Review copy was received from Library. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson Narrator: Barton Welch, Megan Smart
Series: Ernest Cunningham #2
Published by HarperAudio on January 30, 2024
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 8 hours, 27 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
When the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society invited me to their crime-writing festival aboard the Ghan, the famous train between Darwin and Adelaide, I was hoping for some inspiration for my second book. Fiction, this time: I needed a break from real people killing each other. Obviously, that didn’t pan out.
The program is a who’s who of crime writing royalty:
the debut writer (me!)
the forensic science writer
the blockbuster writer
the legal thriller writer
the literary writer
the psychological suspense writer
But when one of us is murdered, the remaining authors quickly turn into five detectives. Together, we should know how to solve a crime.
Of course, we should also know how to commit one.
How can you find a killer when all the suspects know how to get away with murder?
Everyone on This Train is a Suspect is a cleverly plotted, humorous mystery for fans of classic whodunits and meta-fiction. It is a fresh, self-aware take on the traditional locked-room mystery (although it should be noted that there are actually no locks on any of the rooms on the train), and delivers an engaging and unpredictable ride. Once upon a time, Ernest Cunningham was an accidental sleuth. Now he is a published author struggling with writer’s block; boarding a luxury trans-continental railway as a guest panelist at the 50th Anniversary of the Australian Mystery Writers’ Festival. Spoiler Alert #1: there is another murder. Spoiler Alert #2: Ern survives, or as he puts it:
“…Apologies in advance for the lack of suspense when I almost bite the dust in chapter 28.”
The first installment in The Ernest Cunningham Series introduced me to this type of Meta-Narrative. I have to say I loved it so much I raced to read Everyone on This Train is a Suspect as fast as I could. The novel skillfully blends classic mystery tropes (there are serious Murder on the Orient Express vibes with the setting) with a modern, self-referential twist. The narrator, Ernest Cunningham, directly addresses the reader, promising to be a reliable guide through the mystery, and again uses the prologue to essentially ‘spoil’ the main points of the novel. Benjamin Stevenson‘s writing is full of witty humor and wry commentary, particularly on the publishing industry, author egos, and the tropes of crime writing. The snarky dialogue and the narrator’s self-deprecating nature provide a lighthearted contrast to the seriousness of the murders themselves.
The humorous nature of the narration doesn’t detract from the fact that this is still a crime novel. The core mystery is well-structured and genuinely compelling; with an abundance of suspects, motives, and red herrings. I was truly surprised by the ending, although it seems obvious as the narrator helpfully walks through the outcome at the end of the book. I think that some of the events were slightly less realistic than the first book, but I got the feeling that the author was kicking the action up a notch, maybe for a potential movie adaptation?
There is a rather large cast of secondary characters, with very little crossover from the first book. Aside from Ern, his girlfriend Juliette, and the ‘handsome’ Uncle Andy, all of the supporting characters are new. But despite their newness, I felt they were well-developed and I could understand their choices and motivations. The cattiness and petty competition between the writers called to mind the drama found on reality TV shows, which seemed to fuel Ern’s insecurities and self-effacing observations.
There are many reasons to love Everyone on this Train is a Suspect, but at the heart of it, it is just plain fun. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good puzzle, witty writing, and a narrator who breaks the fourth wall. It is a delightful, fast-paced mystery that keeps you guessing until almost the very end (because the very end is when Ern helpfully explains how he told us exactly what was going to happen in the prologue).
Narration:
The best compliment I can give Barton Welch, is that I actually believed he was Ern as I listened to his performance. His delivery was perfect and exactly how I imagined Ern. I think this text was enhanced by being read aloud. I found his accent (Aussie) to be easy to follow, but give a listen to the sample to make sure it works for you. I wouldn’t want difficulty with the accent be what prevents someone from enjoying this book.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
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- 🎧 A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn @deannaraybourn.bsky.social #AngeleMasters @recordedbooks.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - July 3, 2026
- 🎧 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans #VirginiaEvans #FullCast #LoveAudiobooks@4saintjude - June 5, 2026
- 🎧 Everyone in This Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson #BenjaminStevenson #BartonWelch #HarperAudio #LoveAudiobooks@4saintjude - May 1, 2026
That does sound fun, I’m glad you liked it.
I am so curious to see how it ended!!