Review of Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect: A Novel by Benjamin Stevenson
When I first stumbled upon Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect, I couldn’t resist the magnetic pull of its premise. A murder mystery set on a train, featuring a group of quirky authors? Count me in! Benjamin Stevenson, known for his sharp wit and clever narratives, did not disappoint. Having already enjoyed his debut novel, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, I was eager to see what amusing chaos he would craft aboard The Ghan—the iconic train that journeys through Australia’s stunning landscape of the Outback.
The story revolves around Ernest Cunningham, a somewhat hapless yet endearing narrator who is attending a crime-writing festival but finds himself grappling with the dreaded “sophomore slump.” He’s a blend of charm and humor, navigating his way through a cast of talented yet deeply flawed fellow authors. As they embark on their literary adventure, the mood quickly shifts when one of their own is murdered. Suddenly, the train becomes a locked room, each author a potential suspect, and Ernest finds himself with not just a writing challenge but a deadly whodunit on his hands.
One of the standout elements of this novel is its playful homage to classic mystery tropes, particularly those mastered by Agatha Christie. Stevenson weaves a richly layered story that both respects and pokes fun at the genre. This self-referential quality adds an engaging layer, as Ernest contemplates the “rules” of writing a mystery while simultaneously employing them to solve one. His observations are not only clever but often hilarious—like when he quips about the competitive nature of authorship, embodied in the sniping banter that unfolds throughout their travels.
The pacing of the narrative kept me engaged, though some readers may find the initial chapters a bit slow. However, the richness of character development during this period is delightful. The tension builds naturally, culminating in a brilliantly orchestrated reveal that caught me completely off-guard—a feat I seldom experience. One cannot help but appreciate how Stevenson meticulously ties together plot threads, leaving the reader both satisfied and pleasantly surprised.
Among my favorite moments was a particular scene where the characters’ literary rivalries burst into absurdity, showcasing Stevenson’s ability to balance humor with suspense. As fellow reader Mae Clair noted in her review, the untangling of the plot at the end is “brilliantly done”—and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s a testament to Stevenson’s skill that he can set up red herrings with such finesse that even seasoned mystery readers like myself were left guessing until the final pages.
This novel appeals not just to fans of murder mysteries but also to those who enjoy a witty commentary on the writing and publishing industry. The humor, combined with a twisty plot, makes it an entertaining read, perfect for cozying up with on a rainy afternoon or during a long train journey (perhaps, like The Ghan!).
In conclusion, if you’re a lover of whodunits, clever banter, and literary references, I wholeheartedly recommend Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect. It’s a delightful ride full of surprises that leaves you pondering the motivations of not only its characters but also the nature of storytelling itself. Stevenson has certainly crafted a worthy follow-up that resonates with both readers and aspiring writers. I cannot wait for his next adventure this Christmas, and I hope many more readers join me on this captivating train journey!
You can find Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect: A Novel here >>