I really wanted to love this one. I absolutely love Agatha Christie retellings, and I was excited to read a Murder on the Orient Express retelling. But… it just fell so flat me for me. Genevrie was portrayed too much of a god, and the rest of the friend group had zero personality. There was too much and not enough going on at the same time. It also just felt too far fetched for why they were on the train, to the point that the plot felt useless. Such a bummer this was a miss!

I had a hard time getting through this book. I thought the premise was new and interesting, and I looked forward to seeing how the author would execute the story. I also liked the Italian setting and the nod to Agatha Christie and the Orient Express. All of these elements should have combined for an exciting and tense murder mystery, but I didn’t feel as though the book quite got there. I have been thinking about the story since finishing and the only word(s) that keep coming to mind is ‘bogged down’.

Thank you, Netgalley and Atria Books, for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A unique spin on an Agatha Christie inspired train, where motives are murky and plot twists abound!

I loved this story and the steady build up as the threads all start to tie together towards the end. I predicted a few of the early twists but not the final one which really brought the entire narrative together.

I enjoyed this one just as much as The Chateau! Goldis is now 2 for 2 with her suspense novels!

A rip-roaring good read, and I loved the homage to Agatha Christie and the opulence of The Orient Express. I enjoyed the mystery an and various twists and turns. My one criticism, is I’m not sure I buy the twist at the end, and it wrapped up a bit to cleanly for me, but having said that, this a great weekend read, and I’m happy to recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Main Character.

I've never read anything from this author before and the premise sounded so intriguing I was excited my request was approved.

Bestselling, reclusive author Ginevra Ex is famous for writing bestsellers based on real life people and their personal trials and tribulations.

Rory, a recently disgraced reporter, is Ex's new main character, and is delighted when the author offers a lavish trip on the newly renovated Orient Express (yes, borrowing from Agatha Christie so you know something murderous will be afoot).

When Rory discovers her older brother, BFF, and ex-bf has been invited along for the ride, Rory knows something is amiss, and it's up to her to figure out what that is.

I appreciate a slow burn narrative as much as the next person but I soon realized the story wasn't going the way I wanted to.

First, Rory is a boring, bland main character. I didn't understand why her ex wants her back so much.

Sure, none of the characters are likable, but you don't have to be likable for me to be interested in the story, but here's what bugged me; everyone has something to hide and the various POVs slowed the pacing.

Not everyone's POV was warranted and it bogged down the book, read like filler as each character monologued about their association with Rory, their memories and reminisces.

Since I read SOO (TOOO) many books in this genre, I guessed some of the twists, including the obvious; Ginevra had a connection with Rory.

Rory and Max's father's past serves as a huge backdrop to why the author has invited Rory and her closest friends and family on this disaster of a trip.

I got the feeling the author wanted to write a historical novel highlighting the horrors and atrocities Jews have endured throughout history but added in a 'mystery' to make it 'interesting.'

But to me made the story unnecessarily long; I would have preferred a historical novel featuring Rory's dad and Ex and her sister.

I still don't understand why Ex planned this elaborate ruse to get everyone on the train or did I miss that part?

Ex isn't a pleasant or likable character, either. She lacks confidence and self esteem despite her success, which I understand.

If you grew up without praise and respect from your family, you rarely have any for yourself.

Still, it was difficult to take Ex seriously as an author; she doesn't factor in the narrative often except mostly in flashbacks but she came off as arrogant, haughty, lacking street smarts despite everything she's been through.

The writing was good, but there was too much of everything; too much historical background, too many perspectives, the constant monologuing from each character became tedious and repetitive.

The story was not suspenseful or thrilling. It was basically just a couple of people with secrets and not communicating with one another.

I didn't mind the ending, despite some reviewers having expressed their dissatisfaction.

Sometimes, there are no happy endings and no one lives happily ever after.

This book was an atypical mystery and I liked the details and intricacies that made it unique! We've got a trip on The Orient Express as a nod to Agatha Christie, the beautiful setting of Italy that I'm partial to, and perspectives from 5 different characters. This is one of those books you won't want to put down---lots to uncover!

