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The Passenger
She takes the same train every day. But this is a journey she’ll never forget.
Amanda is a hardworking single mum, completely focused on her job and her daughter, Louise. She’s been saving for years and now, finally, she can afford to give up work and chase her dream.
But then, on her commute home from London to Brighton, she meets a charming stranger - who seems to know everything about her.
He delivers an ultimatum. She needs to give him the code for the safe where she keeps her savings before the train reaches Brighton - or she’ll never see Louise again.
Convinced that the threat is real, Amanda is stunned, horrified. She knows she should give him the code, but she can’t. Because she also knows there is a terrible secret in that safe which will destroy her life and Louise’s too…
Amanda is a hardworking single mum, completely focused on her job and her daughter, Louise. She’s been saving for years and now, finally, she can afford to give up work and chase her dream.
But then, on her commute home from London to Brighton, she meets a charming stranger - who seems to know everything about her.
He delivers an ultimatum. She needs to give him the code for the safe where she keeps her savings before the train reaches Brighton - or she’ll never see Louise again.
Convinced that the threat is real, Amanda is stunned, horrified. She knows she should give him the code, but she can’t. Because she also knows there is a terrible secret in that safe which will destroy her life and Louise’s too…
284 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2021
4265 people are currently reading
5049 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Hurst
89 books3,960 followersDaniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
June 24, 2023
I’ve been on a Hurst reading spree these last week, and I think this is my favorite by him. It’s been a while since I’ve felt so enthralled and eager while reading, and that made me happy. Amanda is such a bad-ass character, intelligent and stubborn, like her daughter. The way she tries to save her money and her daughters life, made me cheer her on internally. I wasn’t so interested in the criminals POVs, or at least I didn’t need to hear their backstory. But I guess waiting for Amanda to enter the scene again was a way to keep the reader hooked, waiting for a new Amanda-fix! There were so many twists and turns that I felt like being on a busy platform myself, wondering which train would come next. And the ending: WOW!
March 27, 2022
Tapping away on her laptop is how she travels on the train leaving London. Amanda has been working on a novel for the past three years. She is tired of her boring job and boring commute. She is thirty-seven and wants to be a writer.
There is a stranger on the train, but he knows everything about Amanda. Everything.
This was a quick, enjoyable audio that wasn't too dark and had some odd humor mixed in. My second by this author (this one was better) and he does these popcorn thrillers well. He has a style that pulls you into the plot and makes you want to keep reading/listening.
I don't know why, but I'm always fascinated by "train settings" with the bustle, the strangers, the way people perceive each other. Although, I've never been on a real commuter train! And don't want to either!
Audible purchase/ 6 hours 46 min/ Narrated by: Deirdra Whelan and Rupert Bush (enjoyed the British accents)! Published 8/12/21
Thanks to Jayne and JanB for the recommendation. It made my errand day much more exciting!
There is a stranger on the train, but he knows everything about Amanda. Everything.
This was a quick, enjoyable audio that wasn't too dark and had some odd humor mixed in. My second by this author (this one was better) and he does these popcorn thrillers well. He has a style that pulls you into the plot and makes you want to keep reading/listening.
I don't know why, but I'm always fascinated by "train settings" with the bustle, the strangers, the way people perceive each other. Although, I've never been on a real commuter train! And don't want to either!
Audible purchase/ 6 hours 46 min/ Narrated by: Deirdra Whelan and Rupert Bush (enjoyed the British accents)! Published 8/12/21
Thanks to Jayne and JanB for the recommendation. It made my errand day much more exciting!
December 12, 2022
The Passenger by Daniel Hurst
Deidra Whelan (Narrator) Rupert Bush (Narrator)
* Duration: 6 hours and 36 minutes *
Finally!
Daniel Hurst has been ALL OVER my Goodreads feed, and I have been wanting to try his work for quite some time, so I selected this one as an AUDIBLE listen, since it seemed to consistently get the most positive reviews!
Amanda has only two more commutes to make from London to Brighton, having finally saved enough money to give up her job, and pursue her dream to be an author.
She takes her usual spot on the platform, and rushes to claim her regular seat on the train.
SHE IS SO PREDICTABLE
This time, a charming stranger takes the seat opposite of her. He engages her with clever commentary about the other passengers, and even flirts with her a bit, until she lets her guard down.
AND THEN HE DELIVERS HIS ULTIMATUM
He has been watching her. And, somehow, he knows that the money she has been saving up for this day, is in a safe in her bedroom and not safely deposited in the bank.
SHARE THE CODE THAT WILL OPEN THE SAFE, or her daughter LOUISE will be killed. No mother would risk that, right?!
RIGHT?!
But, there is more to Amanda than meets the eye. And, she and Louise are not the easy marks that the stranger expected them to be.
VERY CLEVER!
The narrators were entertaining and I loved how the story came full circle from the opening prologue.
I will definitely be checking out more of the author’s work!
AVAILABLE NOW
Deidra Whelan (Narrator) Rupert Bush (Narrator)
* Duration: 6 hours and 36 minutes *
Finally!
Daniel Hurst has been ALL OVER my Goodreads feed, and I have been wanting to try his work for quite some time, so I selected this one as an AUDIBLE listen, since it seemed to consistently get the most positive reviews!
