Murder On The Christmas Express | Alexandra Benedict
Murder On The Christmas Express was not at all what I was expecting.
I’d anticipated a chirpy, light-hearted story – and those aspects are present, with the inclusion of a quiz and recipe. However, actually what I got was much, much darker. There were some weighty themes, making it all the more captivating and unnerving as a result.
The story is fast-paced and yet somehow measured, with short, gripping chapters that compel attention. Murder On The Christmas Express is one of those stories that doesn’t let you set it aside.
I loved the style of writing. It has such evocative imagery, creating vivid pictures in the reader’s mind’s eye. There’s also an authority underpinning the style that creates a fantastic authenticity and enthralls the reader.
Christie-esque, yet with entirely modern themes
Alexandra Benedict shines a laser-like beam into the gap between who we really are and the persona presented to the world. Murder On The Christmas Express feels as if every stratum of society is present amongst the characters.
There’s certainly a Christie-esque atmosphere with the train setting and the enforced character interactions. However Alexandra Benedict is entirely modern with her inclusion of social media, abuse, influencers, PTSD, and a whole plethora of elements that feel completely authentic. I think it’s worth saying that some elements might act as sensitive triggers for some readers, because the writing is so effective.
I loved the way the murderer is simply referred to as ‘the killer’. This meant I suspected every single person on the train. I enjoyed the story all the more in trying to discover the culprit.
A fast-paced thriller with insightful depth
There’s a really clever balance in the narrative as Alexandra Benedict teases the reader, keeping them in limbo between potential life, as Roz’s awaits the birth of her grandchild, and probable death, as the killer bides their time in grasping the right moment for murder.
Much as Murder On The Christmas Express is a fast paced thriller, it is equally a mature and insightful exploration of humanity and society, including making the reader contemplate the morality of doing the wrong thing for the right reasons.
Therefore, in total contrast to my expectations of a quick, easy read, Murder On The Christmas Express was a multi-layered, deeply researched and effective narrative. It surprised and unsettled me. There’s an honest exploration of man’s inhumanity to man – and women – that I found highly affecting. It’s quite a book!
Murder On The Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict is published by Simon & Schuster, £14.99 HB
Enjoy a taster of Alexandra Benedict’s writing! The latest issue of My Weekly magazine includes her touching, intriguing short story entitled The Missing Snowglobe. Plus loads more uplifting content – it’s your feelgood read. Find My Weekly in newsagents and supermarkets, £1.75.
