This book was very overwritten and it was too much tell rather than show
It was also very predictable.
A big disappointment

Beauty and the Beast, Strangers on a Train, Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Snow White…and more

I love Amanda Craig’s easy-to-read-but with layer upon layer of resonance novels.

As she often does in her books, other books, myths, stories, literary and collective unconscious tropes are shimmering around to be found, nudging the reader’s memory.

She never feels though as if she is showing off ‘cleverness’ or as if she can’t be enjoyed unless you are a reader who can get the allusions. Craig is a natural story-teller and this can certainly be read as a kind of psychological thriller – just like those two du Maurier titles I referenced. Her books though, are also as much ‘State of the Nation’ as they are about the individual psychology and lives of her characters. An added delight for her reading fans, though, is the merry-go-round of characters who appear in her earlier novels. Her books aren’t a ‘series’ though, it is just that a character who might have been central in one novel will be a passing-through background person in this – she delights in some odd and memorable names. Here, I recognised the reappearance of Ivo Sponge (who wouldn’t) the Evenlodes, a brief mention of Gore Tore and, even more fleetingly, the central character of my still favourite Craig, In a Dark Wood’s Benedick.

The powerful beginning of this novel connects two very different women, ‘Strangers on a Train’ (Patricia Highsmith, later Hitchcock film) style. Glittering, beautiful, sophisticated Jinni and exhausted, downtrodden, impoverished Hannah. Colliding by chance on a train journey down to Cornwall. They are united by rage against their cheating, violent husbands, and that acknowledged echo-from-film-and-book, the planning of untraceable, unconnected murders begins.

Obviously, just as in Highsmith and the Hitchcock film, this is not only suspenseful, but also delves into darkness, twisted psychology, moral dilemmas a plenty and not everything is quite as it will seem.

The satisfying darkness and inner meaning of those powerful fairy stories from childhood, are also given modern and realistic settings

As with other Craig novels, the dispossessed and powerless in society are understood, and their plights tenderly revealed. This book exists in the still-bitter fallout from that 2016 referendum, and the contempt with which Metropolitan Remainers still may feel for those communities who voted Leave is explored – with more understanding for those who were voting Leave than is often found.

Although at times with this novel I felt that perhaps TOO much was being wrapped into this story, and thought I was probably going to come down to a four star rating, things never work out that way for me with Craig, and reflecting on her books always seems to end up taking me to 5 star

I really enjoyed The Golden Rule, and I was intrigued as to how it was going to link to Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train AND Beauty and the Beast. Well, the first of those was obvious. Hannah, whilst travelling to Cornwall to see her terminally ill mother, is convinced by a woman in First Class to sit with her and drink a bottle of wine. Whilst drinking, they swap stories of their terrible husbands (and Hannah’s husband really does come across as an abusive and thoroughly unpleasant person), and Hannah’s fellow traveller, Jinni, comes up with the idea that they should kill each other’s husbands. Two problems would be solved. Now this is the part of the book that made me pick it up in the first place. After all - how intriguing is this idea? Could Hannah trust that a complete stranger would stick to her side of the bargain? And what’s more, Hannah seems so nice - could she kill a complete stranger? Well. That was ME hooked!

This is a novel that not only looks at abusive partners and the effects their behaviours have on those around them, but also brings in such topics as Brexit, and why certain regions in the UK (i.e. Cornwall) voted for it, when it was clear that they’d get nothing out of it. It looks at poverty in London and the South West, and how the rich seem to asset strip the poor areas of the country even more, even under the pretence that they’re adding value. It’s about how a person can reinvent themselves despite the hurdles put in front of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and finished the last page feeling as though I’d just read a really good, satisfying book. I’d most definitely recommend it!

A superb book that I loved early on, I loved the intrigue and just had to keep reading. So pleased to have been able to read this book and will definitely be recommending it. A real page turner.

