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

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

4.0

I have had this book on my radar for years, but I was hesitant to pick it up because I was not a fan of "Into the Water". However, I did find a copy of this book at a library book sale and decided I needed to give Paula Hawkins another chance, and boy am I happy that I did. 
"The Girl on the Train" follows Rachel, a woman who is struggling to cope with her tumultuous life. Every day she rides on a commuter train, and she passes the same homes and people. One day, her life is once again upended when she witnesses something concerning. Rachel quickly finds herself roped into a dangerous world that will force her to come to terms with her own dark reality. 
This was a perfect spooky season book. Rachel is a flawed character and a potentially unreliable narrator, but it makes her so relatable, and you cannot help but root for her. The setting of this story is also highly noteworthy. The story takes place in pretty much the same small neighborhood, but the descriptions are so vivid and as the reader, you are pulled into this incredibly atmospheric place. I really loved seeing the mystery come together, and I was left shocked by the end of all of the reveals. 
I am immensely glad that I gave Paula Hawkins another chance, and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future. 
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