What do you think?
Rate this book
NO PASSENGERS: A Fast Paced Fugitive Thriller Novella
Twenty hours to disappear. One mistake could be fatal.
Anastasia Pestova is a quiet teller at the Bank of Moscow, in a city that doesn't notice if she breathes. But when millions of rubles vanish through her terminal, she is suddenly the centre of a money laundering conspiracy.
A frantic tip-off offers a harrowing lifeline. But to take it, Anastasia must shed her identity and slip through a dragnet of watchful eyes.
With authorities watching the gates and her passport flagged at every checkpoint, she has less than twenty hours to do the impossible. One mistake, and it will be her last. And even if she succeeds, her ordeal is only beginning.
Note to Readers: No Passengers is the entry book for the series DISPLACED, introducing Anastasia Pestova before her life changes forever. It is an 18,000-word escape on-the-run thriller, designed to be devoured in one sitting.
This edition now includes an additional sequel short story.
Anastasia Pestova is a quiet teller at the Bank of Moscow, in a city that doesn't notice if she breathes. But when millions of rubles vanish through her terminal, she is suddenly the centre of a money laundering conspiracy.
A frantic tip-off offers a harrowing lifeline. But to take it, Anastasia must shed her identity and slip through a dragnet of watchful eyes.
With authorities watching the gates and her passport flagged at every checkpoint, she has less than twenty hours to do the impossible. One mistake, and it will be her last. And even if she succeeds, her ordeal is only beginning.
Note to Readers: No Passengers is the entry book for the series DISPLACED, introducing Anastasia Pestova before her life changes forever. It is an 18,000-word escape on-the-run thriller, designed to be devoured in one sitting.
This edition now includes an additional sequel short story.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
About the author
Elainie La Force
3 books14 followersElainie La Force is a St. Lucian author. She writes dark, twisted thrillers that are sometimes flavoured with horror elements. Her work explores themes of betrayal, secret identities, and the hidden systems lurking within ordinary life.
La Force began to write stories at six years old. After a pivot to songwriting and poetry, she returned to prose in 2026. Her debut novella, No Passengers, hit the Amazon Best Sellers chart in several categories, reaching the top ten in three countries.
She is currently finishing a series of long-held stories and intends to publish over fifty books, novellas and novels alike. When not writing, she enjoys a good horror movie or a thought-provoking book.
La Force began to write stories at six years old. After a pivot to songwriting and poetry, she returned to prose in 2026. Her debut novella, No Passengers, hit the Amazon Best Sellers chart in several categories, reaching the top ten in three countries.
She is currently finishing a series of long-held stories and intends to publish over fifty books, novellas and novels alike. When not writing, she enjoys a good horror movie or a thought-provoking book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 27, 2026
This novella captured me and didn't let go until the final sentence. It's a constant intense game of cat and mouse, predator and prey. Survival is not for the weak and this story masterfully exhibits this throughout this fast-paced, heart-racing journey. I felt like I could finally exhale as I read the satisfying conclusion. Thank you BookSirens and Rockhouse Press for my copy.
April 1, 2026
Innocent until proven guilty? Not so with Anastasia Pestova.
No Passengers by Elainie La Force is a fast paced fugitive thriller novella and I raced through the pages. There was a sense of urgency as Anastasia went on the run.
No Passengers is the introduction to the Displaced series and sets the tone. I do love conspiracies and trying to unravel the intricacies before the author exposes the villains. Because the novella is so short, it's hard to get lost in the plot with a quick read like No Passengers, though I did 'enjoy' my time with Anastasia and would consider spending more time with the series.
No Passengers by Elainie La Force is a fast paced fugitive thriller novella and I raced through the pages. There was a sense of urgency as Anastasia went on the run.
No Passengers is the introduction to the Displaced series and sets the tone. I do love conspiracies and trying to unravel the intricacies before the author exposes the villains. Because the novella is so short, it's hard to get lost in the plot with a quick read like No Passengers, though I did 'enjoy' my time with Anastasia and would consider spending more time with the series.
May 12, 2026
Interesting novella that pulled me in as the story progressed.
I'm looking forward to seeing what transpires next for Anastasia.
I'm looking forward to seeing what transpires next for Anastasia.
February 28, 2026
When quiet bank teller Anastasia Pestova is thrust into the centre of a money-laundering conspiracy, she has less than twenty hours to disappear before one mistake costs her everything. With her passport flagged and authorities closing in, escape is only the beginning of her ordeal.
𝙽𝚘 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜 is an 18,000-word prequel novella to La Force’s upcoming psychological thriller 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚎, introducing Anastasia before her life changes forever - and it absolutely reads like a high-stakes setup for something bigger.
What I really enjoyed was the grit and pacing. This is fast, tense, and urgent from the first pages. The “clock is ticking” pressure works beautifully, and I was genuinely impressed by how quickly I felt empathetic toward Anastasia. In such a short format, La Force builds real emotional weight - you understand her fear, her desperation, and the impossible position she’s in.
