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In the Dying Minutes

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Everyone has their secrets, some are more deadly than others.
What is she running away from?

When Leah is involved in a train crash, she goes to a therapist, Will. He attempts to help her through the trauma but whenever Leah is in his presence, strange things occur. She suffers from hallucinations that include visions of her dead brother, Ellis.

As Leah reveals to Will that her friends Jacob and Chloe wronged her, further flashbacks of her childhood and parts of her life she would sooner forget begin to surface, troubling Leah even more.

But what is actually bothering her and what led Leah to be on that train?

Nothing is as it seems, and soon she will learn the heart-breaking truth…

J.A. Baker is also the author of the bestselling psychological thrillers The Other Mother, The Woman at Number 19 and The Girl I Used to Be. In The Dying Minutes is a tense and completely compelling novel which will keep you guessing until the very end. It will appeal to fans of authors like S.E. Lynes, K.L. Slater and Lucy Dawson.

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2020

144 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Baker

24 books342 followers
J. A. Baker was born and brought up in the North East of England.

When she's not writing and thinking up new and inventive ways of killing off her fictional characters, or looking after her young grandchildren, she can be found pottering around her garden with her madcap dog, Theo or in a coffee shop eating cake with her long suffering husband.


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5 stars
72 (31%)
4 stars
67 (29%)
3 stars
60 (26%)
2 stars
19 (8%)
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9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
September 7, 2020

Leah is involved in a train crash. She winds up seeing a therapist, Will. She still suffers pain from her injuries, but she's also losing time and having hallucinations... that include her brother, Ellis. Will keeps telling her that her brain is working hard to get better, she just needs to be patient.

As Leah relates her conversations with Will, the reader is taken on a journey that will not be soon forgotten. There was a tragic happening when she was a child and because of her people died. Her boyfriend, Jacob, has left her for another woman, Chloe .... Leah's rage is out of control.

Nothing is as it seems, and soon she will learn the heart-breaking truth…

This is well written with an intricate plot, with twists and turns going back and forth to and from her childhood. The characters are deftly drawn and not easily forgotten. It was an emotional roller coaster that led to a surprising, unexpected conclusion.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this psychological fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,682 reviews
September 1, 2020
Leah
Leah, Leah, Leah
What a character, what to tell you, to divulge that wont give too much away
Well she is a stalker, stalker supreme, she hallucinates, she has murdered in the past, she is despicable, it’s in her eyes, the badness that lives there and yet...yet there’s a tiny bit that made me feel a touch of empathy for her every so often

We meet Leah on a train journey, that turns horrific and this is the backdrop to the whole story, the past past, and recent past as well as the ‘now’, Leah cannot remember why she is on the train and as we discover she really isen’t on there for an ‘awayday’ pleasure journey

Leah is complex, mightily troubled, deluded and yet scarred lady, even though there is little in reality to have caused it, she is someone that will get under your skin and will fascinate and repulse you in equal measure

The story telling is as near to perfect as you can get, the descriptive writing so seductive it lures you in and you are involved with Leah and the other characters, Chloe especially deserves a mention, the whole book will thrill, shock, shock again and surprise you with its darkness and powerful imagery it brings

I seriously loved everything about it

10/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,619 reviews177 followers
September 14, 2020
This book blew me away. My previous read by Baker was no match to this one. I was immersed and addicted to the story as Baker’s narrative weaves its way to a mind-blowing climax.

The premise of the story interested me. Baker’s description of the train accident was compelling and I felt like I was living the action. This event occurs really early on in the story and it established Baker’s style of writing for the remainder of the novel. The paragraphs are longer than average and heavy on description. I thought I would become bored of this style of narrative, but it sets the scene and atmosphere so succinctly, that I was interested and absorbed instead.

Leah is an interesting character and although I quickly deduced how the novel’s events would occur, I enjoyed seeing how she behaved in different situations. The narrative itself is completely non-linear and readers are jumping around different episodes. It is confusing and disorientating and this reflects Leah’s state of mind. Some readers may find this off-putting but I liked how this connected to Leah’s personal disturbances.

Arguably, this is a rather dark story. Murder and stalking are prevalent themes, with homelessness and mental health running throughout as well. However, the way that Baker delivers this narrative meant I was gasping and cringing; equally feeling pain and empowerment as I followed Leah’s story.

Divided into two parts, the second section of the story is only a few chapters long. It acts as a summary and ties up the different narrative plots that readers are exposed to. In a way, it helps to piece together the seemingly disjointed episodes that readers have learned about in the rest of the novel. Narrated from different perspectives, I appreciated how Baker returned to seemingly minor characters to add more detail to what really happened to Leah.