Amanda has only two more commutes to make from London to Brighton, having finally saved enough money to give up her job, and pursue her dream to be an author.
She takes her usual spot on the platform, and rushes to claim her regular seat on the train.
SHE IS SO PREDICTABLE
This time, a charming stranger takes the seat opposite of her. He engages her with clever commentary about the other passengers, and even flirts with her a bit, until she lets her guard down.
AND THEN HE DELIVERS HIS ULTIMATUM
He has been watching her. And, somehow, he knows that the money she has been saving up for this day, is in a safe in her bedroom and not safely deposited in the bank.
SHARE THE CODE THAT WILL OPEN THE SAFE, or her daughter LOUISE will be killed. No mother would risk that, right?!
RIGHT?!
But, there is more to Amanda than meets the eye. And, she and Louise are not the easy marks that the stranger expected them to be.
VERY CLEVER!
The narrators were entertaining and I loved how the story came full circle from the opening prologue.
I will definitely be checking out more of the author’s work!
AVAILABLE NOW
February 8, 2022
Amanda is a single mom who takes the same train ride home from work every day, and uses the time to write her novel. Until today, when a handsome stranger catches her attention and they strike up a conversation. Amanda is flattered until the stranger makes it known that unless he gives her the code to a safe where she keeps her cash, his partner will harm her daughter Louise.
For the two con men, they assume this is an easy pile of cash for little work. Like taking candy from a baby. But this is the money that Amanda has worked hard to save so she can quit her job and focus on her writing full-time. What the con men don’t know is that Amanda has secrets and there’s something far more dangerous in the safe than cash. Something Amanda needs to remain a secret.
These two con men bit off far more than they imagined when they chose Amanda and Louise as easy marks. Tight plotting with fun twists and turns and an unexpected ending kept me entertained throughout. The audiobook is 6 hrs, 45 min and I listen at a minimum of x1.5 speed so I quite literally flew through this one. Very cleverly done!
* available on Hoopla audio
February 14, 2023
Daniel Hurst is a new author to me, as I recently read and enjoyed his short story, “The New Year’s Party.” I decided to listen to one of his audiobooks on Hoopla, and chose The Passenger because it seemed to have great reviews and an intriguing plot.
The audiobook is read by Deidra Whelan and Rupert Bush, who do a fantastic job with the narration. At just under seven hours long, it can easily be read in one sitting.
Amanda quits her job at an office in order to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She keeps her savings in a safe in her flat, shared with her teenage daughter, Louise. Louise would like to use some of the savings to travel, but Amanda denies her request, preferring that she earn her own money by getting a job. In rebellion, Louise doesn’t tell her mom about the new guy she is dating.
On the commuter train home from London, Amanda meets a strange man who knows everything about her. He gives her an ultimatum that she must give him the combination to her safe before they arrive in Brighton, or she will never see her daughter again.
Louise should give the stranger the combination to the safe to save her daughter, but she is hiding secrets of her own inside it! Will she be able to save her daughter, the money, and her secrets?
This book reads faster than a moving train! I loved the fast pace and found the twist intriguing. I did predict the ending, but it was such a fun ride!
However, Louise is so spoiled and obnoxious, she ALMOST ruined it for me!
Regardless, I am a new fan of Hurst and will definitely be reading more of his thrillers!
3.5/5 stars rounded up
The audiobook is read by Deidra Whelan and Rupert Bush, who do a fantastic job with the narration. At just under seven hours long, it can easily be read in one sitting.
Amanda quits her job at an office in order to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She keeps her savings in a safe in her flat, shared with her teenage daughter, Louise. Louise would like to use some of the savings to travel, but Amanda denies her request, preferring that she earn her own money by getting a job. In rebellion, Louise doesn’t tell her mom about the new guy she is dating.
On the commuter train home from London, Amanda meets a strange man who knows everything about her. He gives her an ultimatum that she must give him the combination to her safe before they arrive in Brighton, or she will never see her daughter again.
Louise should give the stranger the combination to the safe to save her daughter, but she is hiding secrets of her own inside it! Will she be able to save her daughter, the money, and her secrets?
This book reads faster than a moving train! I loved the fast pace and found the twist intriguing. I did predict the ending, but it was such a fun ride!
However, Louise is so spoiled and obnoxious, she ALMOST ruined it for me!
Regardless, I am a new fan of Hurst and will definitely be reading more of his thrillers!
3.5/5 stars rounded up
April 20, 2022
This was quite a tale that kept me listening to the perils of two woman, a mother, Amanda and her daughter, Louise. While the mother is heading home on a train, a charming man sits next to her and strikes up a conversation. Pretty soon the conversation, takes a sinister turn as he claims his partner in crime, Marley, has Amanda's daughter captured in their apartment. Louise had been tricked by James, and is involved in an affair with him, unknowing that he is in cahoots with Marley. The men know of a safe in Amanda's apartment that contains a considerable amount of money that Amanda has accrued over the years. Easy pickings they believe!
Amanda has ambition to be a writer and as she has quit her job, she seems to be on the way to her dream. But as James and Marley threaten Amanda with the death of her daughter, the ladies must try to stay alive and preserve the fortune. They are strong women who do their best to try to win this battle. Added to this, there is a terrible secret hidden within the safe and this is what Amanda is most concerned about for it could mean the end of someone's life.
