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The Christmas Train Audiobook, by David Baldacci Play Audiobook Sample

The Christmas Train Audiobook

The Christmas Train Audiobook, by David Baldacci Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Tim Matheson Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: August 2005 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781594833175

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

34

Longest Chapter Length:

23:02 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

06:08 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

12:29 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

90

Other Audiobooks Written by David Baldacci: > View All...

Publisher Description

A journalist on a cross-country Christmas train scales the rugged terrain of his own heart in this New York Times bestselling holiday tale that inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame original movie!

Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to Los Angeles in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures, 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.

David Baldacci's THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.

Download and start listening now!

"A friend of mine gave me a per copy of this book because I love train travel. I had it sitting on my shelf for a couple of years, so I bought the audio version. I ended up binge listening! It is a laid back story, which matches the laid back nature of train travel, the perfect mind cleanse after a hectic day. There are memorable characters, a bit of romance, some adventure, and a realistic look at what long distance train travel from New York to Los Angeles is like."

— Ruth (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Baldacci has ventured with success beyond the thrillers that made his reputation…The narrative is loaded with cool train lore and plenty of romance and good cheer…Baldacci’s fans will snap it up as the Yuletide treat it is.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “Tim Matheson reads this entertaining, though familiar, story with good humor, his broad accents adding to the color of David Baldacci’s holiday tale.”

    — AudioFile
  • “Baldacci’s latest offering—a sweet holiday tale—is a departure from his last thriller, Last Man Standing…This latest Baldacci might not appeal to all of the fans who lap up his fast-paced thrillers, but the heartwarming holiday story might win him new fans who enjoy seasonal tales.”

    — Booklist
  • Evokes the glamour of classic romances.

    — People
  • Wonderful characters...all touched by the miracle of the Christmas season.

    — Houston Home Journal
  • The makings of a classic...don't miss this delightful book.

    — Southern Pines Pilot
  • An enjoyable journey...'All aboard!'

    — Orlando Sentinel
  • Heartwarming...a sweet holiday tale.

    — Booklist
  • Heartwarming...a touching, morally uplifting tale.

    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Awards

  • A New York Times bestseller
  • A USA Today bestseller

The Christmas Train Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.5365853658536586 out of 53.5365853658536586 out of 53.5365853658536586 out of 53.5365853658536586 out of 53.5365853658536586 out of 5 (3.54)
5 Stars: 10
4 Stars: 9
3 Stars: 16
2 Stars: 5
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 4.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 54.5 out of 5 (4.50)
5 Stars: 3
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00)
5 Stars: 3
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Edith Beers, 12/16/2021
  • Overall Performance: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    — Vickie Redd, 11/23/2021
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Story Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    — Dina, 12/11/2020
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Carol Trousdale, 4/2/2020
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A light read, a favorite to reread during my Christmas reading holiday. "

    — Belinda, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I absolutely loved this book. It had a magical feel to me and I loved all the characters in the story. There was certainly a romantic feel to the story. I finished this book about a year and a half ago. I'm going to re-read this book. I'd love to buy it in hard back. "

    — Bill, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Many of these Christmas books get trite and tiring, but the great skill of Baldacci made this so entertaining, and I loved the surprise at the ending. "

    — Elaine, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A little contrived, but fun. All the principals met on a train traveling from Washington D.C. to LA to arrive before Christmas, but fate and weather have other plans. I enjoyed the train employee characters and their love for their jobs, along with the stories that they told. I only wish that our train travel from Philadelphia to Denver would have been as friendly, but then it was over the 4th of July, not Christmas so I suppose the magic is lessened. "

    — Debra, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " not bad. very different for david baldacci. the mark twain reminiscences (word?) were not my cup of tea but the mystery and love story and stories on the train I enjoyed "

    — Dianne, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Really enjoyed this story! "

    — Teri, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was a nice easy, entertaining book for the holidays. "

    — Wendy, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Tom Langdon, reporter, rides the rails from WA DC to LA. Who can imagine the adventures, even the finding of his lost love. "

    — Linnet, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I learned a lot about the railroad. Some of it was fascinating. Wish there was more travel on rail these days. Who knows, maybe it will make a come back. Fun read around the holidays. "

