Scan barcode
A review by emma6544
Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, mainly due to the inconsistency of the plot structure.
However, this book is definitely a step up. The plot follows a linear structure and it follows classical conventions (closed circle, isolated mystery set on a train). But Ernest pokes fun at these classical conventions.
I also really liked the use of the book festival as an event on a train which then allowed Benjamin to poke fun at different specialisms within Crime fiction (legal, psychological and forensic thrillers) and this commentary was humorous.
The only negative thing for me, personally, was that I still found Ernest’s first person narration and breaking of the forth wall annoying at times but this was significantly less than the previous book Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone.
However, this book is definitely a step up. The plot follows a linear structure and it follows classical conventions (closed circle, isolated mystery set on a train). But Ernest pokes fun at these classical conventions.
I also really liked the use of the book festival as an event on a train which then allowed Benjamin to poke fun at different specialisms within Crime fiction (legal, psychological and forensic thrillers) and this commentary was humorous.
The only negative thing for me, personally, was that I still found Ernest’s first person narration and breaking of the forth wall annoying at times but this was significantly less than the previous book Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Drug use, Rape, and Sexual assault