Review of The Boy on the Train

[Michelle Menezes]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Boy on the Train" by Donald Collins.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Would you let a seven-year-old kid travel on a train by themselves? Most of us wouldn't, but that's what Lucia and Jorge did. The divorced couple lived one station apart, and every morning Lucia would help her son, Oliver, board the train and then go to work, while Jorge picked him up at the next station and walked him to school. One morning, however, the train doors opened, and Oliver was missing.

Five years later, Oliver still hasn't been found, and the case is handed over to Detectives Danski and Litchfield from the Cold Case Squad. They find a lead that could take them to him, but it also brings to light some shocking revelations. Now everyone's life who is associated with the case hangs in the balance. Will the detectives be able to reunite the boy safely with his family?

The Boy on the Train by Donald Steven Collins is a mystery thriller novel that had me hooked from the first page itself. The author took a simple plot and turned it into a complex and brilliant story. There were so many unexpected twists, and every single time I felt anxious, wondering what would come next. The clues and certain information provided allowed me to form my own theories, which is something I enjoy doing immensely while reading a mystery.

The answers behind Oliver's disappearance were discovered within the first quarter of the book. It disappointed me at first because I thought there wouldn't be any mystery left to solve, but I was mistaken. With each new development, the conflict increased and made the book even more interesting. The characters were well written, with backstories that helped me connect with them.

The author is a retired NYPD investigator and has a few other similar credentials, so his first-hand knowledge of the procedures made the story realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, especially the way the loose ends were tied up. The fate of some of the characters satisfied me, as I was worried that they wouldn't get what they deserved. I was a little skeptical about Oliver going back to someone who was neglectful towards him, but that part again was taken care of nicely.

The book does have a few negative points. There were multiple dialogs by various people in a single paragraph, so at times I couldn't understand who had made a particular statement when it wasn't mentioned clearly. I would also expect people to be scared and distressed when their life is in danger, but the characters did not exhibit any such emotions.

I also thought it weird that the detective who was previously working on the case did not think to contact the Technical Assistance Resource Unit to work on a videotape that revealed the culprit, since he clearly knew of its existence. With the introduction of every new cop, the detectives would go into a detailed explanation regarding Oliver's case, which became repetitive after a point. Simply mentioning that the information was provided would have sufficed.

I was willing to overlook the negative parts as the book was great, but I couldn't ignore the number of errors in it. The book could use another round of editing. I found myself getting distracted constantly due to this, and it affected my reading experience. Hence, I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. Since there is very little profanity and no sexual content, I recommend it to readers who are above 16 years of age who enjoy intense reads in the mystery thriller genre.

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The Boy on the Train
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[Romelyn Gutang]

It's very dangerous for a 7-year-old kid to travel alone on the train by himself. In any case, if something happens to the kid the train station is not to blame. At that age, the kid needs assistance from adults in order for them to familiarize the surroundings. It's just my opinion from the comment I'd love to read this book since I love mystery.

[Solomon Arthur 1]

the boy on the train, I like the little comment given by the reviewer. Even though I've not read it entirely, it is a wake-up call for today's parents and guardians where everybody is busy running up and down so much that even in a house with both parents, children are somehow abandoned. everybody thinks taking a little time to care for their kids is a time wasted to them and the other must do that. We must know that the day you bring a child into your life is the day you willingly shared your right and freedom with someone. and it shouldn't be convenient all the time. parenting is a sacrifice. A child of that age shouldn't be left alone on a train.

[Linus Izundu]

It's a voidable contract with a "7 years old child". Operators of the train seems to have acted with negligence if the child was allowed on board without investigation of the mission.
However, the review is factual as it enabled me grasp the glimpse of the book.

[Mtibza eM]

Wow, at the first read of the first paragraph, I thought this will be a horror, but to learn that it is more a crime thriller, fascinates. Could the boy be kidnapped by someone in the train? I think I will have to get this one. Thank you for the recommendation.

[Sima Mishra]

According to me there is a mistery in this story. In this story 7 years old child" parent shows negligence and Operators of the train seems to have acted with negligence if the child was allowed on board without investigation of the mission.
However, the review is factual as it enabled me grasp the glimpse of the book.

[Marelene Agudo]

The book was very interesting even from the title itself. I always thought there would be twisting in the story. Though the name of the person is hard to pronounce, nevertheless I like the story and the book itself. Keep up the good work author!

[Elthon jhan Neri]

It's very dangerous for a 7-year-old kid to travel alone on the train by himself. In any case, if something happens to the kid the train station is not to blame. At that age, the kid needs assistance from adults in order for them to familiarize the surroundings. It's just my opinion from the comment I'd love to read this book since I love mystery.

[Fareed Regal]

Thank you for a very well-written and balanced review. I am definitely curious to find out for myself all the details. Looking forward to reading this one.

[Chinaza Nnabuenyi]

The negative impact of divorce on children cannot be fully emphasized. Great review.

[omar yasser 1]

The book was so interesting actually but a 7 year old kid can’t travel alone thats the parents fault actually but hopefully the detectives will find him and get him back to his family

[Kanika Tandon]

My criteria of book selection, like many others, is the title of the book.I believe that titles should be self explanatory regarding the genre of the book. And this title 'The boy on the train' had me hooked as soon as I read it. I love to read mysteries and thrillers as they are my preferred genre. I would love get my hands on this book. I enjoyed your review. it was engaging and well written. I liked that you gave cursory information and nothing that would be spoiler.

[Goodness C N]

I do believe that books on specific topics and all are better appreciated by readers who have an interest in them. Regardless, you have a well-written review that gives the reader an insight into what to expect. Well done on an honest review.

[Ann Ogochukwu]

Regardless of it's shortcomings, this book had got quite an intriguing storyline, one that leaves the reader wondering...
Great review.

[Suzer6440 xyz]

Absolutely loved your review. I am thrilled to be placing this on my shelf for my next read. I’m disappointed in all the errors that were mentioned in the book. I’m happy to have that information ahead of time but hope it doesn’t deter me from diving into this story, your review makes it sound like it’s worth the read.