Mother and daughter must come up with a plan after the money is stolen and they play a game of cat and mouse as Amanda realizes she must reveal her deepest darkest secret to her child. Should Amanda reveal the truth or will that totally break the tenuous relationship between the two?
This was a fast-moving thriller that was easy to listen to and was enjoyable. I love that the women had a large amount of tenacity and fortitude. With different narrators this audio book was so well done. Definitely recommended to those who enjoy a quick tantalizing story that keeps you wanting now how this all will turn out.
Thanks to Jayne and Jan for recommending this story to me.
Amanda has ambition to be a writer and as she has quit her job, she seems to be on the way to her dream. But as James and Marley threaten Amanda with the death of her daughter, the ladies must try to stay alive and preserve the fortune. They are strong women who do their best to try to win this battle. Added to this, there is a terrible secret hidden within the safe and this is what Amanda is most concerned about for it could mean the end of someone's life.
Mother and daughter must come up with a plan after the money is stolen and they play a game of cat and mouse as Amanda realizes she must reveal her deepest darkest secret to her child. Should Amanda reveal the truth or will that totally break the tenuous relationship between the two?
This was a fast-moving thriller that was easy to listen to and was enjoyable. I love that the women had a large amount of tenacity and fortitude. With different narrators this audio book was so well done. Definitely recommended to those who enjoy a quick tantalizing story that keeps you wanting now how this all will turn out.
Thanks to Jayne and Jan for recommending this story to me.
December 8, 2022
Ooh… this one will keep your heart thumping right to the end!
Amanda is bored stiff with of her every-day, mundane life. Each day the same routine, like Groundhog Day. Take the train into the city to every morning and after a long, unproductive day, commute all the way back home on the same train.
Amanda desperately wants better for herself and her daughter, Louise. And she is so close to finally having it all. But another passenger on that train wants to take it all away! What must Amanda do to save both her dream and the life of her daughter?
Daniel Hurst keeps the tension ramped up from beginning to end! As we get to know Amanda we may finally understand why she is so desperate to hold on to her plan to leave this life behind!
I listened to the audio and the narrators did a fabulous job with the characters!
Thank you to my friend Jayne for the recommendation and to Hoopla for my 🎧
Amanda is bored stiff with of her every-day, mundane life. Each day the same routine, like Groundhog Day. Take the train into the city to every morning and after a long, unproductive day, commute all the way back home on the same train.
Amanda desperately wants better for herself and her daughter, Louise. And she is so close to finally having it all. But another passenger on that train wants to take it all away! What must Amanda do to save both her dream and the life of her daughter?
Daniel Hurst keeps the tension ramped up from beginning to end! As we get to know Amanda we may finally understand why she is so desperate to hold on to her plan to leave this life behind!
I listened to the audio and the narrators did a fabulous job with the characters!
Thank you to my friend Jayne for the recommendation and to Hoopla for my 🎧
March 17, 2021
A new author to me, although when just looking at his back catalogue there looks to be many previous books of his I would enjoy, all look intriguing, anyways back to this one
I love books set around journey’s, commuter, holiday, any kind of travel on any means of transport and so this stood out for me to read....I did wonder reading the blurb if was going to be similar to ‘Girl On The Train’
It wasn’t
What I did get was a real unexpected little find, fast and furious and with the odd pinch of salt being taken a really thrilling tale
We meet Amanda, who has the trudgery of the daily trip from London to Brighton and back, she is about to give it all up to follow her dream of being an author, but she is being stalked, and has been for a while, and on tonight’s journey ‘The Stranger’ is going to make himself and what he wants known.....but if he thinks it is going to go all his own way, he is mistaken, truly mistaken and as he begins to realise he has bitten off way more than he can chew we see just exactly who he has chosen to stalk, and she is nothing like he or we presume
Oooooo its good, really good, so good I want to tell you all about it and what happens and just how it had me on edge all the way through but I wont!
This is not a perfect book but its a fine book, literally telling itself and grabbing you to come along for the ride, I absolutely loved every thrilling page
10/10
5 Stars
I love books set around journey’s, commuter, holiday, any kind of travel on any means of transport and so this stood out for me to read....I did wonder reading the blurb if was going to be similar to ‘Girl On The Train’
It wasn’t
What I did get was a real unexpected little find, fast and furious and with the odd pinch of salt being taken a really thrilling tale
We meet Amanda, who has the trudgery of the daily trip from London to Brighton and back, she is about to give it all up to follow her dream of being an author, but she is being stalked, and has been for a while, and on tonight’s journey ‘The Stranger’ is going to make himself and what he wants known.....but if he thinks it is going to go all his own way, he is mistaken, truly mistaken and as he begins to realise he has bitten off way more than he can chew we see just exactly who he has chosen to stalk, and she is nothing like he or we presume
Oooooo its good, really good, so good I want to tell you all about it and what happens and just how it had me on edge all the way through but I wont!
This is not a perfect book but its a fine book, literally telling itself and grabbing you to come along for the ride, I absolutely loved every thrilling page
10/10
5 Stars
March 20, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
That was a kind of claustrophobic psychological thriller. All the action takes place over a few hours and in mainly two locations - the London to Brighton train and Amanda’s flat. There are very few characters to keep track of - all of which gave it a closed in feel for me. Which was good!