My 3.5 stars really comes down to personal preference in terms of content rather than pacing - because I actually love fast-paced stories. The urgency and momentum absolutely worked for me. It was more the specific direction of the plot and some of the thematic elements that didn’t fully align with my usual thriller sweet spot. That’s completely subjective though, and I can see this hitting much harder for readers who gravitate toward this particular brand of high-stakes escape narrative.
I’d recommend this if you enjoy:
• on-the-run thrillers
• ticking clock tension
• conspiracy/money-laundering plots
• ordinary women in extraordinary danger
• identity shedding / reinvention arcs
I’m very curious to see how this foundation expands in Foreign Muse.
Thank you Elainie La Force and Book Sirens for my copy of No Passengers! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
𝙽𝚘 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜 is an 18,000-word prequel novella to La Force’s upcoming psychological thriller 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚜𝚎, introducing Anastasia before her life changes forever - and it absolutely reads like a high-stakes setup for something bigger.
What I really enjoyed was the grit and pacing. This is fast, tense, and urgent from the first pages. The “clock is ticking” pressure works beautifully, and I was genuinely impressed by how quickly I felt empathetic toward Anastasia. In such a short format, La Force builds real emotional weight - you understand her fear, her desperation, and the impossible position she’s in.
My 3.5 stars really comes down to personal preference in terms of content rather than pacing - because I actually love fast-paced stories. The urgency and momentum absolutely worked for me. It was more the specific direction of the plot and some of the thematic elements that didn’t fully align with my usual thriller sweet spot. That’s completely subjective though, and I can see this hitting much harder for readers who gravitate toward this particular brand of high-stakes escape narrative.
I’d recommend this if you enjoy:
• on-the-run thrillers
• ticking clock tension
• conspiracy/money-laundering plots
• ordinary women in extraordinary danger
• identity shedding / reinvention arcs
I’m very curious to see how this foundation expands in Foreign Muse.
Thank you Elainie La Force and Book Sirens for my copy of No Passengers! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
I am incredibly grateful to Elainie La Force for the opportunity to read and review No Passengers. Being selected to explore this captivating story has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to Elainie La Force for their generosity and for making this reading experience possible.
This novella was so good! I read it over my lunch break and I was so engrossed that I forgot to actually eat food. I was far too busy devouring Elainie La Force's words.
It's crazy how quickly things spiralled for Anastasia Pestova. One minute she's thriving and living a normal life and the next she is on the run. It's one of those stories where you find yourself holding your breath the whole way through.
It's well written, fast paced and nothing short of exhilarating.
I really enjoyed reading this novella! If you're looking for a great but you don't want to commit to a longer novel, this one is for you!
I so wish I could find out more about Anastasia's story! Like, what happens now? I am so invested.
This novella was so good! I read it over my lunch break and I was so engrossed that I forgot to actually eat food. I was far too busy devouring Elainie La Force's words.
It's crazy how quickly things spiralled for Anastasia Pestova. One minute she's thriving and living a normal life and the next she is on the run. It's one of those stories where you find yourself holding your breath the whole way through.
It's well written, fast paced and nothing short of exhilarating.
I really enjoyed reading this novella! If you're looking for a great but you don't want to commit to a longer novel, this one is for you!
I so wish I could find out more about Anastasia's story! Like, what happens now? I am so invested.
February 22, 2026
This novella held my interest from start to finish. I was just thinking that I’d like to know more about Anna when I read the author’s note. I now know that Anna's full story is coming. I look forward to reading that novel soon. This worked very well as a prequel because it is a complete story in itself but still left me ready to read more.
Though this was more of an action story than a true psychological thriller I definitely felt lots of connection with Anna in a short space of time. I felt anger for the person who betrayed her and sympathy for what she was leaving behind.
This is a great quick read and it’s perfect for "read Caribbean" initiatives since the author grew up in St Lucia.
Overall, I’m so glad I read this and I can’t wait to learn more about Anna’s story.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Though this was more of an action story than a true psychological thriller I definitely felt lots of connection with Anna in a short space of time. I felt anger for the person who betrayed her and sympathy for what she was leaving behind.
This is a great quick read and it’s perfect for "read Caribbean" initiatives since the author grew up in St Lucia.
Overall, I’m so glad I read this and I can’t wait to learn more about Anna’s story.
4.5 stars rounded up.
February 24, 2026
I love that this is a true novella. Personally I think if you're going to be called a novella it should be under 110 pages total, be quick and easy to digest, and really be utilized more for prequels! Don't get me wrong...I love a prequel that is a novel but sometimes you just need a little insight into the character and this does it beautifully. You get the down and dirty (literally) about Anna and her situation. You see how she can be resourceful and brave.
Full review on my website on 2.24.26.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website on 2.24.26.
www.mommodeloading.com
March 2, 2026
No Passengers by Elainie La Force** is a fast-paced fugitive thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. The story stays sharp and focused, never wasting a single moment. The author has done an impressive job crafting a gripping narrative that is both engaging and easy to follow. The writing flows smoothly, making it a quick yet intense read. Even after the climax, I was left wanting more—I would gladly read a full-length novel based on this plot.
March 3, 2026
This was a short but additive thriller, it is packed with action. Anna found herself in a horrible situation that was caused by being set up by a co worker. This read gave me a rush . The chase was intense.
April 15, 2026
No Passengers, the debut thriller novella by Elainie La Force is set in Moscow, Russia. It is an imaginative, thrill-a-minute blend of suspense and action-adventure featuring an unforgettable heroine. But as a novella, weighing in at only 18,000 words, does No Passengers pack the punch crime action/thriller fans expect? Read my review.
A wrongful accusation. A woman determined to survive. A cat-and-mouse chase with high stakes action.
My Review
After her first year of employment, newly minted junior bank teller Anastasia Pestova spends her weekdays taking deposits, transferring funds, and cashing checks at the bank and her weekends going to the movies or to the mall with her best friend, Sofia. Sometimes they sing karaoke at a local club with Sofia’s big brother and Anastasia’s boyfriend Luka. Her life isn’t glamorous or all that exciting, but she is earning her own money for the first time, feels like she is building a future with Luka, and her world suits her just fine. Until the bottom drops out. Anastasia gets railroaded, accused of laundering money through the bank for organized crime elements. It doesn’t matter that she is innocent. Used by her boss, she unwittingly helped him launder the money, but he denies involvement and the finger of guilt points directly at Anastasia.
With no way to prove her innocence and an unwillingness to go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Anastasia is forced to assume a new identity after she escapes from her home with little more than the clothes on her back, a fake identification card, and a hand full of rubles just as the police arrive. With the help of a cousin connected to the police, she flees to St. Petersburg to meet a family friend who agrees to try to smuggle her out of Russia by ship. With the police at her heels, she makes the arduous journey dodging one disastrous, highly dangerous situation after another. This well-crafted, character-driven thriller introduces an unforgettable heroine that readers can’t help rooting for. It’s a page-turner and a fast read that leaves the reader wanting more at the end.
While the crimes are different, No Passengers reminded me of the novel Dark Passage, another cat-and-mouse chase story involving an innocent man that was the basis of a popular 1946 film starring Humfrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Crime thriller readers who enjoy a fast-paced read with near non-stop, high stakes action and featuring a heroine you can’t help but root for will enjoy No Passengers. My criticisms are few. Some of the chase-escape passages, while gripping and entertaining, don’t feel completely realistic. Also, while similes, a literary figure of speech used to make descriptions more engaging and easier to understand by relating a subject to a familiar image, are a useful tool for authors, I found them a bit over-used in the writing. Still, I didn’t find either detracted from what was an enthralling, and original story that avoided the usual and repetitive crimes so often used for stories in this genre. It is a well-crafted, creative story, with vivid, well-developed characters. When the book ends, you can’t help but wish there was more and I hope to read more of this author’s work.
I purchased the Kindle version of the book used for this honest review.
A wrongful accusation. A woman determined to survive. A cat-and-mouse chase with high stakes action.
My Review
After her first year of employment, newly minted junior bank teller Anastasia Pestova spends her weekdays taking deposits, transferring funds, and cashing checks at the bank and her weekends going to the movies or to the mall with her best friend, Sofia. Sometimes they sing karaoke at a local club with Sofia’s big brother and Anastasia’s boyfriend Luka. Her life isn’t glamorous or all that exciting, but she is earning her own money for the first time, feels like she is building a future with Luka, and her world suits her just fine. Until the bottom drops out. Anastasia gets railroaded, accused of laundering money through the bank for organized crime elements. It doesn’t matter that she is innocent. Used by her boss, she unwittingly helped him launder the money, but he denies involvement and the finger of guilt points directly at Anastasia.
With no way to prove her innocence and an unwillingness to go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Anastasia is forced to assume a new identity after she escapes from her home with little more than the clothes on her back, a fake identification card, and a hand full of rubles just as the police arrive. With the help of a cousin connected to the police, she flees to St. Petersburg to meet a family friend who agrees to try to smuggle her out of Russia by ship. With the police at her heels, she makes the arduous journey dodging one disastrous, highly dangerous situation after another. This well-crafted, character-driven thriller introduces an unforgettable heroine that readers can’t help rooting for. It’s a page-turner and a fast read that leaves the reader wanting more at the end.
