The Main Character: A Novel BY Jaclyn Goldis

The Main Character offers a thrilling, luxurious ride reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s classic mysteries but with a modern twist. Reclusive thriller author Ginevra Ex is renowned for her unique method of writing: she interviews real people, then fictionalizes their lives into her bestselling novels. Her latest creation, Rory, is ecstatic when Ginevra surprises her with an opulent trip along Italy’s Mediterranean coast on the newly renovated Orient Express.

However, Rory’s excitement turns to bewilderment when she realizes that her brother, best friend, and ex-fiancé are also on board—all invited by Ginevra. As the train makes its way through picturesque stops, from Cinque Terre to Rome and Positano, Rory starts to suspect that Ginevra’s gesture isn’t as benevolent as it seems. The author has orchestrated an elaborate real-life plot, with Rory as the central figure, and every passenger hides their own secrets.

The journey quickly spirals into a high-stakes drama as the characters’ hidden agendas come to light. Rory begins to worry that this trip might end in the same way as one of Ginevra’s novels—with murder. In the glamorous yet confining compartments of the iconic train, Rory must navigate a web of deception and unravel the true reason behind Ginevra’s meticulously planned trip.

Perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Lucy Foley, and Paula Hawkins, The Main Character combines family drama with a locked-room mystery, delivering a suspenseful and captivating read akin to an Aperol spritz on a hot summer’s day.