After finishing the story, I mulled over the title. Readers will know that I enjoy exploring the layers of meaning behind a novel’s title and in this case, I felt like I had the wrong title of the book whilst reading it! It wasn’t until I had completed the story did I realise the true symbolism of the title. This definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.

When I picked up this book, I definitely was not expecting this mind-twist of a story. I really enjoyed how different it felt to other thrillers. Although some of the plot development was obvious, Baker’s execution and style was brilliantly imaginative. A great read.

With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angela.
249 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2020
Leah is a complete head mess and gave my brain a bit of a blur too. She has just been in an horrific train crash and has injuries and flashbacks, but the lead up to the crash shows she was a bit of a psycho – just how I like my characters.

Leah's life is falling apart but uppermost in her mind is getting Jacob, her ex-boyfriend, back. Only Jacob is with Chloe but that doesn't stop Leah at all, it just makes her more determined.

There are two main timelines running through the book and two separate parts of Leah, but not in a confusing way and all becomes clear by the end of the book. We have Leah in present day where her life is a total mess and is obsessed with Jacob, and there is also Leah seeing Will, who is seemingly her therapist, where she comes out with some really weird stuff. Then there's looking back and seeing Leah as a young girl where we start to see why she is like she is and see some of her traits emerging.

This is a gripping psychological suspense which will have you reading in one sitting to work out the puzzle of the story because much of this is a puzzle, trying to work out why she's like she is and what's actually happening. This is the first I've read by J.A. Baker but it certainly won't be the last.
Profile Image for Michelle Ryles.
1,181 reviews100 followers
January 8, 2021
Well this was a psychological thriller with a capital P. I love J.A. Baker books and In The Dying Minutes feels much darker than her previous books; it's tense, creepy and disturbing which makes it a goosebumpy page turner.

Leah is such a complex character that you can't tell what is real and what is in her head. Losing her boyfriend, her job and her home in quick succession has sent her on a downward spiral with devastating consequences. It's not a spoiler to say that Leah is involved in a train crash and I just have to mention that J.A. Baker's writing of this scene was absolutely sublime. It's not something I ever want to experience but I felt and heard unimaginable things through J.A. Baker's powerful writing. I don't want to go into any details but there's one thing that stuck in my mind just before the crash and it's one of those sliding doors, what if moments. I love this sort of thing, like the twist of fate and the possibility that everyone ended up where they were supposed to be.

Although I've focused on the train crash, the story is so much more than that. It's a deep delve into the psyche of Leah, not just through her therapist but through her own actions. Leah is so obsessed with her ex-boyfriend, Jacob, that she stalks him and his new girlfriend, Chloe. I really enjoyed seeing inside the mind of a stalker: the delusions, the obsession and the disturbing mental health.

What really stands out for me is the way that the format of the book seems to mirror Leah's mind. It jumps around a bit but rather than feel confusing, it just added to the authenticity of Leah's state of mind. There are quite a few layers of the story as we unearth Leah's past and you can't help but feel sorry for her and think how things could have been different if she'd had counselling at an early age. The story of Leah's brother, Ellis, really got to me and I loved the final thing that linked him and Leah - I just can't say what it is!!!

Shocking, disturbing and outstanding, In The Dying Minutes is so full of surprises that I feel like I need to read it again to pick up all the nuances that J.A. Baker has woven into her exceptional story. An intelligent and imaginative story that is highly recommended.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Donna Morfett.
Author 9 books71 followers
September 3, 2020
Well this is a rollercoaster.
Just when you think you have a grip on the story, another twist makes you rethink everything.
The main character is Leah, and at all times I didnt want her to succeed in what she was trying to do (win her ex back, not be kicked out of her house, etc) because she came across as nasty and mentally unstable. However part of you always wondered if she should have a little sympathy. Clearly suffering physically and mentally after a horrific train crash.
Then the story goes back to her childhood, the death of little Lucy and her older brother. You again question your feelings about this young woman.
I dont want to give anything away, so will just say that once this gets going its quite intense, so many different avenues and points of view making you question your own.
I've only recently become aware of Judith as an author after I saw her books being constantly raved about in Facebooks various book groups. I understand why now and will be one of those voices too.
431 reviews6 followers
September 8, 2020
When Leah is involved in a train crash and goes to see Will a therapist ...Little by little , piece by piece ..we begin to discover Lucy's journey from childhood to the present ..Through flashbacks and the eyes of others we begin to see an unravelling ..And in this unraveling there is a darkness ..that is so intense..so malevolent...but wait because you cant begin to comprehend what bought Lucy here ..and the Depths that people have to go ..before the truth hits you at full speed ..and all at once you begin to see things through different eyes ...The truth will send shivers through your mind ...Dark ..Brillant writing ...A Twisting Blinding Read
Profile Image for Susan Hunter.
774 reviews
September 11, 2020
Such a well written book I felt I was there in the story. I wasn't sure which parts of Leah's story to believe.  My feelings for Leah were like a see-saw. As the story evolved it became very clear what the truth was. Another 5 star read from this author
Profile Image for Holly Reynolds.
496 reviews14 followers
September 14, 2020
This book is delightfully confusing, and I just love a story with an unreliable narrator. It really allows us insight into Leah's mental state throughout.