Amanda longs to be a writer and she has finally saved up enough money, which she keeps in a safe at her home, and has given notice at her job. She hopes to make it as a full time writer, anything to get out the grind of the daily commute and her soul destroying office job. Amanda also has a 17 year old daughter, Louise, who is full of teenage angst and thinks her mother is selfish to follow her dream when she also has the dream to travel but not the funds.
On her third last day of commuting, Amanda is busy typing away on her laptop, writing more of her book when a charming looking man sits across from her and engages her in conversation. A conversation that soon veers into dangerous territory. The man knows a lot about her, has been following her and knows she has £20,000 pounds in her safe. If only that were all that was in the safe... he wants the codes for the safe or his accomplice, James, who is posing as Louise’s boyfriend will hurt her.
You’d think any mother would immediately cave and do whatever is necessary to protect their child and that is what the conspirators are counting on. But they don’t know all of Amanda’s secrets, that there is something more dangerous than money in that safe. Amanda and Louise both turn out to be very feisty and give the crooks a run for their money. How does it end? Well, it was quite interesting - not particularly realistic but interesting. My main gripe is that this book could have been a bit shorter. There were a few plot threads that were not that relevant to the story that could easily have been left out. Nevertheless, it was a quick, fun read although I would not want to run into Amanda in a dark alley one night! Thanks to Netgalley, Inkubator Books and Daniel Hurst for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
That was a kind of claustrophobic psychological thriller. All the action takes place over a few hours and in mainly two locations - the London to Brighton train and Amanda’s flat. There are very few characters to keep track of - all of which gave it a closed in feel for me. Which was good!
Amanda longs to be a writer and she has finally saved up enough money, which she keeps in a safe at her home, and has given notice at her job. She hopes to make it as a full time writer, anything to get out the grind of the daily commute and her soul destroying office job. Amanda also has a 17 year old daughter, Louise, who is full of teenage angst and thinks her mother is selfish to follow her dream when she also has the dream to travel but not the funds.
On her third last day of commuting, Amanda is busy typing away on her laptop, writing more of her book when a charming looking man sits across from her and engages her in conversation. A conversation that soon veers into dangerous territory. The man knows a lot about her, has been following her and knows she has £20,000 pounds in her safe. If only that were all that was in the safe... he wants the codes for the safe or his accomplice, James, who is posing as Louise’s boyfriend will hurt her.
You’d think any mother would immediately cave and do whatever is necessary to protect their child and that is what the conspirators are counting on. But they don’t know all of Amanda’s secrets, that there is something more dangerous than money in that safe. Amanda and Louise both turn out to be very feisty and give the crooks a run for their money. How does it end? Well, it was quite interesting - not particularly realistic but interesting. My main gripe is that this book could have been a bit shorter. There were a few plot threads that were not that relevant to the story that could easily have been left out. Nevertheless, it was a quick, fun read although I would not want to run into Amanda in a dark alley one night! Thanks to Netgalley, Inkubator Books and Daniel Hurst for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
August 6, 2022
Witty
Delightfully witty is this novel by Daniel Hurst. Its just a bit slow at the beginning but makes up for it at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone. Its not overloaded with violence or sex but is strong on characters and plot.
Delightfully witty is this novel by Daniel Hurst. Its just a bit slow at the beginning but makes up for it at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone. Its not overloaded with violence or sex but is strong on characters and plot.
March 22, 2021
Once I got past the beginning, I could not put this book down. The pace was great. I really enjoyed the twists. It was somewhat predictable, but it went the way I was rooting for. I really enjoyed this book.
That said, I almost DNFd it on Louis' first chapter, but I'm glad I didn't. I had to stop and read other reviews to see if it was worth continuing. Louis is not meant to likable. She is a teenager - enough said. The problem was, she acted like a normal teenager, but she didn't talk or think like one. That first chapter had her analyzing everything she did, but then doing it anyway, i.e. I know I am just punishing my mom for not spending enough time with me and these are poor life choices, but sleeping with strangers, laying about aimlessly, trying to break into her safe all seem like a plan right now. No teen is that self-aware. If they were, they would make better choices.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader Copy.
That said, I almost DNFd it on Louis' first chapter, but I'm glad I didn't. I had to stop and read other reviews to see if it was worth continuing. Louis is not meant to likable. She is a teenager - enough said. The problem was, she acted like a normal teenager, but she didn't talk or think like one. That first chapter had her analyzing everything she did, but then doing it anyway, i.e. I know I am just punishing my mom for not spending enough time with me and these are poor life choices, but sleeping with strangers, laying about aimlessly, trying to break into her safe all seem like a plan right now. No teen is that self-aware. If they were, they would make better choices.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader Copy.
April 26, 2022
Amanda’s commute home to Brighton becomes eventful when a stranger threatens her with the death of her daughter unless she gives him the combination to her safe. I really had trouble with the four first person narratives that move the story along, they grate, but this is an extraordinarily good story that that develops from its initially ordinary beginnings and keeps developing right until the very end. I’m not sure about its literary value, and not suggesting there aren’t holes in the plot, but it is worth the five stars for its sheer inventiveness. Well worth the read!
