• The Christmas Train

  • By: David Baldacci
  • Narrated by: Tim Matheson
  • Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (4,073 ratings)

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The Christmas Train  By  cover art

The Christmas Train

By: David Baldacci
Narrated by: Tim Matheson
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Publisher's summary

Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of a slight "misunderstanding" at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.

Equal parts hilarious, poignant, suspenseful, and thrilling, David Baldacci's The Christmas Train is a delightful journey filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and a story that shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.

©2002 Columbus Rose, LTD. (P)2002 Time Warner AudioBooks

What listeners say about The Christmas Train

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,047
  • 4 Stars
    1,106
  • 3 Stars
    595
  • 2 Stars
    201
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Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    2,120
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    844
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    354
  • 2 Stars
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Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1,767
  • 4 Stars
    888
  • 3 Stars
    524
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    112

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

On A Whim For Fun

I chose this selection because I was curious about how Tim Matheson would narrate. I knew I enjoyed David Baldacci even though this story was not his usual style. And I was not dissappointed.

I have never traveled on a train like this in my adult years, but I really want to now. My sense is that in today's society, this travel mode will dissappear just like families sitting around the radio after dinner time has. And as it was not quite a Miss Marple mystery, the tale was fun.

This is a pleasant diversion, which is one very big reason why I have a membership on this site. Sometimes I want serious, sometimes I want depth. Sometimes I just want pleasant and simple. This book reminds me of how to be a good friend and activities that would help us enjoy life together.

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166 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book

I read and listen to books avidly but seldom feel strongly enough about a book to write a review. This one is an exception. I love long distance trains and ride as often as possible. I have ridden the Capital Limited and Southwest Chief many times and I have "met" all the passengers in the book at one time or another. Only someone who rides long distance trains would know how realistic the descriptions and situations are. The Amtrak crews in the book are true to life. The back ground sounds in the Audible book are realistic. They must have been taped at the actual stations and on board the trains. If you have ridden the long distant trains this book should bring back some memories, if not, it may inspire you to take a trip just for the experience.

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154 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Fun for the Whole Family - Not Just for Christmas

Although this story takes place over Christmas, it is not just a Christmas story. I started listening to this book when it was on satellite radio and found myself missing bits and pieces. I decided to purchase it, and I'm glad I did. It has a good storyline (very different from Baldacci's normal storytelling, in my opinion). I also really enjoyed the narration. Tim Matheson made the characters come to life with his different accents.

My six year old son even got into the story. I was a little hesitant listening to it in the car with him since it can be difficult to determine age appropriateness from reviews and summaries. However, it is one of those stories that the whole family can listen to.

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75 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Must-read Christmas story!

First published in late 2002, this wonderful story is not what one would expect from Davis Baldacci. I read the book several years ago.

Cynical journalist Tom Langdon must get from DC to Los Angeles in time for Christmas when an issue with airport security causes him to have to take a train. There are some weird people and unlikely events on the train topped off by a major snow storm which brings the train to a standstill in the Rockies. It is an often funny story which is also heartwarming.

A nice fun holiday read!

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36 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Fun Christmas Story!

I enjoyed every minute of this book.....the narrator was fabulous and brought the charactors to life and that was no small feat! Put me in the "Christmas Spirit" and I needed that because I'm somewhat of a "Scrooge"

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27 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Christmas Train

Very funny and fast paced. Not a Christmas story for the kiddies, but a hilarous read for adults.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

It was fun, but really kinda corney

I am not an avid book reader (or listener), don't take my opinions too strongly... this book was a "fun" listen, but wasn't that great. If you want a cute story that is very predictable but will make you feel warm and tingly... go ahead and get it.

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A fun train ride for me!

Where does The Christmas Train rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book was good enough if you didn't have high expectations. I needed a fun Christmas story to listen to in December. It worked for me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Christmas Train?

I really liked the sounds and descriptions of the train. It made me feel like riding a train somewhere myself some day.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend it if anyone is looking for a light-hearted, but somewhat mysterious Christmas story for the holidays.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Engaging and Entertaining

A definite departure from other Baldacci stories but definitely worth the "listening time." Tim Matheson does a good job with the wide range of characters and especially with the "tongue in cheek" humor.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

the best

One of my favorite Christmas books. I want to take that train ride sometime, meet the people and have the adventure.

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14 people found this helpful