A featured title at Day of Dialog's Editors' Picks panel, this debut thriller has a decided Rear Window feel, but the window in question belongs to the commuter train Rachel takes to London. From the train she always sees a couple peacefully breakfasting on their roof deck, a real stab in the heart after the breakup of her marriage. Then the woman of the house disappears. DreamWorks has acquired the film rights.

Every day, Rachel takes the same London commuter train and passes the same suburban scenery, yet one house catches her eye—mainly because of the married couple she glimpses living there. This leads Rachel to conjure up an entire dream life for this husband and wife, even naming them and giving them make-believe careers. Rachel's life has been spiraling downward, and her fantasy about this couple gives her a little joy. But all is not what it seems and Rachel is soon embroiled in a murderous thriller. Each chapter is narrated by either Rachel or Anna, who's married to Rachel's ex-husband, or, Megan, the woman Rachel sees from the train, but, unfortunately, by using this format, debut author Hawkins confuses the reader. With only a brief look into backstory, undeveloped characters offer no reason or motivation for their actions, and none of them is likable. VERDICT This disappointing psychological thriller is being touted as the next Gone Girl and has already been purchased for film adaptation. So while it may not be the best, it will be popular. For fans of Sophie Hannah or S.J. Watson. [See Prepub Alert, 7/21/14.]—Marianne Fitzgerald, Severna Park H.S., MD