I think one of the reasons for this book hitting me so hard when I read it is because of the current situation in the world with all the suicide bombers in the recent years. The thought that you are no longer safe that any time or anywhere a suicide bomber may be is a reality nowadays. And, this book really shows both sides to it. First, we have the ordinary citizens on the train with different reasons for being there, be it traveling for a job interview or a wedding, then among them is a man who for some reason has decided to become a martyr for a cause, and by taking as many lives with him as possible. And, at home, a little sister is checking her big brother's computer and finding something she never thought that she would find...

This book is heartbreaking and so chilling to read. The characters on the train are introduced in the beginning of the book one by one. And, by letting the reader get to know them, making the characters come alive and then turning the world upside down has Cath Staincliffe written a powerful book that from the beginning until the end is so gripping that I could hardly put it down. For me were the chapters with Saheel's little sister a very powerful inclusion in this book. Her side of the story, her point-of-view is just as tragic as the ones on the train. Saheel's action has such a big impact not only on the people on the train but also his own family. They will never be the same again.

It's terrifying how one person's actions can affect so many lives, and this book shows just how in an instant, all your hopes and dreams can be destroyed, but it also shows how people can after facing a terrible situation gathered together and not let evil triumph.

I want to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

I think one of the reasons for this book hitting me so hard when I read it is because of the current situation in the world with all the suicide bombers in the recent years. The thought that you are no longer safe that any time or anywhere a suicide bomber may be is a reality nowadays. And, this book really shows both sides to it. First, we have the ordinary citizens on the train with different reasons for being there, be it traveling for a job interview or a wedding, then among them is a man who for some reason has decided to become a martyr for a cause, and by taking as many lives with him as possible. And, at home, a little sister is checking her big brother's computer and finding something she never thought that she would find...

This book is heartbreaking and so chilling to read. The characters on the train are introduced in the beginning of the book one by one. And, by letting the reader get to know them, making the characters come alive and then turning the world upside down has Cath Staincliffe written a powerful book that from the beginning until the end is so gripping that I could hardly put it down. For me were the chapters with Saheel's little sister a very powerful inclusion in this book. Her side of the story, her point-of-view is just as tragic as the ones on the train. Saheel's action has such a big impact not only on the people on the train but also his own family. They will never be the same again.

It's terrifying how one person's actions can affect so many lives, and this book shows just how in an instant, all your hopes and dreams can be destroyed, but it also shows how people can after facing a terrible situation gathered together and not let evil triumph.

I want to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

A very touching book that captures the horror of a terrorist act and makes it feel real
( )

There are no words needed to describe and explain how I had felt whilst reading this amazingly profound book page by page and chapter by chapter. Five stars isn't nearly enough to rate this wonderful work of literature. I've had so many mixed feelings and mixed thoughts about what was going on within the book, about how all the fictional characters were immensely connected to each other by the tragedy that has befallen into their lives, and I honestly couldn't wait to learn more about each and everyone of them and even about the one who has caused the tragedy and has forever changed their lives. It was a truly profound read and comes highly recommendable to everyone who wishes to learn the true value of life. ( )

The 10.35 from Manchester to Euston is a busy train and all of humanity is on board. Jeff is shy young man travelling for a life-changing job interview, Holly is a young woman flush with the excitement of starting her career, Nick and Lisa are travelling to London for a wedding with their two young children in tow, Rhona is worried about her daughter, so is Caroline. Among the passengers in the coach is Saheel, clever student but recently radicalised, his behaviour arouses suspicion.

This should have been the sort of book that I dislike, sensationalist and overwrought, but it's not. Staincliffe writes the book in two sections, the build-up and the aftermath, and both are excellent in their different ways. The characters and their interactions are carefully drawn, yes some are cliches but others are not and the microcosm of British society that can be seen every day on a train is realised. Even Saheel's family is carefully considered, his precocious younger sister, his destroyed mother. I particularly liked the way that the book didn't necessarily end on a happy note, it was just about how life has to move forward after tragedy and that restraint was appreciated. ( )