April 18, 2022
Get on board with "The Passenger".
It's a gripping and enthralling journey that never misses a beat.
The publisher has positioned this book as a "quick-paced psychological thriller with an ending that you don't see coming" and that is exactly what it was.
What happens when two recently released ex-cons attempt to blackmail and swindle a single mother while she is a passenger on a commuter train?
You'll quickly discover that these two ex-cons selected the wrong woman to mess with.
The narrative takes place over the course of this woman's train commute home from London to Brighton and beyond.
The book was intricately plotted and unputdownable, with many twists and turns.
The author's characterizations were right-on. All four unlikeable protagonists were larger-than-life and unpredictable.
What set this book apart from other books in its genre was the author's uncanny ability to stay "on course" and precisely make every word count while conveying such an ultra-compelling storyline.
The 6.5-hour audiobook was shorter than "typical" audiobooks of this genre but it was the perfect length for a thriller that featured no laborious and superfluous text and/or tangents.
I always love it when audiobooks are read by multiple narrators and the two narrators reading this book did a superb job.
This book was a 5-star surprise for me and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
It's a gripping and enthralling journey that never misses a beat.
The publisher has positioned this book as a "quick-paced psychological thriller with an ending that you don't see coming" and that is exactly what it was.
What happens when two recently released ex-cons attempt to blackmail and swindle a single mother while she is a passenger on a commuter train?
You'll quickly discover that these two ex-cons selected the wrong woman to mess with.
The narrative takes place over the course of this woman's train commute home from London to Brighton and beyond.
The book was intricately plotted and unputdownable, with many twists and turns.
The author's characterizations were right-on. All four unlikeable protagonists were larger-than-life and unpredictable.
What set this book apart from other books in its genre was the author's uncanny ability to stay "on course" and precisely make every word count while conveying such an ultra-compelling storyline.
The 6.5-hour audiobook was shorter than "typical" audiobooks of this genre but it was the perfect length for a thriller that featured no laborious and superfluous text and/or tangents.
I always love it when audiobooks are read by multiple narrators and the two narrators reading this book did a superb job.
This book was a 5-star surprise for me and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
November 13, 2024
Wow! This book had my heart racing. Never underestimate the power of desire. Amanda has big dreams and she is determined not to let anyone or anything get in her way. The premise immediately intrigued me and once I began reading it was difficult to stop. The plot is fast-paced and unpredictable. I never knew where the story was going, but was always satisfied with its destination. I have enjoyed all of Daniel Hurst’s books and this is no exception. I highly recommend this nail-biting thriller. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2021
Amanda hates her job. She hates her lengthy daily commute. She hates the repetitive nature of her life. She used to spend her time out of the office wanting something different and yet never knowing exactly what that was. And then the discovered writing.
She now escapes the crowds and the chaos on her commute, and tunes out the world around her on the weekends, by immersing herself in her writing and giving everything to her craft. She is determined to become successful and has finally decided to take the plunge and quit her job in order to do so. She has a small amount saved up in a safe at home and is hopeful that it will tide her over as she continues to write and vie for an agent's attention.
Her daughter, Louise, is less delighted by the prospect of her mum at home with her all day but her secret boyfriend seems excited by this proposal. Or perhaps his excitement is only reserved for the discovery of a hidden safe that Louise has tactlessly informed him about...
The high average rating and abundant four- and five-star reviews definitely indicate that I'm in the minority with my feelings concerning this book, but it failed to appeal for me in quite the same way as it clearly did for most others. I found the initial writing quite stilted and it seemed like the characters were unnaturally providing information into their dialogue or internal monologues for convenience within the story. On many occasions I felt pulled out of the tale through small information drops that didn't flow seamlessly in the context they were delivered in.
The pace during the centre of the story also felt as thought it dropped considerably and I was waiting for the tension and suspense I was promised to really kick in. This did occur and I did enjoy the last quarter considerably more than all others but not, unfortunately, enough to make this book a super memorable one for me.
She now escapes the crowds and the chaos on her commute, and tunes out the world around her on the weekends, by immersing herself in her writing and giving everything to her craft. She is determined to become successful and has finally decided to take the plunge and quit her job in order to do so. She has a small amount saved up in a safe at home and is hopeful that it will tide her over as she continues to write and vie for an agent's attention.
Her daughter, Louise, is less delighted by the prospect of her mum at home with her all day but her secret boyfriend seems excited by this proposal. Or perhaps his excitement is only reserved for the discovery of a hidden safe that Louise has tactlessly informed him about...
The high average rating and abundant four- and five-star reviews definitely indicate that I'm in the minority with my feelings concerning this book, but it failed to appeal for me in quite the same way as it clearly did for most others. I found the initial writing quite stilted and it seemed like the characters were unnaturally providing information into their dialogue or internal monologues for convenience within the story. On many occasions I felt pulled out of the tale through small information drops that didn't flow seamlessly in the context they were delivered in.
The pace during the centre of the story also felt as thought it dropped considerably and I was waiting for the tension and suspense I was promised to really kick in. This did occur and I did enjoy the last quarter considerably more than all others but not, unfortunately, enough to make this book a super memorable one for me.
March 21, 2023
My first Daniel Hurst experience was enjoyable. This was an audiobook listen from Hoopla and I would say the narration was really good.
