The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Thriller/Suspense
Technical:
  • ID: 1208
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781784161767
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 28
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Rachel Watson is a woman haunted by her past, spending her days on the train, observing the lives of others. She becomes fixated on a seemingly perfect couple, Jess and Jason, until one day she witnesses something that shatters her illusion. As she becomes entangled in their lives, Rachel finds herself at the center of a mystery that blurs the lines between truth and deception. The novel explores themes of obsession, memory, and the unreliable nature of perception, all wrapped in a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. /n/n Praised by Stephen King for its suspense and compelling alcoholic narrator, 'The Girl on the Train' is a psychological thriller that delves into the darker aspects of human behavior and the consequences of our choices. The story's intense atmosphere and intricate plot twists make it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
The Baking Nutritionist · 2025-10-01
engaging 4.00

This book is a page-turner that will keep you up at night, making it hard to put down. It's a gripping read that captivates from start to finish.

The reviewer found this book to be incredibly engaging, describing it as a page-turner that is hard to put down. They mention staying up late to finish it, highlighting its compelling nature. The story's ability to captivate readers is praised, making it a must-read for those who enjoy thrilling narratives.

Quick quotes

    A gripping read from start to finish

    This book will have you turning pages long after you should be gone to sleep

    It's a must-read for those who enjoy thrilling narratives

Sammi Cox's Blog · Sammi Cox · 2019-03-11
compelling 4.00

The book is gripping and compelling but falls short due to some aspects that felt unnecessary. It's a strong read with a few flaws.

Sammi Cox found the book to be gripping and compelling, praising its ability to keep readers engaged. However, they felt that some elements were unnecessary and detracted from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, they acknowledged the book's strength in storytelling and its ability to hold attention. The reviewer appreciated the narrative but wished for a more streamlined plot.

Quick quotes

    This was definitely a gripping and compelling read

    It was filled, in my opinion, with wholly unnecessary elements

    The book has a strong narrative that holds attention

Lectito · Lectito · 2015-06-11
mixed 3.00

The reviewer found the book to be flawed with an unreliable narrator and unappealing character dynamics. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledge the book's popular appeal.

In this review, Lectito critiques 'The Girl on the Train' for its unreliable narrator and the unappealing dynamics between characters, particularly the jealous and petty conflicts. They find these elements to be problematic and detract from the overall reading experience. However, they recognize that the book has a wide appeal and understand why it has been so popular among readers. Lectito's review is balanced, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of the novel.

Quick quotes

    The thing is, it's totally possible to take all the elements I've thoroughly criticised here—unreliable narrator, jealous bitch fights

    The book has a wide appeal and understand why it has been so popular among readers

    These elements are problematic and detract from the overall reading experience

The Guardian · 2015-01-08
gripping 4.50

The book masterfully juggles multiple perspectives and timelines, building considerable suspense and empathy for its unusual central character. It's a gripping read that keeps you engaged until the very end.

The reviewer praises the author's skill in managing multiple viewpoints and timelines, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers hooked. They highlight the empathy evoked for the central character, making the story both compelling and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the intricate plot and the way it unfolds, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Hawkins juggles perspectives and timescales with great skill

    considerable suspense builds up along with empathy for an unusual central character

    The book is a gripping read that keeps you engaged until the very end

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