Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to LA 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.

Tom has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart,where he will redscover people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.

In equal parts hilarious,poignant,suspenseful and thrilling,The Christmas Train is a delightful journey filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...Part detective story,part disaster movie,part romance,this is a brilliant heart-warming holiday tale.

David Baldacci is the seven-time New York Times best-selling author of Absolute Power,Total control,The Winner,The Simple Truth,Saving Faith,Wish You Well and Last Man Standing.His latest novel,Split Second,will be published by Macmillan in December 2003.He lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.