While the crimes are different, No Passengers reminded me of the novel Dark Passage, another cat-and-mouse chase story involving an innocent man that was the basis of a popular 1946 film starring Humfrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Crime thriller readers who enjoy a fast-paced read with near non-stop, high stakes action and featuring a heroine you can’t help but root for will enjoy No Passengers. My criticisms are few. Some of the chase-escape passages, while gripping and entertaining, don’t feel completely realistic. Also, while similes, a literary figure of speech used to make descriptions more engaging and easier to understand by relating a subject to a familiar image, are a useful tool for authors, I found them a bit over-used in the writing. Still, I didn’t find either detracted from what was an enthralling, and original story that avoided the usual and repetitive crimes so often used for stories in this genre. It is a well-crafted, creative story, with vivid, well-developed characters. When the book ends, you can’t help but wish there was more and I hope to read more of this author’s work.
I purchased the Kindle version of the book used for this honest review.
March 4, 2026
This was my first time reading this author, and she immediately had my heart racing. This short story is gritty, intense, and packed with suspense. It moves at a rapid pace and is easy to finish in one sitting. There is some language, but no spicy content.
I don’t usually gravitate toward heists, conspiracies, or money laundering plots, but this story pulled me in right away. From the opening pages, I was completely hooked. It had that unputdownable quality that makes you keep turning pages without realizing how quickly time is passing.
The story follows Anastasia, who lives in Russia and is unknowingly entangled in a money laundering scheme through her job at a bank. Once authorities get involved, she is forced to go on the run. The writing felt immersive, and I genuinely felt like I was right there with Anna, experiencing her fear, urgency, and confusion. The atmosphere was vivid, and the tension stayed high throughout. You can feel the pressure building as the clock ticks down, which makes it all the more engaging.
That said, there were a few moments where certain metaphors and descriptions didn’t quite land and felt slightly off. It didn’t take me out of the story entirely, but it was noticeable at times.
One small frustration was the use of Russian words throughout the story. While it added authenticity to the setting and characters, the meanings were not always explained in the moment. I later discovered there was a glossary at the end of the ebook, which would have been helpful to know from the start. Having those definitions more accessible would have made the reading experience smoother.
I also found the ending a bit abrupt. I was so invested in Anna’s journey that when it ended, it felt like it stopped rather than concluded. There are still several unanswered questions and loose ends. Knowing this is a prequel to a longer thriller makes that choice more understandable, but I still would have appreciated a slightly more satisfying stopping point.
Overall, this was a gripping and memorable read. If you enjoy high-stakes, on-the-run thrillers with a strong sense of urgency and tension, this is definitely worth picking up. It left me curious about what happens next, and I’m looking forward to continuing Anna’s story in the follow-up. Definitely recommend!
The author personally contacted me and invited me to read her short story. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your thrilling story in exchange for an honest review. These are my genuine thoughts and opinions.
I don’t usually gravitate toward heists, conspiracies, or money laundering plots, but this story pulled me in right away. From the opening pages, I was completely hooked. It had that unputdownable quality that makes you keep turning pages without realizing how quickly time is passing.
The story follows Anastasia, who lives in Russia and is unknowingly entangled in a money laundering scheme through her job at a bank. Once authorities get involved, she is forced to go on the run. The writing felt immersive, and I genuinely felt like I was right there with Anna, experiencing her fear, urgency, and confusion. The atmosphere was vivid, and the tension stayed high throughout. You can feel the pressure building as the clock ticks down, which makes it all the more engaging.
That said, there were a few moments where certain metaphors and descriptions didn’t quite land and felt slightly off. It didn’t take me out of the story entirely, but it was noticeable at times.
One small frustration was the use of Russian words throughout the story. While it added authenticity to the setting and characters, the meanings were not always explained in the moment. I later discovered there was a glossary at the end of the ebook, which would have been helpful to know from the start. Having those definitions more accessible would have made the reading experience smoother.
I also found the ending a bit abrupt. I was so invested in Anna’s journey that when it ended, it felt like it stopped rather than concluded. There are still several unanswered questions and loose ends. Knowing this is a prequel to a longer thriller makes that choice more understandable, but I still would have appreciated a slightly more satisfying stopping point.
Overall, this was a gripping and memorable read. If you enjoy high-stakes, on-the-run thrillers with a strong sense of urgency and tension, this is definitely worth picking up. It left me curious about what happens next, and I’m looking forward to continuing Anna’s story in the follow-up. Definitely recommend!
The author personally contacted me and invited me to read her short story. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your thrilling story in exchange for an honest review. These are my genuine thoughts and opinions.
February 23, 2026
No Passengers by Elainie La Force is definitely a quick little read at about 18k words. I think it took me maybe 45 minutes tops, but closer to 30. Definitely something you can sit down and read in one sitting so long as you don't have a lot of interruptions (little kids, phone calls, door to door sales people, cats who demand attention you know things like that.)