Leah is struggling with gaps in her memory after a train accident, and this leads to a story which jumps back and forth, and leaves you wondering what is true, and what is just manufactured by Leah's shaky memory.

I loved how this book led me down a rabbit hole - trying to keep my head around what was happening and what was really the truth, and it was so beautifully tied up at the end.

A fabulous book filled with twists - definitely worth a read!
16 reviews
September 14, 2020
Loved this book. I don’t think a character has left me guessing as much as Leah has in a long time. She left me needing therapy to undo what she did to my brain.

To call her an unreliable narrator would be understating it. I didn’t know whether to feel sorry for her, like her, or be scared to death of her.

A gripping book that goes from past to present, with her past actions doing nothing to persuade you that she’s telling the truth.

This was a book I couldn’t put down. I’ve read others by this author, and while she’s never disappointed me, I was completely blown away.

10/10 would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rebecca Charlesworth.
493 reviews
October 9, 2020
Wow what a story, in the beginning I felt like I was a bit backwards and forwards with the storylines and with regards to the past and present, what was real what was not, but this is actually how Leah’s mind is working and once I got my head around this writing style I very quickly got in to the story. Leah our main lady is not actually a very nice person, she doesn’t seem to know whether she is coming or going, what is right and what is wrong and that everything is somebody else’s fault, and believe me a lot of what she is doing is so wrong and totally her fault. A good read that had a good pace and plenty going on to keep a reader interested.
21 reviews
September 6, 2020
Leah is a complex character with a history of envy and maliciousness. Her mind is twisted and she is determined to reach her goal. The story of Leah lurches between past and present, each chapter delving deeper into her history. You just start to think that you know what is going to happen next, only to find a twist in the story that sends you along a totally different path. The story is engrossing, sometimes heart stopping and cleverly written. A thoroughly enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Audrey.
400 reviews17 followers
January 11, 2021
WOW WOW WOW what a super story this is!!!!!! My head was spinning reading this and Leah, omg I hated her and felt sorry for her too. You must read this book. Amazing.
Profile Image for Craig Gillan.
526 reviews8 followers
September 14, 2020
Some disturbing characters in this one and it’s fantastic. Brilliant storyline
Profile Image for Gillian.
4 reviews
September 1, 2020
Absolutely loved Leah. Warmed straight away to the complexities of Leah.
No spoilers here as I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Profile Image for Dee Groocock.
1,409 reviews58 followers
September 14, 2020
Leah wasn’t a nice child and nothing has changed as an adult! We learn all about Leah’s life and faults as she lays injured in a train carriage after a crash.

I don’t want to say anymore as I don’t want to give away anything about this fabulous book. This is a different type of crime book and it certainly held my attention throughout and really played on my emotions.

I found I kept changing my opinion about Leah and it’s obvious she has some issues. Definitely one of those characters that you love to loathe! The author has written in some great characters and the storyline is superb.
Profile Image for Misfits farm.
2,091 reviews86 followers
September 12, 2020
Leah is a troubled soul. She was in a crash on a train and is now living in a flat and way behind with the rent. She isn't sure of what is real anymore as sometimes she blinks and what she thinks is real disappears. What she does know is that Chloe has broken up her relationship and she is determined to get her man Jacob back again, if only she can make Chloe see that she is in the wrong and the wrong relationship. Years ago Leah was on a cliff top with her brother and a young child who fell over the cliff top. Her brother was always blamed despite him being adamant that he hadn't done it and never could. His memory wasn't clear but he knows that he would never have done such a thing. Leah blamed him although retracted her statement to the police and it was seen as misadventure. Leah is now seeing a therapist as she is also seeing her dead brother. She knows she was going somewhere when on the train but can't remember why or where. A fairly dark read of a young woman suffering (undiagnosed) mental illness, her thoughts and attacks on others which give her power and a thrill of control- something she appears to be short of in normal life. Of tragedy and trying for redemption. A clever plot and a different style for this author. One to ponder.
1,051 reviews11 followers
September 14, 2020
Leah......Love her or hate her, she is quite an addictive character. You will probably also empathise with her at times and sympathise too but such is the strength of Judith's writing, you will probably want to strangle her as well ( or some other form of murder!) . She is a very troubled young woman and after being in a train crash starts to have flash backs to what she did in her past helped by her therapist Will. However is it all that it seems? I did sense what the outcome would be but that only made me want to read it more. The story does jump about from the past to the present, highlighting the confused mind of Leah's. Part two appears very close to the end which is also a bit unusual and gives the various thoughts and perspectives of the other main characters involved. The book may not suit everyone's tastes but like the main character, it becomes an addictive read.
Thanks to J.A. Baker and Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
Profile Image for Leanne Fisher.
195 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2020
This was quite the rollercoaster of a story, one that keeps you hooked right until the end.