This month marks the centenary of Patricia Highsmith's birth so I recently rewatched Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train'. I also read Amanda Craig's most recent novel “The Golden Rule” as its plot is a modern interpretation of this classic Highsmith story. However, instead of two men meeting by chance, Craig's novel begins with two women from different social classes meeting on a train to Cornwall. Hannah is a single mother who is struggling to pay the rent in London and travelling back to her childhood home as her mother is dying of cancer. Here she encounters Jinni who invites Hannah to join her in the first class carriage and instantly wins her over with her glamorous demeanour and sympathetic story about her horrid husband who has left bruises on her arm. After a few glasses of wine and having a long intimate chat about their estranged abusive husbands they hatch a plan to dispose of each other's wicked spouses. It's a simple plan, but murder is never simple or easy.

As with Highsmith's story, Craig atmospherically builds the tension and complications of actually executing a plan like this but she also says something larger about class and economic divisions in England. Hannah is an enterprising, clever woman who has been dragged down by a bad marriage and the responsibility of having a child while she's young. Endearingly, she's also a devout bookworm who has always clung to novels for inspiration, guidance and solace. But any reading time or career prospects are smothered by the drudgery of the cleaning jobs she must take in order to feed her family as her estranged husband continuously fails to provide the required financial support. I felt for her struggle but also her indignation at how people with money fail to understand how truly desperate someone without any money can become. She's an extremely sympathetic character and I grew to really care about her as she discovers things are much more complicated than they seem when she journeys to find Jinni's husband.

Another inspiration for this novel was the French fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. Imagery and themes are enjoyably worked throughout the plot. However, an issue with having such direct influences is that certain aspects of the story become exaggerated in a way that detracts from the overall impact. Craig is a smart, well-read novelist who has meaningful things to say about today's society and marginalized groups in modern-day England, but sometimes the flourishes used to nod towards classic stories and larger concepts become intrusively theatrical. Despite these occasional distractions, there are many intriguing arguments and ideas incorporated into this story. I especially enjoyed debates which are had about the nature of storytelling between novel reader Hannah and gaming programmer Stan. Overall, this is a wonderfully engaging book full of intriguing suspense that moving depicts the tangled dynamics of current sexual and social politics.

The Golden Rule by Amanda Craig starts off promising to be a murder mystery. However, it turns out to be an unexpected but enjoyable account of a struggling single mum, Hannah. The book is set in rural Cornwall and Hannah has returned to her birthplace to attend her mother’s funeral. Her experiences, actions and feelings are very well expressed by the author and I found myself sympathising with her troubles. There are many references to social inequalities and lots of comparing those who have to those who have not. While this is relevant to the lives of the characters, I believe it’s overdone and Hannah at times comes across as resentful and envious. Nevertheless, I recommend it.

My thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown for a digital copy of the book.

The golden rule is centred around Hannah who is a soon to be divorced single mother. She has left her abusive husband who is father trying to use finances to continue the abuse. So when her mother dies she takes a train from London to Cornwall and on the train meets a lady called Jenni and they hatch a plan to murder each others abusive husbands, the question is can Hannah do it once she finally meets Coed.

One thing I found really interesting about this book as it actively says the things that most of us might think but not say. It's quite harrowing being a part of Hannahs journey as she is still so frile from her abusive husband and holds so much resentment and hate towards men because of it. There are also alot of stereotypes in the book which after a while started to annoy me hence why its 4 stars not 5.

There are many issues that are explored domestic violence is key. The stereotypes around women being the only ones who are affected by it yet this book manages to break down some of those barriers its interesting ro she how this affects Hannah's day to day life and how she views herself.
It always looks at family and in particular mothers and daughters. I found it really nice who the book captures the idea of small towns knowing everyone and most people being related. It was great to see the dynamic between Hannah and Maisey but also Stan and Maisey aswell.
It tackles being judgemental. How there are always three sides to every story and how we are more likely to believe the story of the first account we hear. It always smashes how looks can be deceiving and judging someone based on their appearance isn't how we get to really know and understand someone.

The book talks alot about books vs video games. You can tell by reading it how passionate the author is about reading. Its described in such a romanticised way that even I found myself wondering if you can get the same experience from a video game as we may get from books.

