Book Review- David Baldacci- The Christmas Train

David Baldacci- The Christmas Train (Warner Books 2004) 3 Stars

After an unruly airport moment, Tom Langdon has been banned from all American airlines for two years. Now he finds himself on a journey across America by train. He is supposed be meeting his girlfriend in time for Christmas, but he never anticipated all that he would encounter on his soul searching trip.

I thought that this novel was alright. I may have enjoyed it more if I was into romance type novels. The characters were very strong, and memorable; Baldacci’s writing skill shone through with every page. The plot was not deep, but it was not meant to be. It also had many twists and turns that drove the book forward. Everyone on board the train was searching for something. My main complaint was that I was getting bored, but that may be the thriller-enthusiast in me. It was a cutesy story, and I am not really into that. I also felt that it was a little, I don’t know, unlikely to happen the way that it did in too many places. That being said Baldacci is an amazing author and I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good romance, or enjoys Christmas-themed books.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Mary Higgins Clark- All Through the Night

Mary Higgins Clark- All Through the Night (Simon & Schuster 1998) 2.5 Stars

This was my first Mary Higgins Clark novel and I have to say that I was not overly impressed. I will be trying other novels by her in the future, but they had better be a more enjoyable mystery than this one. The cover said, ‘suspense story’, but it was not in the least bit suspenseful. A musician gives up her baby to pursue her career, leaving it on the church doorstep. At the same time a young kid is robbing the church and grabs the baby stroller by mistake. Seven years later the musician wants her baby back and is searching for her child and someone is trying to figure out how to prove that a will has been forged.
This book sounded so interesting, but I was greatly disappointed. Everything just fell into place a little bit too easily and the end was completely predictable. The plot was fairly good in theory, it just wasn’t executed all that well. The characters were believable, although not very much effort went into helping the reader get to know the characters, or to assist in connecting with them. I understand that it was meant to be a heartfelt Christmas mystery, but come on, make it have some suspense. Don’t false advertise! Sorry for the negative review, but I really was disappointed, it’s Mary Higgins Clark for crying out loud!
I do not recommend All Through the Night, not for anyone, unless you are looking for an airy novel with not a shred of thought needed.

For more of my reviews, check out my website. www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/KidsonaCase.html