    — Ann, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The entire story takes about as long as reading the book. Great characters, terrific interaction. I was right there riding that train. "

    — Tim, 12/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I love Christmas stories! "

    — Allyson, 11/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent book. I thought I had it all figured out until the last page! "

    — Lynne, 11/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is a little different than Baldacci's usual books. While there is still some mystery, the characters, especially the guy making the trip, are more develped and the reader makes more connections to them. It is a hearwarming story I think I would read again. "

    — Kriscrowe, 10/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Generally a pretty basic straight-forward read, fun to read at Christmas. Not a typical Balducci. The ending was the best part. "

    — Cindy, 10/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved the character development in this book and also the many twists and intrigues. "

    — Denise, 7/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Good holiday story. "

    — Lauriesinclair13, 5/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Sharon Robinson, 2/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " very enjoyable book for the holidays "

    — Michele, 11/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It was an easy read with a few twists thrown in to keep me on my toes. "

    — ~sheila~, 11/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A; I knew I read it before but couldn't remember the full ending. The last chapter kind of snuck up on me, but it was worth a second read. "

    — Cathy, 10/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Nice Christmas read. "

    — Lisa, 8/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A little bit funny, a little bit mysterious, the characters a little bit out of the box all threaded with fun romance. Then add that the adventure takes place on a cross country train ride and you're ready for a fun read! "

    — Patricia, 7/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I listened to this book in the car on the way to my in-laws' for Christmas. It was okay. It took too long to get interesting that by the time it did, I was bored. "

    — Janelle, 6/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I read this totally out of season because it was the only book I could find that was available for donwload on my nook at the library. Everything else on my "to read" list I had to put in a hold request. But I still liked it, definitely not a typical Baldacci book though. "

    — Linda, 6/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " If you want to read Baldacchi, but don't like thrillers, then this is the book for you. Easy to read, full of twists and turns and surprises, but everything works out in the end. "

    — Susan, 6/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another one of my favorites ON CD! The sound effects and the Reader are a great enhancement to this wonderful adventure of a man on a cross country train trip! "

    — Barbara, 6/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Someone reviewed it and said the story reminds you of a Old Hollywood movie. Sort of like White Christmas if you need an example. It just doesn't have music. "

    — Laura, 5/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It was obviously a page-turner since I finished it in a few hours, ha. Definitely not what I expected at all but still good. Definitely a welcome departure from the normal legal-thriller stuff the author normally does. "

    — Sarah, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Wishy washy. Not up to standard of some of his other books. "

    — FRANCIS, 4/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved his book wish you well. This one is going okay. I should be finishing it in the next day or so. <br/> "

    — Britni, 3/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I always like to select a holiday themed book around to read around Christmas. This was a fun read! "

    — Leesa, 3/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A nice light read, sentimental, appropriate for the Christmas season. "

    — CynthiaA, 2/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Did not care for the narrator. OK story. Missed chances and opportunity for a second chance. "

    — Jan, 2/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I agree with Kelly's recommendation: predictable, somewhat cliche, with a twist at the end. Okay for a light read. "

    — Martine, 1/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Mindless read. Capitalizes on the romanticism of trains and snow and Christmastime. One of my mom's favorites. "

    — Tamara, 1/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Did not like the story in fact did not finish the book.. "

    — Jerald, 1/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was a fun read, it left me with a srong desire to travel some where by train. "

    — Dawn, 1/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I listened to this book in the car on the way to my in-laws' for Christmas. It was okay. It took too long to get interesting that by the time it did, I was bored. "

    — Janelle, 1/3/2011

About David Baldacci

David Baldacci is one of the world’s favorite storytellers and a global bestselling author, with twenty-one of his novels making the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. In 2011 he was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. He is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America.

About Tim Matheson

Tim Matheson is an American actor, director and producer perhaps best known for his portrayal of the smooth talking Eric “Otter” Stratton in the 1978 comedy Animal House, but has had a variety of other well-known roles both before and since including critical accolades for his playing Vice President John Hoynes on the television series, The West Wing, which garnered him two Primetime Emmy award nominations for Best Guest Star in a Drama Series.