Starred review from May 17, 2021
This ingenious psychological thriller from British author Candlish (Those People) has more bends and turns than the Thames River, which plays a significant role in the action-driven plot. New mates Jamie Buckby, once a high-salaried marketing executive but now a low-paid barista, and Kit Roper, who works in insurance, are primarily traveling companions on the 7:20 a.m. ferry river bus from St. Mary’s into central London. One morning, during Christmas week and after an evening of holiday binge drinking, Kit doesn’t show up. Suspicion falls on Jamie when it seems as though he may have a motive for murder. Enter the women in the thickening scheme of things. Jamie lives unmarried in high style with moneyed real estate agent Clare; Kit lives with his assistant, Melia, and they struggle to make ends meet and envy Jamie and Clare their townhouse. Everyone seems to have something to hide, piling one lie on top of another. Dalliances form, alliances abound, and deception is rampant. Candlish’s clever commuter horror offers enough stupefying chills to reward old fans and invite new ones. Agent: Sheila Crowley, Curtis Brown (U.K.).
