An interesting premise that did not deliver.

Maybe I’m too much an Agatha Christie fan, maybe the melodrama was cringey, maybe it was the abundance of unlikeable characters … this was a fail for me. And, dare I say, bored me?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Main Character is a twisty destination thriller from the author of The Chateau.

Ginevra Ex is one of the most famous authors in the world. mainly for her unique way of writing books. She interviews seemingly ordinary people and their family and friends and will fictionalize their lives for all to read about. Rory is Ginevra's latest muse and receives a trip of a lifetime aboard the newly revived Orient Express, all expenses paid by Ginevra. Aboard the luxury train, Rory is stunned to discover that her brother, best friend, and ex fiance have also been invited by Ginevra, but for what purpose? With the train traveling along the west coat of Italy, visiting charming Italian towns, decadent restaurants, and famous landmarks, Rory will need to revisit each chapter of her life in order to decode and decipher Ginevra's mysterious plans. Startling truths, unexpected discoveries, and the beauty of the Mediterranean will culminate in the biggest plot twist of the story, that perhaps Rory is not the main character of her life, but rather, a supporting character to the mysterious and deceptive Ginevra Ex.

Life works in mysterious ways. I had recently read a magazine discussing the newly renovated Venice-Simplon Orient Express and quickly added it to my bucket list. Only a day later, this book came up on my radar and I knew that I had to read it. The story itself does harken back to the stylish mysteries of Agatha Christie, and there are definitely references to Murder on the Orient Express, but it is definitely not a retelling.

Ginevra Ex with her intriguing name and murky motivations juxtaposed with the gorgeous locations made this a propulsive thriller full of twists and turns to match the winding cliffside towns that the Venice-Simplon wound its way around. The jewel box interior of the train coupled with the sketchy backgrounds of the characters, created tension between glitz, glamour, and guilt. The whole concept of the "main character" was incredibly relevant as there is a trend towards becoming the main character of one's life...whatever that means? In the story we learn of the incredible pain, heartbreak, betrayal, and sacrifice that affected the lives of the characters and what it ultimately means to be the main character of one's life--being able to tell your own story, to be in control of your life, and to ultimately decide how your story ends.

The Main Character will take readers on a grand journey from the Italian coast to 1980s Moscow and through the horrors of the past, the sorrows of the characters, right through to the final destination, where the characters will learn a shocking truth that is stranger than fiction.

I could not put this book down because it had me guessing right until the very end. I would love to see it become a film as it had a vintage cinematic feel.

Thank you to Atria books for my arc!

This was so good. It felt like an Agatha Christie novel set in this century minus Poirot and honestly I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s fast paced and I couldn’t stop reading

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books foe the opportunity to read The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis. A good homage to Agatha Christie.

I loved this twisty Agatha Christie/Meta mystery author story. What a fantastic idea and perfect titled story!

Ginevra Ex is a famous author. She is known for finding a real life person and casting them in her mystery stories. Recently she chose Rory, a disgraced newscaster who has left her long term boyfriend and is ready for a change.

Following completion of the novel, Ginevra surprises Rory with a lavish train ride through Italy.Even more surprising, Rory finds her brother, her best friend and her ex. What is Ginerva planning? Will life imitate art? Is Rory safe?

This truly unusual plot will keep you guessing ! I loved every minute of it and can't wait for another novel by Jaclyn Goldis. #JaclynGoldis #THEMaincharacter #netgalley #Atria #EmilyBestler