By Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that quickly gained popularity after its release. The story is centered around three women—Rachel, Anna, and Megan—and is narrated from their alternating perspectives.

The protagonist, Rachel, is a troubled woman who takes the same train every day, peering into the lives of a couple she sees from the window. She becomes obsessed with this seemingly perfect couple, especially when the woman, Megan, suddenly goes missing. As Rachel becomes more involved in the investigation, her unreliable memory and drinking problem cast doubt on what is real and what is imagined. The plot is filled with twists and turns, making it an engaging and suspenseful read.

The novel’s strength lies in its complex, flawed characters, particularly Rachel, who is not a typical heroine. Her unreliability as a narrator adds an intriguing layer to the storytelling, keeping readers guessing. Paula Hawkins does a good job of building tension throughout the novel, making it difficult to put down.

However, some readers may find the pacing slow at times, and the characters’ actions frustrating, particularly Rachel’s self-destructive behaviour. Despite these minor drawbacks, The Girl on the Train is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of memory, trust, and obsession, making it a popular choice for fans of dark, character-driven suspense.