This had an interesting premise that involves a woman on a train and a big mystery.... sound familiar!? Well, it's nothing like the other books with similar plotlines. This moved at a breakneck pace with each chapter providing a nugget of information while also enticing you to want more.
Ultimately, I didn't think the woman's secret was all that bad ass like I was led to believe. But the journey there was a wild one.
3.5 stars. Good not great, but still rounding up. Cheers!
This had an interesting premise that involves a woman on a train and a big mystery.... sound familiar!? Well, it's nothing like the other books with similar plotlines. This moved at a breakneck pace with each chapter providing a nugget of information while also enticing you to want more.
Ultimately, I didn't think the woman's secret was all that bad ass like I was led to believe. But the journey there was a wild one.
3.5 stars. Good not great, but still rounding up. Cheers!
March 7, 2023
A page-turner, light thriller that involves money, secrets, lies, violence, and murder that is written in 250 pages, set in a London train station, and all occurred in only over 3 hours. Yep.
My recent thriller reads were not great, so this book was a nice recovery. It's not perfect. It's a bit repetitive, but it's fulfilling for my personal enjoyment. When I tell you this book had me slightly shouting the words "Just f*cking call the police, Amanda!" in 3 different languages...at 1 AM. I was hooked, and I must know the ending. A straightforward story that flows nicely with morally questionable characters and an explosive ending. Overall quick and entertaining.
Also, Thanks to Kay for recommending this and The Couple in the Cabin as my Daniel Hurst initiation. 💖
My recent thriller reads were not great, so this book was a nice recovery. It's not perfect. It's a bit repetitive, but it's fulfilling for my personal enjoyment. When I tell you this book had me slightly shouting the words "Just f*cking call the police, Amanda!" in 3 different languages...at 1 AM. I was hooked, and I must know the ending. A straightforward story that flows nicely with morally questionable characters and an explosive ending. Overall quick and entertaining.
Also, Thanks to Kay for recommending this and The Couple in the Cabin as my Daniel Hurst initiation. 💖
April 2, 2021
Happy Publication Week! “The Passenger” was released this Tuesday, March 28th. It’s currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited or only 99c! You will not be sorry that you pick this book up!
This book was paced at lightning speed! I devoured the story in two settings, it would’ve been one had it not been past my bedtime.
“A sickening combination of shattering bone and squealing brakes was not what most people were expecting to experience as they made their way along the platforms...”
Amanda is a hard-working single mother, raising her seventeen year old daughter Louise who has zero motivation. Louise refuses to get a job, instead lounging around watching TV, requesting take-out for dinner and doing whatever she pleases. It’s Louise’s lack of maturity and real-life social skills that get both her and her mother in a sticky situation.
It’s an average day for Amanda, a creature of habit, boards the train at the same time, standing in the same place, every single day. She ate the same expensive salad for lunch and as per usual checks in to see that her daughter has done nothing of substance all day.
“It’s depressing that my life is this mundane...”
But in the coming days, she has something to look forward to. After saving up money from working multiple jobs at all hours of the night Amanda has managed to stash away enough money to invest in the future that she’s always dreamed of. She’s dreamt of being a writer since she was young, and she’s decided that her aspirations are FINALLY about to come true at the age of 37. She handed in her notice at work and she’s bound and determined to succeed.
“I am finally going after what I want, and nothing is going to stop me. Nothing.”
So when she boards and sits at the same old seat , and goes to take her laptop out she plans to get started on that very vision, only the good-looking gentleman that sits across from her has other ideas. For this stranger wants everything that Amanda has worked so hard to save and she’s going to give him the means to get that money because her daughter’s life is on the line.
“I’m your worst nightmare.”
For me this book was a combination of “The Girl on The Train” by Paula Hawkins and “You Are Not Alone” by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen meets the movie “Speed” starring Keanu Reeves.
Daniel Hurst does a great job at making sure that all the loose ends are tied and doesn’t leave room for any plot holes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Daniel Hurst for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️ for Goodreads.
WARNING SPOILER AHEAD:
There was one thing that kept this book from getting 5 stars and that was the believability for James to have anaphylaxis just from touching the crisps. I have many food allergies myself, and even looked it up to make sure that I was correct. It would be EXTREMELY rare for him to have had that reaction without actually ingesting the food. I wish instead that something had been slipped in his drink since he kept saying how bad he wanted a beer. Many alcohols contain allergens.
This book was paced at lightning speed! I devoured the story in two settings, it would’ve been one had it not been past my bedtime.
“A sickening combination of shattering bone and squealing brakes was not what most people were expecting to experience as they made their way along the platforms...”
Amanda is a hard-working single mother, raising her seventeen year old daughter Louise who has zero motivation. Louise refuses to get a job, instead lounging around watching TV, requesting take-out for dinner and doing whatever she pleases. It’s Louise’s lack of maturity and real-life social skills that get both her and her mother in a sticky situation.
It’s an average day for Amanda, a creature of habit, boards the train at the same time, standing in the same place, every single day. She ate the same expensive salad for lunch and as per usual checks in to see that her daughter has done nothing of substance all day.
“It’s depressing that my life is this mundane...”