That said while touted as a thriller, there was nothing super suspenseful to the story that had me on the figurative edge of my seat and going 'Oh no!' and wondering 'What now!?' for Anna. I had a moment I was SURE there was going to be a twist, a gotchya on things, and that I had it all figured out within the first chapter or two. My 'I just know it's going to be this' was in fact not that.
There's no real surprise twists, no gotchya moments. Some bad decision making on Annas part, a face palm of two on my own but in all nothing super spectacular to the story. You know how in movies there's always cut out scenes to streamline the end result? This really felt like one long scene from a movie that had to be cut out because it slowed down the story line.
Especially when you get to the end, and find out there's going to be an actual book about Anna. I kind of feel this could have just been included with the actual book. A prologue showing all this, what caused the situation and then a 'Present Day' page and tada into the main story.
I am also not a fan of words in other languages, and having to stop a story to look up what it is so I don't forget. Hard to stay in a story. At the very least have an index of words and their translations at the back of the book.
There's a few loose ends (at one point stuff is dropped, it's mentioned something is left behind but we never find out what. Anna never elaborates on what was dropped and there ends up being no repercussions for this slip either.) It's not a bad story over all, but in my opinion thriller it is not.
I was asked by the author to read and review her story, and this is my honest review.
#arcreview #arcreview #BookReview
That said while touted as a thriller, there was nothing super suspenseful to the story that had me on the figurative edge of my seat and going 'Oh no!' and wondering 'What now!?' for Anna. I had a moment I was SURE there was going to be a twist, a gotchya on things, and that I had it all figured out within the first chapter or two. My 'I just know it's going to be this' was in fact not that.
There's no real surprise twists, no gotchya moments. Some bad decision making on Annas part, a face palm of two on my own but in all nothing super spectacular to the story. You know how in movies there's always cut out scenes to streamline the end result? This really felt like one long scene from a movie that had to be cut out because it slowed down the story line.
Especially when you get to the end, and find out there's going to be an actual book about Anna. I kind of feel this could have just been included with the actual book. A prologue showing all this, what caused the situation and then a 'Present Day' page and tada into the main story.
I am also not a fan of words in other languages, and having to stop a story to look up what it is so I don't forget. Hard to stay in a story. At the very least have an index of words and their translations at the back of the book.
There's a few loose ends (at one point stuff is dropped, it's mentioned something is left behind but we never find out what. Anna never elaborates on what was dropped and there ends up being no repercussions for this slip either.) It's not a bad story over all, but in my opinion thriller it is not.
I was asked by the author to read and review her story, and this is my honest review.
#arcreview #arcreview #BookReview
February 27, 2026
From the very beginning, I was intrigued by this premise. The setup was high-stakes, and the story itself was chock full of potential.
One thing I genuinely appreciated, was the descriptive language. Lines like “sandwiched with lettuce between a rock and a hard place” and “the forest had fought her like an abusive boyfriend the whole way” not only made me smile, but to me, they did an excellent job of conveying Anna’s emotional state. Those metaphors felt vivid and personal, and they pulled me further into her mindset.
On the flip side of things, there were a few moments where the phrasing caused confusion for me. For example, “A hand flies over Anna’s mouth” initially made me think someone else had grabbed her, rather than it being her own hand. Similarly, another line that gave me pause was “leaping over a stream and down a ravine and then loses him.” Leaping over a stream, sure, but down a ravine? Wouldn’t she have slid, stumbled, or fallen? Small things, but they momentarily disrupted the flow.
The action sequences occasionally had a similar effect. Descriptions like “his voice getting closer and farther as she loses him and then he catches up” clearly communicate what’s happening, but they don’t quite deliver the pulse-pounding urgency the scene seems to aim for. The mechanics are there, but the danger doesn’t fully land on the page for me.
Overall, this was a story with a fantastic premise and some genuinely strong, evocative language. With a bit more tightening, particularly in maintaining consistency and sharpening the action, it could have been even more immersive.
That said, I cannot wait to read the first full-length novel in this series to see what is next for Anna and how she handles what the future holds for her.
One thing I genuinely appreciated, was the descriptive language. Lines like “sandwiched with lettuce between a rock and a hard place” and “the forest had fought her like an abusive boyfriend the whole way” not only made me smile, but to me, they did an excellent job of conveying Anna’s emotional state. Those metaphors felt vivid and personal, and they pulled me further into her mindset.
On the flip side of things, there were a few moments where the phrasing caused confusion for me. For example, “A hand flies over Anna’s mouth” initially made me think someone else had grabbed her, rather than it being her own hand. Similarly, another line that gave me pause was “leaping over a stream and down a ravine and then loses him.” Leaping over a stream, sure, but down a ravine? Wouldn’t she have slid, stumbled, or fallen? Small things, but they momentarily disrupted the flow.