The general plot is interesting. Could you kill a stranger? As the storyline started to shape out I made a guess at where it was going then thought myself ridiculous for thinking that so just stopped trying to guess , turns out I was correct. I suppose the main storyline is about murder and choices, I loved all the other parts aswell. The description of Cornish landmarks esp the sea are described in such a way I felt I was there. There are a lot of characters but not overwhelmingly so, so I got on quite well knowing who was who.
I recommend the golden rule falling under the mystery/thrilled genre. The character developments are really good and it does get quite intense. I wish there was more as the ending was a bit of a cliff hanger but I do understand why the author did that. The author has used inspiration from beauty and the beast and strangers on a train. 4 stars and I can't wait for the next novel by Amanda Craig

Thank you to the publishers, Amanda Craig and netgalley for an advanced copy of the golden rule in exchange for my fair and honest opinion I loved this book.

Inner-city and rural poverty, domestic abuse, single parents, harassment in the workplace, dementia, Down's Syndrome, Brexit... The list goes on.

I've read two of Amanda Craig's books before - both a long time ago, and both still on my bookshelves. I liked them very much, but for some reason have never read any others till now. (There are so many books in the world.)

I didn't know anything about The Golden Rule when I started, and that's probably the best way. Many reviewers - and Amanda herself, in her afterword - have noted how the story draws on both Strangers on a Train and Beauty and the Beast. It really does have the feel of a modern fairytale, and if you have to suspend disbelief at times, that's fine in a fairytale.

At its core is the harm people can do to each other - often, though not always, men to women. Hannah at the beginning, having married young and become a mother to Maisy, is the definition of trapped. The love her husband Jake once felt for her has turned to open loathing and contempt - he verbally and physically assaults her and after leaving to be with his lover, uses money (of which he has plenty and she none) as a weapon. He's about as hateful, and as hate-full, as it's possible to imagine, and I wanted nothing more than to see him get his comeuppance. Craig writes brilliantly about the reality of poverty and the inability of those who've never experienced it to see or conceive of it. (One character - a relative of the privileged Jake - when asked what the minimum wage is, thinks it's £80,000 a year.)

Nevertheless, as trapped as Hannah is and as little reason as she has to think well of men (her previous experience as a graduate trainee in an advertising agency is a catalogue of vile sexism, alarmingly based on the author's own experiences), it's hard to swallow that she accepts the "strangers on a train" pact to kill each other's husbands. But you just have to go with it. Hannah's travelling home to Cornwall by train to see her dying mother when she meets Jinni, and the two women share their experiences of abusive marriages. But of course, not all is as it seems, and Hannah's experiences in Cornwall - and a house called Endpoint - will turn many things around. (The writing about Cornwall, where I've never been, is marvellous.)

Reading and the love of books is another major theme, recognised here as the addiction it is for some of us. "When she found a book she liked, she sank into it as if into another world. Voices, music, pneumatic drills all became inaudible; she was the kind of child who would go off in break times not to play or talk but to read." (Relatable.) I also loved: "In her imagination she was a sister to Elizabeth Bennet, Dorothea Brooke and Jane Eyre, and this is only a small step to falling in love with the most arrogant man who happens to be around."

There's also, however, some interesting and thought-provoking stuff about video gaming as an art form.

There are some great lines here. Jake and his friends are described as being born with silver spoons "not so much in their mouths as up their noses." Hannah's life is described thus: "Ever since Maisy had been born, Hannah had felt herself become two people: the good mother who organised everything, and the woman silently screaming and raking her nails down the walls." And the line: "'You can do this,' she said, and kissed him, because she thought he was about to die" is pure fairytale.

A sweeping, satisfying read with a powerful message.

I've always loved Amanda Craig's novels and this was no different. An excellent mixture of Strangers on a Train x Rebecca x Beauty and the Beast, set in Cornwall, this was the perfect read to take me away from the chaos of working from home during a lockdown during the 2nd wave of Covid hitting the UK.

When Hannah meets Jinni on a train to Cornwall, they both seem to be the answer to the issues in their lives - abusive, fickle, unsupporting husbands. But nothing is quite as it seems and as Hannah gets further into her mission, she starts to realise how much of her life her husband has controlled and how much she could take back.

Shining a light on the full spectrum of domestic violence - physical, mental, coercive control and the impact on day to life as well as the impact of being a single mother, I really recommend this novel.

The Golden Rule follows Hannah down to Cornwall for the summer as she clears out her mum's house. Her ex husband makes her life in London as awkward as he an for her, and she's looking forward to a summer away from that. In scenes similar to 'A Stranger on a Train' she meets Eve on the train, and I'm sure you can guess the deal that they come to. I really enjoyed this book, despite a slow start. I'm glad I persevered as once it picked up it was really worth reading and a lovely read.

Having not read anything by this author before I was interested to see what the hype was about given her previous books having such good reviews.

Unfortunately I was disappointed. The story did not have much substance and was alot of waffle and politics which didnt hold my attention. The plot was also unbelievable and predictable. Disappointing introduction to Amanda Craig.

Thanks to Netgalley, The Book Club and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Dramatic, though-provoking with lots of twists, hitting on many topical issues. Hannah is in the middle of a horrible divorce and her ex is not treating her well. On train home, she meets a captivating woman who suggests they kill each others ex's. Inebriated, it sounds like a good idea, except Hannah doesn't think she can go through with it. But is it too late to change her mind and nothing is what it seems.
The book touches on many topical issues - the suffering of divorce, domestic abuse, alcoholism, class, gaming and even Brexit. It keeps you second guessing the plot and at the same time making you fall in love with beautiful Cornwall, Lovely descriptions with interesting, multi-leveled characters made this an interesting read

This book was proper clever.

Part romance, part thriller it made me think and had a edge of suspense that set it apart from others in this genre.
Beautiful scenery, great plot.

Hannah's in the middle of a messy divorce from her abusive husband after finding out he's been having an affair. Barely able to afford to keep her daughter and herself fed, Hannah then receives the devastating news that her mother is dying and she needs to come now if she wants to say goodbye. Hannah has to scrimp together train fare from London to Cornwall and leave her daughter with a neighbour when her ex lets her down last minute.

On the train she meets Jinni. The two get talking and Hannah learns that Jinni is divorcing an abusive husband who is refusing to help her make ends meet - just like her! The two both agree that they have often thought how much easier it would have been to be widowed than to get divorced. Then Jinni points out that they are strangers on a train with nothing to connect them - they could kill each others husband and never be found guilty as there is nothing connecting them. Hannah is covered in fresh bruises from her ex and agrees.

However, when Hannah meets Jinni's husband, he is not what she expected. He tells the story of his marriage very differently.

Who will Hannah believe, what will she do? What will Jinni do if Hannah doesn't stick to her side of their bargain.

I struggled at first with this book, but on reflection I think that was more about what I had going on personally when I started reading. As time went on and I was able to really sink into the story, I found myself unable to look away from the unfolding disaster on the page.

I understand that other books by the author all connect albeit really remotely and as I enjoyed the writing style (although some of the scenic description was a bit overboard for my taste), and I will be adding some of her other works to my ever growing TBR list. You can feel the authors passion for what she has written so strongly that even if the story had been half as good, it would be easy to get swept along.

I have been left eager to book a holiday in Cornwall.

WHAT. A. BOOK.

I went into this book thinking it would be a heart-racing thriller and to be honest, it wasn't that. But I was glad of it. The story develops at just the rate pace to keep me gripped but not to make me to scared to read it before bed.

I was so invested in Hannah's story and the plot had just the right amount twists without being unrealistic that just made it perfect.

PICK THIS UP!

I loved this novel. It is entertaining and has a gripping plot while also examining important issues such as domestic abuse, poverty, racism and social class.

Set between London and Cornwall, Amanda Craig does justice to both locations with her evocative descriptions. Hannah is a mother in the process of divorcing her husband Jake. She has fallen into poverty and is working as a cleaner, far from her original ambitions as a young graduate. Her mother dies and this leads to Hannah spending time in Cornwall, in the working class town where she grew up among a large extended family. The contrast of the poor working class and the wealthy second home owners of Cornwall is an important part of the backdrop. Hannah's love for her daughter Maisy and her struggles to be a good mum are something I think many mothers will relate to.

As if that wasn't enough, there is a thrilling double murder plot and a kidnapping that turn this novel from a relaxing read into an exciting page turner! (No spoilers here.) And then, appealing to those of us who yearn for a happy ending, there is a also a romantic love story.

I was lucky to win a copy of this ebook in THE Book Club.

My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Golden Rule’ by Amanda Craig in exchange for an honest review.

I was completely hooked from its opening page and as soon as it was available obtained its audiobook edition, narrated by Lucy Price-Lewis, to combine listening with reading the rest of the eARC.

How to summarise this brilliant novel? I can only attempt it though will try to avoid spoilers. In its opening chapter we are introduced to twenty-nine year old Hannah, who is going through an acrimonious divorce. Although she had given up her career in advertising to raise their daughter, her husband,Jake, is resentful of providing even basic rent and child support. He is also cruel and takes every opportunity to undermine her. In order to make ends meet Hannah is working as a cleaner and is at a very low point.

When on a crowded train from London to Cornwall to visit her dying mother, Hannah is grateful when Jinni, who is travelling First Class, offers her a spare ticket. They bond during the journey; sharing details of their abusive husbands and difficult divorces. Jinni quips “my divorce is taking forever. I wish he were dead. So much simpler to be a widow.” Hannah admits that she often feels the same about Jake. Then Jinni says why don’t they do it, suggesting that they swap places and kill each other’s husband. The idea is if there is no connection between them, then neither will be considered suspects.

Before she knows it, Hannah has agreed to kill Jinni’s husband, Con. Jinni says that once Hannah does it, she will then kill Jake. Dark!

I started this novel with very little information about its plot. I have read and enjoyed a number of Amanda Craig’s novels and this theme of a murder pact, inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s classic ‘Strangers on a Train’, completely surprised me. As a huge fan of crime fiction I was intrigued.

The murder agreement is just the opening of this intelligent, multi-layered novel that combines aspects of a mystery/psychological thriller with topical social commentary, and a delicate infusion of myth and folklore: all blended seamlessly.

On this final aspect, in her Afterword Craig cites Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Cupid and Psyche as inspirations.

In addition, Hannah is an avid reader and authors and books feature prominently in her conversations and inner musings. There is also her daughter, Maisy, who is just discovering the wonders of reading. She also features prominently in the novel.

I feel that for many reasons ‘The Golden Rule’ is an outstanding work of fiction. It is literary yet accessible; providing a great deal of food for thought as well as being entertaining. There is humour and romance, some genuinely frightening scenes, and yes, delicious twists.

Amanda Craig’s writings combine social issues and colourful characters as well as well realised settings of town and country. They have often been compared to Charles Dickens’ novels; though in many ways I feel that ‘The Golden Rule’ is probably more comparable to Jane Austen’s comedies of manners. This might seem an odd remark given it being also about murder but aside from the references within the novel to Austen’s works, it does contain similar themes linked to class and status.

I do feel that this novel would be an excellent choice for reading groups as it offers plenty of material for discussion alongside a highly engaging story. I certainly will be recommending it to my own group as it’s a novel that I would happily reread.

Highly recommended.

Loved this, even more than Craig's last book, The Lie of the Land. Clever concept, well executed. Initially, it all felt a bit implausible, but Craig won me over with her strong characters and delicious prose. She is an interesting and important writer on the socio-economic divides in modern Britain. I defy anyone not to want to visit Cornwall after reading this, even if you might feel conflicted doing so....

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
When Hannah's marriage breaks down and her husband leaves her for the mysterious Eve she struggles with no career to support herself and daughter Maisie.
Jake her husband has money but does little to support either of them and has become violent and abusive.
After a long illness Hannah has to go back to her family home to visit her dying mother one last time.
The train journey from London to Cornwall is horrendous having standing room only until she sees a lady in first class and asks Hannah to join her.
The meeting with Jinni both got them talking about their husband's and how abusive they both are, they both agree to kill each others spouse but when it comes down to it Hannah has second thoughts.
Little did she know who Jinni really is.