The main character is Leah, she is introduced whilst she is travelling to London. The train she is on is involved in an accident leaving the reader to hear about the story of her life prior to the accident.

We are introduced to her therapist Will. She tells about him about her visions of her dead brother and her relationship breakdown with Jacob.

Leah has flashbacks to her childhood so the book does jump around but it is very easy to keep track of what is happening. I dont want to reveal much more as I don't want to give any spoilers as this is a story which has you intrigued right until the end.

The book is very different to anything I have read for a long time and I thought it was extremely well written with a fascinating storyline. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for FaithfulReviewer (Jacqueline).
247 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2024
My only DNF of the year, although I was also very close with 'The Bride'. I HATE not finishing a book. It VERY rarely happens. I managed to read the first 4 chapters of this before walking away. The blurb promised so much and yet it gave so very little. Not to put too fine a point on it, I was bored stiff. I will, however, give kudos to the author because how anyone can make a train crash seem mundane and boring deserves some sort of credit!

As not finishing a book really doesn't sit well with me, I may, at some time in the future, go back to this when I'm in a different frame of mind, to see if my opinion alters.
224 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2020
This is a true psychological thriller. A young woman, Leah, had a deeply troubling past with sudden outbursts of temper. In her world she is unloved and forgotten about. Memories of her past come back to haunt her.

This is a very good book however it isn't the easiest to read. It tends to jump around a bit although it all becomes apparent as to why. It is actually a cleverly written book which keeps you in suspense as to what will happen next.

I've no doubt that it will be another bestseller for J. A. Baker

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
Profile Image for Kamla .
320 reviews
May 30, 2025
I listened to the Audible recording narrator Rose Robinson who brings these type of thrillers to life. J A Baker certainly writes about insanity incredibly well.

However, I was totally confused at the end. Who was Rachel? I've Googled it and am none the wiser. It's bugging me so much that I'll have to backtrack and listen to Part 2 again. Was Rachel either Chloe or Leah or the woman on the Train that swapped seats? But Rachel talks about Leah's attack, when we know it was Chloe who was attacked.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,003 reviews63 followers
September 17, 2020
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is my favorite yet. This is a well developd story that has charracters that make the story come alive. The twists and tuns left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. The characters are connectable and really made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Nicki.
2,165 reviews15 followers
October 20, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook. Initially I was quite confused and I didn’t think I would stick with the book.
I did end up being glad I persevered with it, though. It’s definitely a little longer and padded out than it needs to be, hence the 4 stars rather than 5, but the reveal of what was actually going on with Leah was quite original and I have to say she is one of the worst protagonists I’ve read about in a long time!
Profile Image for Vina.
717 reviews16 followers
May 8, 2021
Strictly my opinion,but I found the book “In the Dying Minutes”by J.A.Baker desolate and depressing. The main character has tremendous personality fluctuations, and is very unstable. There is a twist in the book shortly before it ends. But by then, this lengthy book had tired me out. As a thriller, it doesn’t succeed for me, sorry.

2 Stars
Profile Image for Paula Galvan.
780 reviews
February 4, 2022
This was a depressing story of a psychopathic woman who likes to hurt people and obsess over Jacob, a man she barely knew. The writing was repetitious and scattered, making the storyline impossible to follow. I'm guessing the author meant it to be that way since you don't really know what's going on until the end of the book, but for me, it was irritating and exhausting.
Profile Image for Chloe Denbury.
36 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2024
3.5 stars, it was a three star read all the way through but the ending bumped it up slightly. i did enjoy this book and i’m glad a read it but found it pretty average, it was fairly repetitive in places and not a book that i will remember but was enjoyable! it did keep me guessing and i did not predict the ending which was good!
Profile Image for Deb Lancaster.
853 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2021
Ehhhhhh. Very unconvincing in a number of ways. The twist was obvious early doors and I just didn't feel leah. She never rang true. It's ok for a mild non thrillery thriller with just about the most unbelievable characters possible
Profile Image for Dorota Winch.
583 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2021
I’m reading the reviews and I feel like I was reading a completely different book! It was so boring! The writing style was not for me, I couldn’t connect to the story, and it was so predictable I knew half way through what will happen at the end.
Profile Image for Donna Lockhart .
20 reviews
September 21, 2020
This was a very dark book. I read it in one day as I had to know if my guesses about the story were correct. Not one of my favorite books but this one will stay with me for quite awhile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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