Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Choo Choo Choose Your Own Adventure

There’s something inherently romantic about train travel, isn’t there? The gentle rocking of the cars, the ever-changing scenery rolling past your window, the knowledge that you’re tracing the same route as countless travelers before you. Of course, if you’re a mystery writer with a penchant for attracting trouble, that romance quickly derails into delicious danger. Such is the case in Benjamin Stevenson’s latest whodunit, “Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect”, which takes readers on a wildly entertaining journey through the Australian outback aboard the legendary Ghan railway.

Stevenson, coming off the runaway success of his debut “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone“, proves he’s no one-hit wonder with this clever follow-up. He retains his trademark meta approach and winking humor while delivering an even twistier mystery that will keep readers guessing until the final station. All aboard, mystery lovers – this is one train you won’t want to miss.

The Little Engine That Could (Commit Murder)

Our conductor on this madcap trip is once again Ernest Cunningham, the endearingly neurotic and rule-obsessed narrator who can’t seem to avoid stumbling into elaborate murder plots. Still reeling from the bloodbath that was his family reunion, Ernest has been invited to participate in the Australian Mystery Writers’ Festival taking place aboard the Ghan as it chugs its way from Darwin to Adelaide. He’s hoping the four-day journey will provide inspiration for his sophomore novel and a chance to rub elbows with some of crime fiction’s brightest stars.

The passenger manifest reads like a who’s who of the mystery world:

• Henry McTavish – the gruff Scottish sensation behind the bestselling Detective Morbund series
• SF Majors – queen of psychological suspense with a chip on her shoulder
• Lisa Fulton – legal thriller writer making her comeback after a 20-year hiatus
• Alan Royce – forensic thriller author with an inflated sense of his own expertise
• Wolfgang – pretentious literary darling slumming it with the genre crowd

Rounding out the suspects are an overzealous superfan, a shady publisher, and Ernest’s own literary agent. It’s a powder keg of egos, grudges and secrets just waiting to explode. And explode it does when one of the authors drops dead in the middle of a panel discussion.

As accusations start flying and hidden agendas come to light, Ernest finds himself playing detective once again. But how can he possibly solve the case when everyone on board knows exactly how to craft the perfect murder?

Murder on the Ghan Express

Stevenson wastes no time getting this locomotive rolling, opening with a bang (or rather, a dramatic collapse) that sets the tone for the chaos to come. From there, it’s full steam ahead as Ernest conducts his investigation, uncovering layer upon layer of delightfully devious twists.

The closed-circle setting of the train works brilliantly, ratcheting up the tension as the suspects grow increasingly paranoid. Stevenson makes excellent use of the Ghan’s unique features, from the tiny sleeping berths to the luxurious lounge car. He also weaves in fascinating tidbits about the real-life Ghan railway and the harsh beauty of the Australian outback.

The pacing never flags, with Stevenson expertly balancing quieter character moments against pulse-pounding action sequences (who knew you could have a high-stakes chase scene on top of a moving train?). And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, he pulls the rug out from under you with a jaw-dropping finale that ties everything together in spectacular fashion.

A Cast of Killer Characters

One of Stevenson’s greatest strengths is his gift for crafting memorable, larger-than-life personalities, and he’s outdone himself with this motley crew. Each suspect is deliciously awful in their own unique way, from Wolfgang’s pretentious posturing to Royce’s desperate need for validation. Even seemingly innocent characters reveal hidden depths as the story unfolds.

Ernest remains a charmingly flawed protagonist, his neuroses and self-doubt providing a grounding counterpoint to the outsized egos surrounding him. His relationship with girlfriend Juliette adds welcome emotional stakes to balance out the cerebral puzzle-solving.

But the real standout is Henry McTavish, the boozy Scottish crime legend who becomes the center of the mystery. Stevenson has great fun playing with the tropes of the hard-drinking, womanizing author, while gradually peeling back the layers to reveal the damaged soul beneath the bravado.

Meta Mayhem

As with his debut, Stevenson delights in breaking the fourth wall and playing with the conventions of the mystery genre. Ernest frequently addresses the reader directly, explaining the “rules” of detective fiction and pointing out when the story is adhering to or subverting classic tropes.

Some readers may find this approach too cutesy, but I found it utterly charming. Stevenson’s genuine love for the genre shines through, and his commentary adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fellow mystery buffs. Plus, it allows him to poke fun at some of the more ridiculous aspects of the publishing world.

The meta elements reach new heights in a hilarious sequence where the suspects take turns trying to solve the case using their specialized knowledge from their subgenres. It’s a brilliant sendup of the unrealistic “expert detective” trope while also serving as genuinely clever misdirection.

Mind the Gap (Between Reality and Fiction)

If I have one minor quibble with “Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect”, it’s that the sheer number of twists and revelations in the final act starts to strain credulity. The explanation for how everything fits together is undeniably clever, but it requires some Olympic-level suspension of disbelief.

Then again, Stevenson seems well aware of this, cheekily hanging a lampshade on it through Ernest’s narration. And really, when a book is this much fun, who cares about a little implausibility? Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Next Stop: Bestseller List

With “Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect”, Benjamin Stevenson cements his place as one of the most exciting new voices in crime fiction. This is a wildly entertaining romp that will delight mystery lovers while also appealing to a broader audience with its humor and meta commentary.

Stevenson’s prose crackles with wit and energy, his plotting is intricate yet satisfying, and his characters leap off the page. He deftly balances laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine tension and pathos, keeping readers off balance in the best possible way.

If you enjoyed Stevenson’s debut or other meta-leaning mysteries like Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne series, you’ll find plenty to love here. It also makes an excellent entry point for newcomers, with only minor references to the events of the previous book.

Clear your schedule and settle in for a first-class journey into the heart of darkness (and the Australian outback). Just be warned—you may never look at your fellow passengers the same way again.

All Aboard the Hype Train

“Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect” is an absolute blast from start to finish. Benjamin Stevenson has delivered a fiendishly clever puzzle box of a novel that will keep you guessing until the very last page. With its colorful cast of characters, breakneck pacing, and razor-sharp wit, this is destined to be one of the most talked-about mysteries of the year.

Don’t miss your chance to hop aboard this express train to murder and mayhem. Just remember to watch your back—on the Ghan, everyone’s a suspect.

Perfect for fans of:

• Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne series
• Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books
• Stuart Turton’s “The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle”

What’s Next?

Readers eager for more murder and mayhem from Benjamin Stevenson won’t have to wait long. The third book in the Ernest Cunningham series, “Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret“, is set to hit shelves in October 2024. Until then, why not check out Stevenson’s earlier standalone thrillers, “Greenlight” and “Either Side of Midnight”?

All aboard! The Stevenson express shows no signs of slowing down.