The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins

Voyeurism, infidelity and sociopathic behaviour are the hallmarks of the latest ‘must-read’ thriller, which keeps the reader guessing most of the way through as to who is the real villain. The story is told from the perspectives of three different women, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The primary voice is that of Rachel, a deeply troubled woman who is dubbed by the police “an unreliable witness” and so she proves to be. The red herrings are at times a little clumsy. Rachel’s continuing self-destructive behaviour is exasperating. None of the characters is really likeable, although the women do engender some sympathy. The action zips along and former journalist Hawkins’ crisp style is easy to read, but despite the victims finding way to fight back, the overt misogynistic violence that pervades the book leaves a nasty taste.