Plot: Famous author, Ginerva Ex, chooses a real life "main character" to be the inspiration for each of her books. When she chooses Rory Aronov, she doesn't just bring her story to life on the page, but intervenes in her real life in many unexpected ways. Not least of which is a once-in-a-lifetime trip through Italy on The Orient Express! The catch? Ginerva has also invited Rory's brother, Max, ex-fiancé, Nate, and best friend, Caroline, all without her knowledge. Rory is currently having issues with each of these surprise passengers, which makes for quite the interesting trip. Secrets start getting revealed as each character reads a manuscript of Ginerva's book about all of them and the line between fact & fiction becomes blurred quickly. When a passenger is murdered toward the end of the trip, everything they thought they knew is turned on its head.

I thought the fictional book about our characters, The Cabin on the Lake, could have played a bigger role in the plot. I was genuinely invested in the continuing mishaps to Rory and uncertainty about her relationships that loomed in the foreground of this story, but felt her character could have had more layers. I think it was an ambitious undertaking to try to give us the POV of so many characters---to me, their voices ran together and it was hard to distinguish their individualities through their storytelling. The Main Character has a little bit of everything---family drama, murder mystery, historical background, and more. The ending left a little to be desired, but I still enjoyed this read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Jaclyn Goldis for the ARC of The Main Character!

I would actually give it a 3.5 if I could because it was a fun and twisty ride on the orient express. I have never read the Agethie Christie and Im sure that’s a factor. The main character wasn’t super flushed out imo but I still enjoyed her journey. The problem is mostly that there was so many moving parts and a weird wrap up at the end. Thank you NetGalley for giving me this arc. I would recommend for anyone interested in a ride on the orient express.

THE MAIN CHARACTER, Jaclyn Goldis
Ginevra Ex has an unconventional writing approach when it comes to her mystery novels: she bases her main characters on real people that she selects and interviews. In her latest book, Rory, the main character, is working through her relationships with her friend (Caroline), brother (Max), ex- fiancé (Nate) and dad (Ansel). But this time, Ginevra’s reasons for selecting Rory are a little more personal than usual.
As a thank you for her time, Ginevra surprises Rory with a luxurious Italian journey on the Orient Express that weaves through picturesque stops (Cinque Terre to Rome to Positano). Rory is initially elated by the extravagant bonus but is swiftly disconcerted upon boarding the train, when she finds that Caro, Max and Nate are there too.
Told from the different perspectives of each character, the unfolding events reveal that Ginevra has orchestrated a real-life, twisty plot with Rory as the unwitting main character. As the journey goes on, and Ginevra's deceptions escalate, the story takes a dark turn as we soon realize that they all have secrets of their own… who is telling the truth?
The story is a fun and twisty mystery with an original plot, but the ending is disappointingly abrupt leaving issues unresolved.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!

A bestselling thriller author arranges a luxury train trip that is not what it appears to be in this electrifying modern homage to Agatha Christie from the author of the “tense and twisty” (Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author) The Chateau.

This was solid but nothing special. I don't hate that I read it but I don't know that I would actively recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Quite an accomplishment for the author, this book entwined elements of her own familial history, with her own very vivid imagination, resulting in a magical multidimensional novel that is complex, imaginative and fascinating..

I found the historical element (and this is where the main character contains historical similarities to her own father) and the plight of the Jews (and those believed to be Jews) in Russia during the scourge of Hitler's reign to be mesmerizing. I had never read about the role of Russia and the KGB agents during what can easily be argued the singularly most historically atrocious and unimaginably horrific time in modern history.

To the primary part of this novel, this multifaceted book reminds us of valuable lessons such as finding our own self-worth, and following what we feel to be true despite what others attempt to convince us of (regardless of how close we might be to that person).

I have seen some relatively critical reviews of this novel, but personally, I think it was a work of art - one the author should take pride in creating. I wouldn't define it as a mystery, rather I would categorize it as a work of literary fiction, despite endearing connections and homages paid to the great Agatha Christie, and numerous corpses, amazing twists, and some "close calls".