But in the coming days, she has something to look forward to. After saving up money from working multiple jobs at all hours of the night Amanda has managed to stash away enough money to invest in the future that she’s always dreamed of. She’s dreamt of being a writer since she was young, and she’s decided that her aspirations are FINALLY about to come true at the age of 37. She handed in her notice at work and she’s bound and determined to succeed.
“I am finally going after what I want, and nothing is going to stop me. Nothing.”
So when she boards and sits at the same old seat , and goes to take her laptop out she plans to get started on that very vision, only the good-looking gentleman that sits across from her has other ideas. For this stranger wants everything that Amanda has worked so hard to save and she’s going to give him the means to get that money because her daughter’s life is on the line.
“I’m your worst nightmare.”
For me this book was a combination of “The Girl on The Train” by Paula Hawkins and “You Are Not Alone” by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen meets the movie “Speed” starring Keanu Reeves.
Daniel Hurst does a great job at making sure that all the loose ends are tied and doesn’t leave room for any plot holes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Daniel Hurst for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will definitely be picking up more from this author in the future!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️ for Goodreads.
WARNING SPOILER AHEAD:
There was one thing that kept this book from getting 5 stars and that was the believability for James to have anaphylaxis just from touching the crisps. I have many food allergies myself, and even looked it up to make sure that I was correct. It would be EXTREMELY rare for him to have had that reaction without actually ingesting the food. I wish instead that something had been slipped in his drink since he kept saying how bad he wanted a beer. Many alcohols contain allergens.
August 28, 2023
When I saw that the audiobook was available at no additional cost for Audible’s subscribers, I decided to give this one a chance.
As soon as I started it I was completely enthralled, so I ended up purchasing the ebook ($0.99), as I like to see the words.
I enjoyed the concept and its structure and the alternating POV.
The storyline is really gripping, although a bit farfetched (but far from being silly).
The writing was a bit repetitive but I think it was because of the multiple POV.
The narration of the audiobook is excellent, and I do recommend it.
As I was so engaged, I did not want to put it down, hence my ratings.
It’s a small book and a fast read.
It’s the first book that I’ve read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading some more.
e-book (Kindle): 257 pages (default) - 48 chapters
audiobook narrated by Deirdra Whelan, Rupert Bush: 6.8 hours (normal speed)
As soon as I started it I was completely enthralled, so I ended up purchasing the ebook ($0.99), as I like to see the words.
I enjoyed the concept and its structure and the alternating POV.
The storyline is really gripping, although a bit farfetched (but far from being silly).
The writing was a bit repetitive but I think it was because of the multiple POV.
The narration of the audiobook is excellent, and I do recommend it.
As I was so engaged, I did not want to put it down, hence my ratings.
It’s a small book and a fast read.
It’s the first book that I’ve read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading some more.
e-book (Kindle): 257 pages (default) - 48 chapters
audiobook narrated by Deirdra Whelan, Rupert Bush: 6.8 hours (normal speed)
February 2, 2024
Amanda has a dream. She wants to become a writer and finish her work from 8 to 5. She has money saved for this purpose and announced at work that she is quitting on Friday. But today is Thursday and she is waiting for the train to go home and confront her always-unhappy daughter Louise who thinks that the saved money better be used for her travelling than for a book that won't have success.
In other words, everything seems usual, but this time on the train Amanda meets a Stranger who thinks he knows everything about Amanda and that she is going to tell him the code from the safe where money is kept. But Amanda has a secret kept in that safe and she is not ready to reveal it.
The book captures the reader's attention from the first pages and keeps it till the very end. Every time we think that Amanda will tell the code, she is coming up with a new solution. It is an intellectual battle of wills between Amanda and The Stranger.
Very good book. One of the best from Daniel Hurst.
In other words, everything seems usual, but this time on the train Amanda meets a Stranger who thinks he knows everything about Amanda and that she is going to tell him the code from the safe where money is kept. But Amanda has a secret kept in that safe and she is not ready to reveal it.
The book captures the reader's attention from the first pages and keeps it till the very end. Every time we think that Amanda will tell the code, she is coming up with a new solution. It is an intellectual battle of wills between Amanda and The Stranger.
Very good book. One of the best from Daniel Hurst.
March 31, 2021
Definitely a 'wild and unpredictable ride'! Amanda has dreams of becoming a published writer and has managed to save enough money to quit her job and concentrate on writing for a couple of years. Her teenage daughter, Louise, also has a dream - to travel using some of her mother's savings which are stored in a safe to which only her mother knows the code. Close to the end of her working days, Amanda meets a stranger on her daily train commute from work to home and her well-thought-out plan to spend her days writing is threatened, as well as her daughter's life. The story is told from the points of view of each of the four main characters with some flashbacks as well. There are many surprise revelations along the way, most of which I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and fast-paced with realistic characters and an interesting storyline. I've read one other book by this author which I liked and I look forward to reading more of his books. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to a friend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read an e-copy of this book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read an e-copy of this book.
March 14, 2021
This was a fantastic book, it starts off with a death and the pace never lets up all the way through. I loved it!!! a I just wants to keep on reading it and probably would have if life hadn’t got in the way! I’ve never heard of this author before but now I have I will be looking out for more of his books. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2021
Looking for an easy score, two criminals pick the wrong woman.