The action sequences occasionally had a similar effect. Descriptions like “his voice getting closer and farther as she loses him and then he catches up” clearly communicate what’s happening, but they don’t quite deliver the pulse-pounding urgency the scene seems to aim for. The mechanics are there, but the danger doesn’t fully land on the page for me.
Overall, this was a story with a fantastic premise and some genuinely strong, evocative language. With a bit more tightening, particularly in maintaining consistency and sharpening the action, it could have been even more immersive.
That said, I cannot wait to read the first full-length novel in this series to see what is next for Anna and how she handles what the future holds for her.
February 21, 2026
There's a very specific kind of thriller that pulls you inside a character's mind...
and another that keeps you watching events unfold from just outside the glass.
No Passengers fell into the second category for me.
The premise hooked me instantly. A quiet bank teller in Moscow. Missing money. A conspiracy. Less than twenty hours to disappear before everything collapses around her. It's the kind of setup that promises tension, paranoia, and psychological unraveling.
And while the story moves quickly and is genuinely easy to read, I never fully felt that internal pressure building.
Anna shows glimpses of complexity, and the writing flows smoothly enough to keep you turning pages. But the psychological intensity I expected never quite landed. The danger mostly plays out through external events rather than that unsettling, creeping feeling that makes a thriller linger in your mind.
After reading the author's note, it makes more sense that this functions more as a look into Anna's past before Foreign Muse. In that sense, it works well as a prequel or character introduction. As a standalone novella, though, I wanted more layers, more atmosphere, and a sharper escalation of tension.
I enjoyed the experience while reading it, but it didn't leave me with that lingering "wow" moment afterward.
If you like quick, accessible thrillers with a straightforward pace, this may work well for you. If you're hoping for something deeply psychological or twist-heavy, you might find it a little restrained.
Thank you to the author for connecting me with this story. You should check it out; it is available on KU.
and another that keeps you watching events unfold from just outside the glass.
No Passengers fell into the second category for me.
The premise hooked me instantly. A quiet bank teller in Moscow. Missing money. A conspiracy. Less than twenty hours to disappear before everything collapses around her. It's the kind of setup that promises tension, paranoia, and psychological unraveling.
And while the story moves quickly and is genuinely easy to read, I never fully felt that internal pressure building.
Anna shows glimpses of complexity, and the writing flows smoothly enough to keep you turning pages. But the psychological intensity I expected never quite landed. The danger mostly plays out through external events rather than that unsettling, creeping feeling that makes a thriller linger in your mind.
After reading the author's note, it makes more sense that this functions more as a look into Anna's past before Foreign Muse. In that sense, it works well as a prequel or character introduction. As a standalone novella, though, I wanted more layers, more atmosphere, and a sharper escalation of tension.
I enjoyed the experience while reading it, but it didn't leave me with that lingering "wow" moment afterward.
If you like quick, accessible thrillers with a straightforward pace, this may work well for you. If you're hoping for something deeply psychological or twist-heavy, you might find it a little restrained.
Thank you to the author for connecting me with this story. You should check it out; it is available on KU.
March 3, 2026
No Passengers was a quick but enjoyable read. I have not read a book yet involving a person on the run, it was thrilling.
I was happy that the author didn’t glamorize anything Anna was going through; she got hurt, she got dirty, and she had to do absolutely anything to save herself and the writing described every grim and terrifying moment of that. The descriptive language, “the forest had fought her like an abusive boyfriend the whole way,” was great and really conveyed the turmoil and struggle Anna was going through.
Anna is determined and strong girl to be on the run on her own and only a bag of her savings to her name. I was sad she couldn’t get a last message to her dad or something before she destroyed her cell phone. They were so close, I thought that would have been a great touch.
I would have loved is a glossary of Russian terms so I understood the story deeper without having to stop and look up the meaning of certain words. There were a few clunky places here and there, where a fact was missing, seeming to be skipped over or did not belong, for instance when waiting at a bus top and she’s trying to gauge the time to tell when the bus will come, but the next paragraph states the bus ends up coming at exactly 9:49.
When this story came to an end, I was disappointed, I wanted more. But then reading the author’s note at the end I was overjoyed to hear that this was a novella to go with her upcoming novel, Foreign Muse, all about Anna in America. I look forward to reading that as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was happy that the author didn’t glamorize anything Anna was going through; she got hurt, she got dirty, and she had to do absolutely anything to save herself and the writing described every grim and terrifying moment of that. The descriptive language, “the forest had fought her like an abusive boyfriend the whole way,” was great and really conveyed the turmoil and struggle Anna was going through.
Anna is determined and strong girl to be on the run on her own and only a bag of her savings to her name. I was sad she couldn’t get a last message to her dad or something before she destroyed her cell phone. They were so close, I thought that would have been a great touch.
