Trans-Siberian Express

By: Warren Adler

Narrated by: Mark Sando

Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

International intrigue and suspense on the world's longest and most exotic train ride.

During the bad old days of the Soviet Union, famous American cancer specialist Dr. Alex Cousins is sent by the president of the United States to Russia to prolong the life of the secretary general of the Politburo. While in Russia, Cousins learns that the Soviets plan to attack China.

Suspecting that he knows their secret, the Soviets send him home via the Trans-Siberian Express, which, they hope, will keep him silent until it is too late to stop the attack. On the train he meets a beautiful KGB agent who has been ordered to keep him under surveillance until the trip is over. The inevitable occurs as Cousins and the gorgeous Soviet agent transcend political implications and fall desperately in love.

This powerful love story will keep the listener transfixed and absorbed as the Trans-Siberian Express speeds its way across the vastness of Siberia.

©1978 Warren Adler (P)2016 Warren Adler

As thrilling as it was thought provoking.

What made the experience of listening to Trans-Siberian Express the most enjoyable?

I thought the narrator was excellent, with good pacing and excellent pronunciation of people and place names. Although there was a large cast of characters, not once did I get lost as to who was who. I really appreciated the fact the narrator didn't use accents as it meant that one could get completely absorbed in the story without the distraction of a changing voice.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the exploration of moral questions and the contrast the author drew between the different cultures, ideologies and beliefs. Although the book was originally written nearly 40 years ago, I didn't once feel it was dated. I though the author explored the characters motivations with sensitivity and intelligence, without ever taking sides.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to give any spoilers but the best scene for me was when the train inspector came to arrest the person who had attacked a train worker. The moment between Gordorov and Ginsburg was wonderful and just felt right.

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom

Cold War Era Classic

Would you listen to Trans-Siberian Express again? Why?

I read and enjoyed this book years ago and was curious to listen to it when it became available via audiobook; I wasn't disappointed. I would listen to it again after some time.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot in the book was excellent. Tense from the very beginning; the themes are of course from a different era set in cold war Russia but the story itself is very character driven and revolves around a few individuals so it's easy to get caught up in the tight story.

What does Mark Sando bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is the first book I have heard Mark narrate. He read clearly and well; didn't have any annoying traits which is a hugh plus for me. Mark is a great narrator; and I would certaintly listen to his narration again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Blood on the tracks.

Any additional comments?

Was great to 'read' the book again in audio book form. It has held up remarkably well for a book which is now 40 years old. The settings the book is written in might no longer be the same to the human story and the cat and mouse game involved is every bit as relavant today. Brilliant book.


*I received this book for free in return for and honest review.

1977 International Intrigue

Where does Trans-Siberian Express rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Put in context of when Trans- Siberian Express was written, it is relevant. The history of the Railroad itself, the dipictions of Russian life are all interesting. Of course, the political aspects are a bit dated. If you put your reading back into the times, it's a very well done book. Full of intrigue.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Trans-Siberian Express?

It's memorable again with the ambiance repesented on the history of the railroad. Though familiar with the Trans-Siberian there were a lot of facts that I enjoyed learning about. The same for Russian society outside or in spite of the Party.

Which scene was your favorite?

You figured it out, the scenes that take place on the train. The interaction.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Keep the man alive, he can save the world.

Any additional comments?

An enjoyable listen. Many of Warren Adler's works are being reissued.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this audio book.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com

Cold War Era Classic

Where does Trans-Siberian Express rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 100

Who was your favorite character and why?

All was good

Which scene was your favorite?

Excellent story, keeps you interested from the start

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review


Mark Sando read clearly and well; didn't have any annoying traits

Highlighted Soviet Oppression

This book highlighted to me the oppression of the Eastern block years. The things the people suffered through and the callousness they were forced to endure was brought into sharp focus. From being sent to a gulag at an early age for standing up to a corrupt official to being brainwashed into spying on the train passengers you are supposed to be assisting and serving to being pressed into service as a seductress to gain information from the American doctor who treat the Secretary General for cancer for your own personal gain. The cruelty and senseless killing was hard to swallow and the end was no end at all.

Bottom line: did the listen keep me listening until the end? Yes. Did I want to know what happened to the characters? Yes. Did I enjoy listening and was the ending satisfying? No. The story itself ended abruptly and there were no storylines tied up so you have a feeling of ending and that the story was over. I never really got the point of what the doctor was doing for the American government. Some of the storylines did not even reflect on the main story. They just seemed to be added so the author could highlight more abuse.

The narration was decent and the voices were done well. I believe Mark Sando's performance was one of the reasons I was able to reach the end of the book.

Suspense, cold war style

What did you love best about Trans-Siberian Express?

I loved the setting of the train and that's all your going to get since I don't do review with spoilers.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Excellent story, keeps you interested from the start

Have you listened to any of Mark Sando’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but he is now on my list of narrators to watch for