The Last Train Home by Elle Cook

Book Review Nov 09, 2023

My review

4/5 stars

Given the vague nature of the book blurb on NetGalley, I knew to expect some drama in this book, but I was caught off guard by the serious nature of what happened in the plot.

I found myself drawn into the story almost immediately, and was charmed by both Tom and Abbie throughout the book. Their intersecting lives were fascinating to watch as they developed over the years, with realistic life events and plot twists as time marched on.

Given how much time the book covered, the pacing felt good throughout and the writing style kept me engaged, with the viewpoint constantly flitting between Tom and Abbie without a chance for either character to get too boring or over-written.

The reason I stopped short of 5 stars for this unexpected joy of a book is that the secondary characters felt a little overcooked. The changes required to get Tom and Abbie to their inevitable end meant that some other characters ended up being painted as cartoon villains whose character development felt signposted in neon lights from the start - none of which felt particularly realistic or well-handled.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, given that I came to expecting a rom-com of some sort.

*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book blurb

On the last train home you expect to find. . .

- Standing space only
- Drunk people singing
- The overpowering smell of McDonalds

You never expect to find love.

When Abbie and Tom cross paths traveling home after a night out, their eyes meet across a crowded carriage and their connection is unmistakable.

What they don't know is that moments later they will both be caught up in an event that will change them forever.

It is one that will bring them together. But it'll also tear them apart.

A lot can happen in seven seconds. A lot can happen in seven years.

Can they find their way back to each other?