I would have loved is a glossary of Russian terms so I understood the story deeper without having to stop and look up the meaning of certain words. There were a few clunky places here and there, where a fact was missing, seeming to be skipped over or did not belong, for instance when waiting at a bus top and she’s trying to gauge the time to tell when the bus will come, but the next paragraph states the bus ends up coming at exactly 9:49.
When this story came to an end, I was disappointed, I wanted more. But then reading the author’s note at the end I was overjoyed to hear that this was a novella to go with her upcoming novel, Foreign Muse, all about Anna in America. I look forward to reading that as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2026
The novella, No Passengers by Elainie La Force, took me on a thrilling, fast-paced ride through the Russian woods after “the line goes dead. Anna sits in the cooling water, naked and shivering, staring at the black screen in dizzy discombobulation.
The bathroom is silent except for the drip of the faucet.
Somewhere in the distance, the sound of screeching tires jolts her from her trance. Anna launches herself out of the tub.”
This story is about a naïve, young woman, eagerly trying to prove herself to her employer, a Russian bank. In the process, she ignores the wolf in sheep’s clothing who coaxes her into breaking the law. After unwittingly laundering a million USD, Anna goes on the run. But will she make it to her destination? Read this page-turner to find out.
La Force craftily spins a story that has you rooting for the main character, while clutching your shirt and scooting to the edge of your seat to see what happens next when you turn the page. Although La Force missed an opportunity to steep us in setting in the earliest chapters, she more than makes up for it later. This novella is well-written.
The bathroom is silent except for the drip of the faucet.
Somewhere in the distance, the sound of screeching tires jolts her from her trance. Anna launches herself out of the tub.”
This story is about a naïve, young woman, eagerly trying to prove herself to her employer, a Russian bank. In the process, she ignores the wolf in sheep’s clothing who coaxes her into breaking the law. After unwittingly laundering a million USD, Anna goes on the run. But will she make it to her destination? Read this page-turner to find out.
La Force craftily spins a story that has you rooting for the main character, while clutching your shirt and scooting to the edge of your seat to see what happens next when you turn the page. Although La Force missed an opportunity to steep us in setting in the earliest chapters, she more than makes up for it later. This novella is well-written.
April 16, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one jumps straight into chaos with Anastasia getting pulled into a situation she never asked for and definitely cannot control. One minute she is just doing her job, the next she is caught in a mess of missing money, suspicion, and a whole lot of eyes watching her every move.
The idea behind it is strong, and the urgency is there from the start. It keeps things moving fast, maybe a little too fast at times, like it is constantly pushing forward without really letting you settle into the moment. That nonstop pace keeps the pressure up, but it also makes parts of the story feel a bit thin when it could have used more depth and breathing room.
There are good tense moments and the setup for the escape works well, but it never quite reaches that level where it really locks you in and does not let go. Instead, it stays in that middle ground where it is solid but not fully gripping the whole way through.
It is a quick read with a strong concept, just needed a little more weight and space to really land harder.
I give it a 3 outta 5 catfish!
This one jumps straight into chaos with Anastasia getting pulled into a situation she never asked for and definitely cannot control. One minute she is just doing her job, the next she is caught in a mess of missing money, suspicion, and a whole lot of eyes watching her every move.
The idea behind it is strong, and the urgency is there from the start. It keeps things moving fast, maybe a little too fast at times, like it is constantly pushing forward without really letting you settle into the moment. That nonstop pace keeps the pressure up, but it also makes parts of the story feel a bit thin when it could have used more depth and breathing room.
There are good tense moments and the setup for the escape works well, but it never quite reaches that level where it really locks you in and does not let go. Instead, it stays in that middle ground where it is solid but not fully gripping the whole way through.
It is a quick read with a strong concept, just needed a little more weight and space to really land harder.
I give it a 3 outta 5 catfish!
March 2, 2026
*Thank you to author, Elainie La Force and BookSirens, for providing me with E ARC, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
What I loved about this novella is that it takes place in Moscow. I’m from Moscow, and I don’t come across many stories that take place in my hometown. I did feel that the beginning was a little slow; there was some suspense, but not as much as later. Once Anna was on the run, that’s when it got interesting for me, and I couldn’t put the book down. Almost every page had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if Anna would be able to get away. There were a few times when I was terrified and thought she was going to get caught. The descriptions in this book made me feel as if I were watching a movie while reading.
I liked the fact that we got to know Anna a little before the novel. I’m curious to see what happens with Anna in America. I know she feels safe, but I know that is not the case. I got so invested in Anna’s story that it makes me wish that the book was out, so I can see what’s next for Anna. If you enjoy short stories and thrillers; check this one out!
What I loved about this novella is that it takes place in Moscow. I’m from Moscow, and I don’t come across many stories that take place in my hometown. I did feel that the beginning was a little slow; there was some suspense, but not as much as later. Once Anna was on the run, that’s when it got interesting for me, and I couldn’t put the book down. Almost every page had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if Anna would be able to get away. There were a few times when I was terrified and thought she was going to get caught. The descriptions in this book made me feel as if I were watching a movie while reading.