I should have paid attention to my initial instincts but I forced myself to finish what was a predictable story with truly hideous characters. It's typical fare -- a single mom with a teenage daughter who gets in trouble but uses her wits to come out on top.
I wish I could report that this was thrilling and full of suspense, but I'd be lying. I did read it all hoping that there would be a surprise ending but, alas. Good characters would have helped but I couldn't stand any of them so it's hard to enjoy a book when you don't care and find most of it completely unbelievable. This was not for me.
I appreciate the e-book ARC to read and review from NetGalley and Inkubator Books.
I should have paid attention to my initial instincts but I forced myself to finish what was a predictable story with truly hideous characters. It's typical fare -- a single mom with a teenage daughter who gets in trouble but uses her wits to come out on top.
I wish I could report that this was thrilling and full of suspense, but I'd be lying. I did read it all hoping that there would be a surprise ending but, alas. Good characters would have helped but I couldn't stand any of them so it's hard to enjoy a book when you don't care and find most of it completely unbelievable. This was not for me.
I appreciate the e-book ARC to read and review from NetGalley and Inkubator Books.
August 20, 2021
Completely illogical plot strained my patience
It was obvious from the beginning the bad guys had no reason to hurt the main characters. Their only motivation was money. These ex-convicts gave their victims so much information about themselves (not to mention fingerprints and dna) they would have easily been caught by the police whether they stole the money or hurt the daughter. Why didn't Amanda send the police to her home when she had a cell & was locked in the train bathroom? The entire plot defied logic. How does this rubbish get published and get positive reviews? I'm just happy I didn't actually pay for it.
It was obvious from the beginning the bad guys had no reason to hurt the main characters. Their only motivation was money. These ex-convicts gave their victims so much information about themselves (not to mention fingerprints and dna) they would have easily been caught by the police whether they stole the money or hurt the daughter. Why didn't Amanda send the police to her home when she had a cell & was locked in the train bathroom? The entire plot defied logic. How does this rubbish get published and get positive reviews? I'm just happy I didn't actually pay for it.
April 28, 2022
Terrific
I’m just going to say that this book is wonderful. So well written and the story kept my attention throughout. I don’t give many 5 stars except for books that make me emotional. This didn’t make me cry. It merits the 5 star on the story. The twists! I was always wondering what would come next. I enjoyed it so much!
I’m just going to say that this book is wonderful. So well written and the story kept my attention throughout. I don’t give many 5 stars except for books that make me emotional. This didn’t make me cry. It merits the 5 star on the story. The twists! I was always wondering what would come next. I enjoyed it so much!
January 19, 2024
”all i have ever tried to do is get what i want, but i never did it to the detriment of another human being. unfortunately, not everybody has that same control.”
this one was hard to put down!
it’s well-written, keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a lot of twists and turns.
and amanda is such a badass!!
great book 🫶🏼
this one was hard to put down!
it’s well-written, keeps you on the edge of your seat and has a lot of twists and turns.
and amanda is such a badass!!
great book 🫶🏼
May 7, 2022
I was not a huge fan of a Girl on the Train but I enjoyed this ride very much.
A fast pace thriller.
A fast pace thriller.
March 29, 2021
Okay, I started this booking thinking that I already knew exactly what was happening and that there were some logic issues.
Yeah…I was wrong about most of it.
I only had the barest clue how this all was going to go down and why. Before I knew it, I was enjoying a rather dangerous duel of wits and deviousness from some unexpected characters. And our single mom? Oh…she’s got some unexpected depths here. Not everything is as it seems.
A surprising and entertaining book. While I still didn’t buy into every little thing, I enjoyed our story and our characters very much.
Would read the author again.
*ARC provided via Net Galley
Yeah…I was wrong about most of it.
I only had the barest clue how this all was going to go down and why. Before I knew it, I was enjoying a rather dangerous duel of wits and deviousness from some unexpected characters. And our single mom? Oh…she’s got some unexpected depths here. Not everything is as it seems.
A surprising and entertaining book. While I still didn’t buy into every little thing, I enjoyed our story and our characters very much.
Would read the author again.
*ARC provided via Net Galley
March 31, 2021
Fast paced and exciting , this book had me flying through the pages.
Amanda encounters a stranger on her commute home from London to Brighton however this stranger seems to know much more than she could have ever began to imagine. Meanwhile her 17 year old daughter Louise is at home, refusing to go to college , refusing to work and the relationship between them in strained.
The stranger encourages Amanda to take us back in her past to why he is sat on her table this particular day, delves into Amanda’s past and leaves us with a shocking ending.
Another page Turner from daniel hurst.
Amanda encounters a stranger on her commute home from London to Brighton however this stranger seems to know much more than she could have ever began to imagine. Meanwhile her 17 year old daughter Louise is at home, refusing to go to college , refusing to work and the relationship between them in strained.
The stranger encourages Amanda to take us back in her past to why he is sat on her table this particular day, delves into Amanda’s past and leaves us with a shocking ending.
Another page Turner from daniel hurst.
February 20, 2025
What a ride!!! I really enjoyed this book. The suspense was perfect with a few good twists and turns. The ending was satisfactory. If you are in the mood for a quick mystery, then don’t miss out on this one.
Enjoy 🍷
Enjoy 🍷
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