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3.23 AVERAGE
3.23 AVERAGE
This was good, but the pace was strange.
Something about it made it feel like it was moving a little slower than it needed, while also moving pretty quickly.
The strange double pace seems to be because so much of this takes place in the past and present at the same time.
Something about it made it feel like it was moving a little slower than it needed, while also moving pretty quickly.
The strange double pace seems to be because so much of this takes place in the past and present at the same time.
The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldie offers a gripping, high-stakes locked-room mystery that pulls readers into an opulent world of secrets, lies, and deception. Ginevra Ex, a reclusive bestselling author with a unique method for creating her characters, has invited her latest muse, Rory, on an extravagant trip along Italy's Mediterranean coast aboard the legendary Orient Express. What seems like a luxurious adventure soon takes a dark turn when Rory discovers that her brother, best friend, and ex-fiancé are all also on board, each hiding secrets of their own. The deeper Rory digs, the clearer it becomes that Ginevra is orchestrating a real-life thriller, and soon, Rory starts to fear that this trip might end in murder—just like one of Ginevra's books.
Goldie crafts a story that's both immersive and suspenseful, weaving in rich settings and a plot that keeps you on edge. The homage to Agatha Christie is clear, with its locked-room structure and an ensemble cast of characters whose hidden motivations and twisting relationships drive the tension. The Mediterranean coast and the luxurious train setting are vivid and atmospheric, adding to the intrigue.
However, there were a few elements that kept me from fully loving the book. The pacing felt slow at times, especially in the first half, and it took me a while to really get invested in the story. While the characters were meant to be complex and mysterious, I found them largely unlikeable and a bit flat, which made it difficult to connect with them emotionally. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat abrupt, leaving several plot points unresolved, which may frustrate some readers looking for closure.
Despite these issues, The Main Character delivers plenty of twists and tension, and Goldie’s writing keeps you engaged even when the pacing lags. It's a fun, suspenseful read for fans of psychological thrillers and Agatha Christie-inspired mysteries.
Goldie crafts a story that's both immersive and suspenseful, weaving in rich settings and a plot that keeps you on edge. The homage to Agatha Christie is clear, with its locked-room structure and an ensemble cast of characters whose hidden motivations and twisting relationships drive the tension. The Mediterranean coast and the luxurious train setting are vivid and atmospheric, adding to the intrigue.
However, there were a few elements that kept me from fully loving the book. The pacing felt slow at times, especially in the first half, and it took me a while to really get invested in the story. While the characters were meant to be complex and mysterious, I found them largely unlikeable and a bit flat, which made it difficult to connect with them emotionally. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat abrupt, leaving several plot points unresolved, which may frustrate some readers looking for closure.
Despite these issues, The Main Character delivers plenty of twists and tension, and Goldie’s writing keeps you engaged even when the pacing lags. It's a fun, suspenseful read for fans of psychological thrillers and Agatha Christie-inspired mysteries.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Main Character is not the mystery I anticipated, but it is an enjoyable read. The comparison to Agatha Christie isn't entirely accurate, but that's not a bad thing.
Thank you, Atria/Emily Bestler and Netgalley, for an advance copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thank you, Atria/Emily Bestler and Netgalley, for an advance copy in exchange for a fair review.
I decided to give this author a second chance and am glad I did. The Chateau was not for me, but I’ll always be interested in anything inspired by Agatha Christie that takes place on a train. I wasn’t a fan of the ending but enjoyed the storyline all the way through (listened to audio of both books).
I've learned to just stop reading books I do not enjoy. After 60 pages, the writing, characters, and dialogue were so incredibly plain and boring. Life is too short for a book like this.
yeesh
the sheer amount of exposition in this slog of a book was the real villain. what a let down of a book
the sheer amount of exposition in this slog of a book was the real villain. what a let down of a book
This could have been so much better! It feels like this wants to be two separate books, and it falls short on both of them in the end.
More than just a cool mystery on a train, there’s also mention of how awful it was being Jewish in Russia in the ‘50s, dementia, and other family issues.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes