I’ve always loved trains. I don’t really know when it started. I enjoyed watching them when we’d visit my dad at work near a busy main line. I probably fell in love with riding them at age 8 when we visited South Dakota and rode the 1880 Train in the Black Hills. As an adult, excursion trains have been worked into most vacations. If a steam locomotive pulls them, that’s a plus. Fortunately, I found a partner who loves them, too. And, no kidding, we even got married on a train.
It’s probably no surprise that I enjoy books set on trains. While looking through our catalog for this article, I found some very intriguing new titles that I haven’t read yet. My TBR (to be read) list just got longer. I hope you find some great reads here, too. If you want more, search our catalog using the keywords “railroad travel.” You can use the filters to narrow to fiction or nonfiction and to an adult audience. Happy reading on the rails!
- The main character by Jaclyn Goldis. When reclusive, mysterious author Ginerva Ex takes her on a lavish trip on the newly renovated Orient Express, for helping craft her latest thriller, Rory discovers Ginerva has masterminded the ultimate real-life twisty plot with Rory as her main character, and as lies, deceptions and betrayals pile up, so do the bodies.
- The cautious traveller's guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks. A stunning historical fantasy novel set on a grand express train, about a group of passengers on a dangerous journey across a magical landscape.
- Everyone on this train is a suspect by Benjamin Stevenson. On a famous Australian train between Darwin and Adelaide for the Mystery Writers' Society, one of the attendees is murdered for real.
- Iona Iverson's rules for commuting by Clare Pooley. An eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common except their commute discovers that a chance encounter can blossom into much more. It turns out that talking to strangers can teach you about the world around you--and even more about yourself.
- Trains and lovers by Alexander McCall Smith. As they journey by rail from Edinburgh to London, four travelers pass the time by sharing tales of trains that have changed their lives. Here is Alexander McCall Smith at his most enchanting, exploring the nature of love–and trains–in a collection of romantic, intertwined stories.
- The Christmas train by David Baldacci. On a train ride to Los Angeles, cash-strapped journalist Tom Langdon encounters a ridiculous cast of characters, unexpected romance, and an avalanche that changes everyone's Christmas plans. Also available on DVD as a Hallmark movie.
Library tip of the month: If you happen to be a holiday movie watcher, including those by Hallmark, you’ll find them in the library catalog on DVD and available to stream on our Hoopla service. Call 360-906-5000 if you need assistance.
