Books Like...

A young socialite named Iris Carr embarks on a train journey across Europe where she befriends an English governess, Miss Froy. However, when Iris wakes up from a nap, Miss Froy has vanished, and the other passengers deny her existence, attributing it to Iris's sunstroke. As Iris desperately tries to uncover the truth about Miss Froy's disappearance, she faces disbelief, suspicion, and sinister machinations from her fellow passengers. The novel delves into themes of memory, sanity, and the psychology of doubt, creating a gripping mystery filled with tension and psychological suspense. The plot unfolds slowly, building up the suspense as Iris navigates through a nightmarish situation, questioning her own reality and the motives of those around her.

The Edge by Dick Francis is a mystery novel that takes place on a transcontinental train trip across Canada, combining horse racing and a murder game. The story follows Tor Kelsey, an undercover security agent for the British Jockey Club, who must uncover a real murder mystery involving a sociopathic passenger planning blackmail and criminal corruption. Set in the late 1970s, the book provides interesting information about train travel and behind-the-scenes details of a special racing excursion train.

The Confidential Agent by Graham Greene follows the protagonist D. who is sent to England on a covert mission to secure a coal contract for his war-torn homeland. The storyline delves into themes of war and peace, as D. navigates through a web of deception, betrayal, and obstacles while facing the challenges of his mission. The narrative unfolds as a suspenseful thriller, painting a dark and stressful psychological drama as D. struggles against corrupt forces and his own personal demons.

Peaces by Helen Oyeyemi is a whimsical and surreal novel that follows Otto and Xavier on a train journey gifted by Otto's aunt. The story unfolds in a magical world where the rules are arbitrary, featuring a cast of eccentric characters, dream-like sequences, and unexpected twists. Oyeyemi's writing style is described as inventive, fun, and bonkers, weaving together humor, suspense, and insights that keep readers engaged and intrigued throughout the journey on The Lucky Day train.

The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene is a novel that intertwines themes of politics, international relations, Freudian psychology, sex, and religion. The story revolves around a British Honorary Consul mistakenly kidnapped in Argentina, involving a British Paraguayan doctor living in Argentina. The narrative explores a love triangle, religious conflicts, and touches on criticism of American intervention in South America. The writing style is described as tense, filled with moral dilemmas, and wrapped in Greene's dark and ironic tone.

Breakheart Pass by Alistair MacLean is a fast-paced western thriller set in post Civil War American West. The plot revolves around a train journey to Fort Humboldt, filled with relief troops and supplies, as well as a captured Federal prisoner named John Deakin. As the train travels through Paiute Indian territory, it encounters murders, conspiracies, sabotage, ambushes, and Indians seeking revenge. The story is full of action, suspense, and plot twists, keeping the readers hooked from the beginning to the end. Despite the initial introduction of many characters without detailed descriptions, the book focuses on delivering non-stop action and suspense, making it a thrilling and engaging read.

The Train Was on Time by Heinrich Boll is a novella that follows a German soldier, Andreas, on his journey to the Eastern Front during World War II. The book captures Andreas' mental torment and his contemplation of death, as well as his undying love for a French girl he briefly encountered during a battle in 1940. The story is emotionally gripping and provides a unique perspective on the perils of war, with a touch of dark humor and philosophical musings intertwined in the narrative.

Heinrich Boll's writing style in The Train Was on Time is described as beautifully written, emotionally gripping, and suspenseful. The novella is praised for its concise yet powerful storytelling, with a clear and engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated from the first page to the last. Boll's ability to evoke a sense of impending doom and capture the psychological struggles of the protagonist amidst the backdrop of war is highlighted as a standout feature of the book.

'The Necropolis Railway' by Andrew Martin follows the story of Jim Stringer, a humble porter from Yorkshire who moves to London to work for the London Necropolis Company in 1903. As Jim starts his new job as an engine cleaner, he encounters hostility from his coworkers and discovers mysterious deaths, leading him to investigate a series of murders. The plot trundles along, picking up pace as it unfolds, with elements of historical detail, railway operations, and a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a sinister London in the Edwardian era. The writing style is described as authentic, with a first-person narrative that captures the period's language and characters well.

The Railway Detective by Edward Marston is a historical fiction novel set in 1851 England, revolving around the character of Inspector Robert Colbeck and his assistant Sergeant Leeming from Scotland Yard. The plot follows the investigation of a train robbery involving a mail train being derailed, resulting in a significant loss of gold and mail. The book delves into the early Victorian era, showcasing the advancements in railway systems, the challenges faced by the police agency in solving crimes related to trains, and the intricate details of the industrial society of the time. The writing style incorporates historical details, steam locomotive knowledge, and a focus on the protagonist's detective work, although some readers find the plot to be weak in terms of the actual investigative process.

Inspector Colbeck is portrayed as a knowledgeable and well-dressed detective who stands out in the landscape of Victorian crime-solving. The book presents a mix of historical facts about the British railways, insights into the early Metropolitan police detective division, and a well-constructed plot that engages readers with the challenges faced by the characters. Despite some cliches in character portrayal, such as the officious superior and the plucky love interest, the novel effectively captures the essence of the era and provides an entertaining read for those interested in period fiction and railway history.