I liked the fact that we got to know Anna a little before the novel. I’m curious to see what happens with Anna in America. I know she feels safe, but I know that is not the case. I got so invested in Anna’s story that it makes me wish that the book was out, so I can see what’s next for Anna. If you enjoy short stories and thrillers; check this one out!
March 4, 2026
I read No Passengers in under two hours and it was a great, fast-paced novella that was really easy to get pulled into. The story moves quickly, but it still manages to build tension as Anastasia suddenly finds herself caught in a dangerous money laundering conspiracy and racing against the clock to escape.
I enjoyed the urgency of the plot and the constant sense that one wrong move could change everything. It felt very cinematic and made for a perfect one-sitting read.
This novella serves as a prequel to Elaine La Force’s upcoming novel Foreign Muse, and it definitely left me curious to see where Anastasia’s story goes next. As a Kindle reader, I was also gifted the sequel short story included with this edition, which I’m excited to read next.
If you enjoy quick, suspenseful thrillers with a “race against time” feel, this is a great short read.
I enjoyed the urgency of the plot and the constant sense that one wrong move could change everything. It felt very cinematic and made for a perfect one-sitting read.
This novella serves as a prequel to Elaine La Force’s upcoming novel Foreign Muse, and it definitely left me curious to see where Anastasia’s story goes next. As a Kindle reader, I was also gifted the sequel short story included with this edition, which I’m excited to read next.
If you enjoy quick, suspenseful thrillers with a “race against time” feel, this is a great short read.
March 11, 2026
In this prequel to Elainie La Force’s upcoming thriller, which kicks off the ‘Displaced’ series, we are introduced to an unassuming bank teller, Anastasia Pestova, who finds herself in the middle of a money laundering scheme, forcing her to run. With authorities on her tail and a useless passport, the stakes are high.
Though the novella sits around 80 pages, I found the plot smooth and the pacing steady. It’s a solid introduction to Anastasia’s story. If this was an indicator of what’s coming up in the full series, it should be a good one. I anticipate the upcoming installations will answer questions introduced in this book. There is also a bonus story included at the end.
A huge thanks to the author for reaching out and offering to send me a free digital copy of this book! I chose to read it through KindleUnlimited.
Though the novella sits around 80 pages, I found the plot smooth and the pacing steady. It’s a solid introduction to Anastasia’s story. If this was an indicator of what’s coming up in the full series, it should be a good one. I anticipate the upcoming installations will answer questions introduced in this book. There is also a bonus story included at the end.
A huge thanks to the author for reaching out and offering to send me a free digital copy of this book! I chose to read it through KindleUnlimited.
February 28, 2026
No Passengers is a novella showcasing the talents of the author, Elainie La Force. Despite its short length it has the ability to draw you into the plight of the protagonist, Anastasia Pestova straightaway. As you progress, deeper into the world of money laundering and fraud, you will begin to admire her strength, her tenacity and her ability to read the mayhem around her.
As a lead in to the novel, Displaced, No Passengers works its charm, making sure that you'll want to read and know more about Ana's fight for her life and her reputation. This short yet immersive novella expertly sets the stage, layering tension and intrigue into every page. By the time you reach the end, La Force has ensured that you aren't just a spectator of Ana’s journey, you’re fully invested in her survival.
As a lead in to the novel, Displaced, No Passengers works its charm, making sure that you'll want to read and know more about Ana's fight for her life and her reputation. This short yet immersive novella expertly sets the stage, layering tension and intrigue into every page. By the time you reach the end, La Force has ensured that you aren't just a spectator of Ana’s journey, you’re fully invested in her survival.
February 28, 2026
To start out blunt, I did not overly enjoy the begining. It felt rather dull and slow, but I took time to move through it waiting for the thrill. At times it seemed like the author was trying too hard to form metaphors or find descriptive words, but suddenly it took a turn and the action started. The moment she was on the run I was hooked and praying for her safety. I do feel this could have just been shortened and added as a prologue to the upcoming book, but can respect the prequel novella and tip toeing out pre-release. I am curious how the main book will play out, as she made her crime so much worse by running.. I wish the author all the best in all their future works!
February 28, 2026
ARC Reader Review
This was definitely a fast paced book with twists and turns at every corner! Really easy and great read.
The fact that Anna went through all that because someone framed her is crazy! It was intense, suspenseful, and entertaining. I really enjoyed this super fast read. Will look out for other books from this author.
This was definitely a fast paced book with twists and turns at every corner! Really easy and great read.
The fact that Anna went through all that because someone framed her is crazy! It was intense, suspenseful, and entertaining. I really enjoyed this super fast read. Will look out for other books from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews