The Christmas train by David Baldacci

"The Christmas train" by David Baldacci. 

This book is published by Pan in 2004 and has 272 pages.

Tom, an investigative journalist is taking a train from east coast to west coast of America, because he is barred from air travel. He is going to meet his girlfriend for Christmas. Coincidently his ex is also on the same train. A couple is going to get married on that very train. There is a thief on the train. 

Will the old flame rekindle? Who is the thief? What will happen on the train? What surprises are in store?

The train has a number of peculiar characters. The attendant, An overweight lady who has no family but travels on train, a retired padre, a movie director, his assistant, Tom's ex, a lady palm reader, an employee laid off by railroad who travels on trains at his own expense etc. Tom's current girl friend joins too, complicating the situation further. The characterization is good. Each has it's own aspects. 

This is a Christmas novel, so it is bound to be one with happy ending. Thus it's not the destination but the journey that you enjoy. Just like a train ride.

Despite this, the novel is not bland. There is a thief on the train that accounts for mystery. Presence of Tom's current and ex girlfriends account for drama, the snow avalanche and storm account for thrill. However, one thing that is not enough in this novel is emotions. Some more would have been welcome. 

There is a twist at the end of the novel. But it's a pleasant twist and it increases the height of the novel by a few notches. This twist as well as the entire novel concentrates on the good side of people. It's Christmas and all bad feelings are left behind to welcome the happiness. 

Author should be credited for writing a story that does not fall in his regular genre. He displays his dexterity and demonstrates that he can excel in this genre too. Story is fluid and crisp. It's not a big novel so readers like it. You get a good feeling after reading it.

Why did I read this book? Author and Title. 

What I didn't like?  Was the effort of Tom and Elenor unnecessary?

What did I like? Story, journey. 

A good book. Recommend reading.