The Girl on the Train

Long flights demand a really riveting read. The book I had started before a recent overseas trip was not quite capturing my attention, so at the airport on my return journey I bought a book I’d seen recently that looked as if it would do the trick.

The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller that keep me page-turning on the 14-hour flight. I really couldn’t put it down. Even the inflight movies that had captured my attention for the flight to Europe couldn’t compete with this fast-paced novel.

The book is the first from former journalist Paula Hawkins, and after hitting the top of the bestseller lists, being optioned by Dreamworks for a movie (can’t wait!) and sold all over the world, it’s sure to be followed by more.

Chapters alternate between the main characters, Rachel, Anna and Megan, and are not always in chronological sequence. But it’s easy enough to follow.  Rachel is the girl on the train, who sees something that she believes is important when Megan is reported missing. Anna is married to Rachel’s ex-husband, and lives in the same street as Megan. There are twists and turns and it’s not until the very end that we get an idea of how and why Megan has disappeared, and who is responsible. My allegiance and liking for these characters changed as the book went along; you might not like Rachel much from time to time, but her story will eventually fall into place.

I can’t say too much, so I’ll just say this: buy it. You won’t be sorry. A terrific read.

The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins, Transworld Books, 2015.