A review by quixie
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

When this first came out, I listened to it on audiobook. Normally, I’m not a fan of audiobooks but the narrators/voice actors did a fantastic job. I didn’t rank the book then, but probably would have given it 4 1/2 stars, if not more. Years later, and reading the physical book this time, I’m not as impressed. I still love the multiple POVs and the unreliable narrator, but I found the characters to not have their own tone, nor personalities to tell them apart. Also, I half-remembered who the villain was, so maybe the knowing made it less fun the second read. Overall, I still liked it, just didn’t blow me away.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings