The Passengers


You’re riding in your self-driving car when suddenly the doors lock, the route changes and you have lost all control. Then, a mysterious voice tells you, “You are going to die.” Just as self-driving cars become the trusted, safer norm, eight people find themselves in this terrifying situation, including a faded TV star, a pregnant young woman, an abused wife fleeing her husband, an undocumented immigrant, a husband and wife, and a suicidal man. From cameras hidden in their cars, their panic is broadcast to millions of people around the world. But the public will show their true colors when they are asked, "Which of these people should we save?...And who should we kill first?"


A Rollercoaster of Suspense and Moral Dilemmas

Introduction: Enter the world of self-driving cars and gripping psychological suspense with "The Passengers" by John Marrs. In this riveting thriller, Marrs invites readers on a high-speed ride filled with twists, turns, and moral dilemmas that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. As the characters grapple with life-and-death decisions, readers are plunged into a world where technology, morality, and human nature collide in unexpected ways.

Exploring the Story: Set in a not-so-distant future where self-driving cars are the norm, "The Passengers" introduces readers to eight individuals from diverse backgrounds who find themselves trapped in their vehicles with no control over their fate. As their cars are hijacked and manipulated by an unknown entity, panic ensues as they receive a chilling message: "You are going to die." From faded TV stars to abused wives and undocumented immigrants, each passenger faces their own demons as they grapple with the terrifying reality of their situation.

As the world watches in horror, the passengers' plight is broadcast live, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about morality, ethics, and the value of human life. With cameras hidden in their cars, the passengers' every move is scrutinized by millions, turning their desperate struggle for survival into a twisted form of entertainment.

Amidst the chaos, the narrative unfolds through a series of gripping twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Marrs masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, ratcheting up the tension with each passing chapter. From shocking revelations to heart-stopping moments of suspense, "The Passengers" is a pulse-pounding thriller that will leave you breathless.

Themes and Lessons: At its core, "The Passengers" explores themes of technology, morality, and the human condition. Through the lens of self-driving cars and ethical dilemmas, Marrs raises thought-provoking questions about the role of technology in our lives and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. As the characters grapple with impossible choices and moral ambiguity, readers are forced to confront their own beliefs and values, challenging them to reconsider the nature of right and wrong in an increasingly complex world.

Moreover, "The Passengers" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of our actions. As society grapples with the ethical implications of new technologies, Marrs reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and human connection in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, "The Passengers" by John Marrs is a gripping thriller that combines heart-stopping suspense with thought-provoking moral dilemmas. With its fast-paced narrative, compelling characters, and timely themes, the novel offers readers a thrilling ride that will linger in their minds long after the final page. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or thought-provoking science fiction, "The Passengers" is a must-read that will leave you questioning the true cost of progress in a world driven by technology. So buckle up and prepare for a wild ride—you won't be able to put this book down.

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What Lies Between Us Kindle Edition by John Marrs (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition Keep It in the Family Kindle Edition by John Marrs (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition The One Hardcover – February 20, 2018 by John Marrs (Author)
 
John Marrs

John Marrs, Bestselling author of thriller books including #TheOne & #TheMarriageAct From


From Journalist to Bestselling Author

Enter the electrifying universe of John Marrs, where gripping thrillers and captivating narratives converge to keep readers on the edge of their seats. From his early days as a renowned journalist to his meteoric rise as a bestselling author, Marrs has masterfully woven tales of suspense and intrigue that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Before delving into the realm of fiction, Marrs spent 25 years as a distinguished journalist, interviewing celebrities from the realms of television, film, and music for esteemed national newspapers and magazines. His unparalleled experience provided him with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of human nature, which he skillfully translates into his compelling storytelling.

In 2013, Marrs made his debut as a novelist with "The Wronged Sons," marking the beginning of an extraordinary literary journey. This was followed by "Welcome To Wherever You Are" in 2015, showcasing Marrs' talent for crafting riveting narratives that resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

However, it was in 2017 that Marrs truly made his mark with the release of "The One." This gripping psychological thriller soared to the top of bestseller lists, becoming a worldwide phenomenon and paving the way for Marrs' ascent to literary stardom. Adapted into a No.1 Netflix series and translated into 35 languages, "The One" captivated audiences with its tantalizing premise and heart-pounding suspense.

Marrs continued to captivate readers with a string of bestselling novels, including "The Good Samaritan," "Her Last Move," and "The Passengers," each one showcasing his unparalleled skill for crafting twisty plots and unforgettable characters. His ability to blend psychological depth with pulse-pounding action has earned him acclaim from readers and critics alike.

In 2020, Marrs reached new heights of success with "What Lies Between Us," a gripping thriller that won the International Thriller Writers award for Best Paperback Original Novel. Optioned by Renée Zellweger's production company, this bestselling novel solidified Marrs' reputation as a master of suspense and intrigue.

Continuing to push the boundaries of the genre, Marrs released "The Marriage Act" in 2023, followed by "The Stranger In Her House" in February 2024, which has already been optioned by a TV production company. With each new release, Marrs captivates readers with his skillful plotting, intricate character development, and unrelenting tension.

Beyond his impressive roster of thrillers, Marrs has also ventured into speculative fiction with novels like "The Family Experiment," set to be released in May 2024. His diverse range of storytelling abilities showcases his versatility as an author and his dedication to keeping readers enthralled.

As Marrs continues to captivate audiences with his gripping tales of suspense, his journey from journalist to bestselling author serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere. With each new novel, he invites readers to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of literature, John Marrs stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation, proving that the power of storytelling knows no bounds. As readers eagerly await his next gripping tale, Marrs remains at the forefront of the literary world, crafting stories that leave an indelible mark on the imagination.


Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2023
This was my second Marrs book & I loved it! Looking back at The One, I'm not sure why I gave it 4 stars because I remember being blown away by it. Now that it's about to be made into a Netflix series, I may just have to revisit it.

There are a few mentions of The One in The Passengers & it's been long enough since I read The One that I can't be sure if they would necessarily spoil anything if you read The Passengers first, but I don't think you have to have read The One to understand or enjoy The Passengers.

As is usual for me, I had the audiobook as well as the kindle edition of this book. Both were nicely done. The audiobook had multiple readers & sound effects, which always makes it more of an experience for me & makes the books really come alive. I really enjoyed it. As with other UK authors I read, I notice that there are always subtle differences between the audiobook & the US addition of the book, which always makes me wonder why. Nothing major.

So this book had me hooked from page 1. Marrs really makes all of the characters come alive. They are written well and are believable. Just when you think you know what is happening, Marrs throws out another curveball that you didn't see coming. I found myself trying to decide who I would want to live right along with everyone else & it was really an impossible choice! Loved the concept & really makes you think!
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2020
In a world where self-drive cars take the hassle out of getting from A to B, eight people go for a drive one morning. A hacker has set them on a collision course. Only one will survive. It’s up to the public to decide which one.

“‘I have programmed your car to take you on an alternative route this morning. And in two hours and thirty minutes, it it likely that you will be dead.’”

Scheduled to meet their maker in the near future are:

Passenger 1: A married young woman who is 7 months pregnant. She’s a teaching assistant who is driving to her husband’s workplace this morning.

Passenger 2: An unemployed and homeless young man who is suicidal.

Passenger 3: An elderly actress who is on her way to a hospital to visit teenage cancer patients. Even if you decide you don’t like her, then surely you wouldn’t kill her dog who is travelling in the car with her, would you?

Passenger 4: A mother of two and a police officer.

Passenger 5: The husband of Passenger 4. He runs a refurbishment and construction company. He and his wife are travelling in separate cars.

Passenger 6: A stay at home mother of five who is trying to escape from an abusive husband.

Passenger 7: A disabled war veteran who’s on their way to the hospital.

Passenger 8: An asylum seeker.

It’s kind of like the trolley problem, if it was on steroids.

Who would you save?

How do you determine which life is the most valuable when you don’t know the whole story?

That is the task Libby, a mental health nurse with PTSD, has before her today.

“‘For every one of your actions today, there will be a reaction.’”

This entire book is like watching a car crash unfold. Literally. And because I’m apparently all about realism, I read some of this book while I was sitting in my car. It was not moving at the time.

Like all John Marrs novels I’ve read so far, I loved the concept and quickly made my way through the chapters. Unlike previous novels I didn’t become emotionally involved in the story. I think it was because I didn’t get to spend much time getting to know each passenger.

While I understand it was integral to the story that the people who are deciding the fates of the eight unfortunates don’t know much about them, I never felt an urgent need for a specific passenger to survive so I wasn’t as caught up in the drama as I’d hoped.

You don’t need to have read The One to enjoy The Passengers but they’re set in the same world. There are several mentions of Match Your DNA in this book, which won’t mean a lot to you if you haven’t read The One.

“‘What’s not to love about a bit of anarchy?’”

Content warnings are included on my blog.

Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024

Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023

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Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024

Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024

Ruby
5.0 out of 5 stars Stays in Your Head
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2024

Ali from the Hunted Shelves
5.0 out of 5 stars FANS OF (The One) by John Marrs.... YOU NEED TO READ THIS AFTER READING THE ONE.
Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2020
OK OK ATTENTION FOR ALL FANS OF (The One) by the amazing John Marrs.... YOU NEED TO READ THIS AFTER READING THE ONE. I would not say it’s a sequel to THE ONE, however it takes a place in the same universe that has a pinch of SI-FI it’s not in your face kind of SI-FI but rather done in a believable and tasteful way.
This is my forth read by John Marrs and has always delivered. That been said this is one of my favourite books of his and trust me it’s so hard to come to this conclusion because all his books so far are stunning.
As always the pace of a John Marrs novel has never been slow and this one is just the same. As Matter of fact the story kept escalating ( see what I did there😉) and this is something I appreciate in a Marrs story that will keep you hocked and never get slow at any point.
The reason why this is one of my favourite books of his, is the metaphor of the cars and how terrifying to know that you have no control over your fate. In addition to that there are some amazing heavy subjects in this novel such as mental health, depression, suicide, society’s gaze on women, Government corruption, systematic racism, classism, technology and the power of social media. The last one is one of the most important one and made me think and reflect a lot since it’s so relevant to the time we live in where Social media opinions unfortunately matters and could bring a figure from very high to very low in a hashtag. The disgusting monster called cancel culture where people want to jump into conclusions with so little information and join a movement just because it’s trendy. I could go on and own about how amazing this book it is but as you can tell I love the writing the editing and specially the format with the social Media posts they just look very well done. PICK IT UP IF YOU HAVE READ ALL THE WAY TO THIS POINT.
Sophia
5.0 out of 5 stars Relevant topic - amazingly written
Reviewed in Germany on April 1, 2021

Krishnan Nair
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun sci-fi read with interesting characters
Reviewed in India on January 1, 2021

Bron J
5.0 out of 5 stars A thought provoking ride.
Reviewed in Australia on February 1, 2024

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