Book Review: The Survivor by Andrew Reid

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, nerve-wracking thriller that grabs you early and doesn’t let go, The Survivor by Andrew Reid is a strong pick.

The premise wastes no time throwing you into chaos: Ben Cross, already having the worst first day imaginable after being fired from his new job, boards a New York City train—only to have his situation spiral into something far more sinister. Anonymous texts from a killer turn his commute into a high-stakes game of control and survival. The rules are simple and terrifying: stay on the train, don’t turn off your phone, and follow instructions… or people will die.

What makes this story work so well is how quickly it builds tension and sustains it. The confined setting of the train adds a claustrophobic edge, while the real-time stakes keep the pacing tight and relentless. It’s the kind of book where “just one more chapter” turns into finishing half the novel in one sitting.

The characters are another standout. Ben is easy to root for, and as his past begins to unfold, the story gains an extra layer of intrigue. The fact that he wasn’t chosen at random adds depth to what could have been a straightforward thriller, pulling you further into the mystery behind who he really is—and why he’s being targeted.

Overall, this was much better than expected and a great introduction to Reid’s work. It’s engaging, suspenseful, and genuinely hard to put down—a true page-turner that delivers on both tension and story. Definitely won’t be the last book I read by him.