Took me a bit to get into the story, but I was glad I stuck with it, a valuable, thought-provoking novel.

I so wanted to love this book because of the blurb and description. I think it was well written and most people would probably enjoy it, but I thought it was a little to slow for my taste. There are alot of different POVs between the characters (and while normally I enjoy that) I couldn't keep track with this book, but I was determined to finish it and was even disappointed with the unsuspenseful ending.

This just wasn't the book for me but others may very well enjoy! 3/5 stars.

Rory goes for the ride of her life on the Orient Express through Italy à la Hercule Poirot. She glimpses all the sights and secrets those around her could be hiding. Especially those close to her. And throughout her trip, she soul-searches and finds there to be no coincidences.

The reason she is sent on this trek through different Italian locales is due to none other than famed author, Ginevra Ex. Even her name oozes drama and promises this to be the story of a lifetime. Her approach to storytelling is unconventional and intriguing to say the least. She intentionally selects real people to be her fictional main characters to star in each of her works. But her reasons for selecting Rory are a little more personal than usual. As you read, you’ll discover why and get a look into several different perspectives: Rory herself, Caroline, Rory’s best friend, Max, her brother, and Nate, her ex-fiancé.

I mostly enjoyed this book and was readily allured by its premise, but there were a couple loose ends left behind. Some including never finding out why Rory lost her job as a news anchor, and mostly towards the end in regards to the twist, which was powerful yet not fully believable.

Sometimes to seek beauty, however, we must look deeper into ourselves and coax our insecurities out of hiding in order to address them and this book genuinely speaks to that. It also speaks to what it means to heartbreakingly lose time.

It is sad, devastating, and original through and through and reminds that we can’t be someone else’s main character our whole lives, but own the integrity and truths of our own stories. Really, take control of our specific narratives and rewrite and edit them in the ways we see fit. And along the way, hopefully enjoy life more than survive it when we can because it passes by in the flash of an eye.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!

2.5 Stars

I received an advanced copy of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley.

Ginevra Ex, the enigmatic and reclusive author renowned for her unconventional approach to writing, has taken her craft to a new level. Crafting her latest bestseller, she recruits real people, conducts intricate interviews, and then transforms their stories into captivating fiction. For her protagonist Rory, Ginevra goes above and beyond, gifting her an opulent journey along Italy's Mediterranean coast aboard the legendary Orient Express.

Rory is initially elated by the extravagant bonus but is swiftly disconcerted upon boarding the train. To her surprise, she discovers her brother, best friend, and even her ex-fiancé among the passengers, all personally invited by Ginevra, all harboring secrets of their own.

As the train weaves through picturesque stops like Cinque Terre, Rome, and Positano, the unfolding events reveal that Ginevra has orchestrated a real-life, twisty plot with Rory as the unwitting main character. The journey takes a dark turn as Ginevra's deceptions escalate, and the lies and intrigues of Rory's fellow travelers accumulate. The looming fear sets in—will the trip end in a manner befitting one of Ginevra's novels, perhaps with a murder or two?

Amidst the luxurious compartments of the iconic train, Rory is thrust into a web of deception. Her task: to unravel the shocking motives behind Ginevra's grand scheme and determine the potentially deadly conclusion awaiting them all.

This book, despite its Agatha Christie undertones, fell short of delivering the suspense and intrigue that makes Christie's works timeless. The narrative failed to captivate me, and it wasn't until the final moments that the story gained momentum but that momentum was confusing and abrupt. Unfortunately, the bulk of the plot was rather lackluster.

One significant drawback was the cast of characters, a collection of thoroughly unlikable and uninteresting individuals. Each character seemed to share the same monotonous "voice," lacking the distinctiveness that would have added depth to the narrative. The main character, in particular, lacked the energy and complexity expected of a protagonist. She came across as basic and uninspiring, making it challenging to invest in the unfolding drama and her at all. The frequent shifts in point of view added to the confusion, as the characters failed to possess distinctive personalities.

