Hints of Mystery

Overview:

Benjamin Stevenson blends suspense, sharp humor, and a classic whodunit vibe in Everyone on This Train is a Suspect. Set aboard the iconic Ghan train traversing the Australian Outback, this mystery brings together a cast of quirky characters and a locked-room premise that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Packed with twists, secrets, and a dash of dark comedy, this novel is an ode to traditional murder mysteries with a fresh, modern twist.

Plot Summary:

Ernest Cunningham, a true-crime author and podcaster, boards the Ghan train for what he hopes will be a peaceful journey across the rugged Australian Outback. However, when a fellow passenger is discovered murdered in their private cabin, tranquility is derailed.

Stranded in the middle of nowhere due to a sudden storm, the passengers and crew realize there’s no escape—and no way for authorities to intervene. With everyone on board now a suspect, Ernest is reluctantly thrust into the role of amateur detective.

As he unravels secrets about the victim and his fellow passengers, Ernest discovers that almost everyone has a motive for murder. From hidden scandals to personal vendettas, the layers of deceit run deep. But with a killer still on the loose and tensions escalating, Ernest must solve the case before the train reaches its destination—or before the murderer strikes again.

Themes:

1. Isolation and Claustrophobia: The confined setting of the train amplifies the tension, forcing characters into close quarters as paranoia spreads.

2. Secrets and Deception: The novel explores how hidden pasts and buried motives can erupt into violence when circumstances align.

3. The Fallibility of Truth: Stevenson highlights how perspectives and biases can cloud the truth, making it harder to uncover what really happened.

Characters:

• Ernest Cunningham: A witty, reluctant sleuth with a knack for picking apart motives. Ernest’s comedic edge adds levity to the otherwise tense narrative.

• The Victim: A mysterious passenger whose shady background becomes the center of the investigation.

• The Suspects: A diverse and colorful ensemble of passengers, each with their own quirks and hidden motives, ranging from the seemingly innocent to the suspiciously evasive.

• The Crew: The train staff, whose loyalty and knowledge of the train add both clues and complications to the mystery.

Writing Style:

Benjamin Stevenson’s writing is engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that balances suspense and humor. The confined, luxurious setting of the Ghan is vividly described, immersing readers in its atmosphere while highlighting the isolation of the Outback.

Stevenson excels at crafting dynamic characters, weaving their backstories into the plot without losing momentum. His use of sharp dialogue and clever red herrings ensures the mystery keeps readers guessing until the final pages.

Personal Reflection:

Everyone on This Train is a Suspect is an incredibly fun and satisfying read. The combination of Ernest’s dry humor and the escalating tension among the passengers creates a perfect balance of lightheartedness and suspense. The locked-room premise, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, feels fresh thanks to Stevenson’s modern twists and unpredictable revelations.

The intricate plotting and gradual unspooling of secrets make for a compelling read. Stevenson keeps readers on their toes, crafting a mystery that feels both timeless and uniquely his own.

Final Thoughts:

With its clever premise, engaging characters, and masterful pacing, Everyone on This Train is a Suspect is a must-read for mystery fans. Whether you’re a fan of classic whodunits or looking for a modern take on the genre, this novel delivers on every level. Benjamin Stevenson proves once again that he’s a writer to watch.