoned inheritance. My only gripe is that some secondary characters feel a bit like stage weights, there to hold the plot down rather than breathe. But the emotional impact is real. It makes you look at the person in the next seat and wonder what they are really trading away. If you have ever felt like an interloper in your own luck, this will resonate.
The protagonist is convincingly frayed. She is not a hero; she is a nerve ending. Her growth is less about finding strength and more about navigating the predatory nature of "the notes" appearing in her sanctuary. The supporting cast, particularly the neighbors and the therapist, serve as mirrors for her paranoia. You start to wonder if the kindness of strangers is ever actually benign. It is a sharp look at how trauma strips away the ability to trust the basic mechanics of social interaction.
The pacing mirrors a descent. We move from the terrifying roar of failing engines to the silent, suffocating dread of a stalker. Midwood’s style is lean. She avoids the decorative bloat often found in thrillers. There is a commendable lack of sentimentality regarding the crash itself. It was messy, loud, and unfair. That lack of sugarcoating makes the subsequent psychological unraveling feel grounded. It is less a "whodunit" and more an autopsy of a ruined peace of mind.
Culturally, we are obsessed with the "why me" narrative. This book pokes at that bruise. In a world of curated lives, surviving a catastrophe becomes a public performance. The notes saying "It should have been you" reflect the dark underbelly of our collective fascination with tragedy. We want the survivor to be perfect, or we want them to fail. Midwood chooses the latter, showing the messy reality of a life saved by a literal twist of fate.
The book is unique because it refuses to let the "stranger on the plane" stay a saint. His dying words—"Look out for"—become a poisoned inheritance. My only gripe is that some secondary characters feel a bit like stage weights, there to hold the plot down rather than breathe. But the emotional impact is real. It makes you look at the person in the next seat and wonder what they are really trading away. If you have ever felt like an interloper in your own luck, this will resonate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews