Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect

Benjamin Stevenson's “Everyone on This Train is a Suspect” takes a clever, almost cheeky approach to the classic whodunit genre. Set against the backdrop of a writers' conference aboard the Ghan train, Stevenson crafts a narrative that's as self-aware as it is engaging.

Ernest Cunningham, our protagonist and a crime writer himself, finds himself amidst a bevy of fellow mystery writers when fiction turns to reality: a murder on the train. The concept is intriguing: authors who know all the tricks of the mystery trade now have to apply them in real life. It's a setup rife with potential for both humor and intrigue, and Stevenson delivers on that promise.

While the book's playful self-awareness often charms, it walks a fine line, at times bordering on cloying—a trait that some readers may find somewhat off-putting. Unlike its predecessor, “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone,” which balanced the plot with deeper dives into character dynamics, this novel strips back much of that to focus squarely on the mystery. The result is a story that moves swiftly, though it does take its time to gather momentum.

While the book may not be as twist-laden as some might hope, it doesn't detract significantly from the enjoyment. Stevenson's writing is sharp, and the plot, though streamlined, is still engaging. The book's strength lies in its ability to not take itself too seriously while still delivering a satisfying mystery.

I enjoyed the journey Stevenson took me on but found myself yearning for a touch more depth and a bit less whimsy. The book is a delightful read, but for the next installment, a return to the heart and complexity of the first would be welcome. A little less reliance on its meta-nature and more fleshed-out characters could make Stevenson's next book not just a good mystery, but a great one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for the advance copy.