The conclusion was disappointingly abrupt, leaving numerous loose ends and unresolved issues. The overall reading experience left much to be desired, especially in comparison to the anticipation built by the premise and setting reminiscent of Agatha Christie's signature style.

I appreciate a slow burn, but this book was like trying to start a fire with broken matches and wet logs in the middle of a windstorm. There were sparks of exciting ideas, but each was quickly snuffed out with repetitive dialogue and tedious descriptions. The entire narrative circled endlessly on a path to nowhere. Then, the ending was an explosive clash of events that ultimately felt rushed and unresolved.

📚Slow and unsuspenseful
📚 Too many character POVs - none of which positively impacted the story. A single narrator would have served the plot line better.
📚Unresolved ending that didn't address plot holes
📚Irrelevant storylines - whole chunks of the book could have been deleted

Aside from the setting of The Orient Express, it's confusing that this book is being compared to Agatha Christie in a positive way. Unfortunately, The Main Character was a miss. Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for providing an ARC.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book, with my honest review below*

The Main Character had a very clever premise and I was so glad when it delivered on it ten fold. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about their past, from Rory and Max to Caroline and Ginevra, as well as somewhat more minor characters.

This book calls back to Agatha Christie in many ways and I was dying to get the full picture of why the reclusive Ginevra, our author, had brought Rory and those close to her on the orient express (past the initial reason it seemed a little odd, given her subsequent interactions with the group).

Ultimately this unfolded as a supremely satisfying mystery. My only quibble is that after all the tension and all the mysteries, I wish more time had been spent with the final conflicts and closure! This left me wanting more, in the best way. Well worth reading and well worth getting excited for!

All aboard the Orient Express as four people reconnect in severely dramatic ways, eventually ending in murder in this ode to Agatha Christie. This took me a while to get through, and I can't say why because I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Although this features the classic train, this doesn't exactly read like a Christie story, so just beware before diving in. I wouldn't exactly classify this as anything but a dramatic mystery. If you are looking for murder and suspense on every page, this is not for you.

There was a lot of history here that I wasn't expecting but found myself fully invested in. It was eye-opening learning the true state of the Soviet Union and the horrendous treatment of a person simply because they were Jewish. There was also a love story woven through this in a twisty, yet sad way. This really focused on relationships with family, friends, and significant others and the pain that can bring. There was a lot of deceiving going on and the inner turmoil of each person involved. Overall, this was a well written, thought-provoking read, and I give it four well-deserved stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Atria Books, for this ARC.

This is a unique story that takes place on a luxurious train! Rory is gifted a trip by an author who has chosen her to be the inspiration for her next book. While Rory is excited about the trip, she is less excited to find out her best friend, brother and ex-boyfriend will be joining her! Rory has to figure out who she can trust! I thought this was a really fun book!

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! I found the premise of an author who writes by conducting extensive interviews with real people and then fictionalizing their stories to be very intriguing. The action of the novel is set in Italy, largely aboard the Orient Express. The “main character” Rory has just concluded three months of interviews with author Ginevra Ex, and this trip is a parting gift. But, Rory does not realize that the author has invited her brother, best friend, and ex-fiancé to join her—and she’s not happy with any of them at the moment, so there is a great deal of conflict ahead. The ode to Agatha Christie is well done, the characters are interesting, and the story is very engaging. There are more than a few great twists in the second half of the book. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Jaclyn Goldis for this ARC.
This nod to Agatha Christie sadly fell flat for me. The premise sounded good, but unfortunately I found the characters to be boring and unlikeable.
Had this not been given to me for an early review, I likely would have DNF’d at ~35%. I am glad I pushed to finish the book; however, as a traditional reader of this story I doubt I would have carried on the the end.
2 ⭐️

This book is no Agatha Christie and there is no real murder to solve. I thought the premise of this book was so intriguing but the actual storyline veers far from the premise. I didn’t think the characters were developed enough. So much so that when the chapters had alternating POVS I got confused about who was talking and had to flip back to the chapter title. This book is ok just not the story it’s marketed to be. A very slow burn and not a thriller at all. Also I wanted the setting to play more of a role in the story. For me, sadly it’s a miss.