Gold Train

by Lada Ray

Begin your secret love affair with Russia! GOLD TRAIN is Amazon bestselling romantic thriller based on true historic events and filled with twists you'd never expect.
Experience Moscow and St. Petersburg like you've never imagined them before; travel through Russia's turbulent history and ever-changing present; immerse yourself in a world filled with oligarchs, hidden treasure, ultimate royal glamour, state secrets and FSB spies. It's the world guided by destiny's hand and spiced up with passionate love affair that could only happen where stakes are deadly and every day may be your last!


1918: Civil War in Russia. The entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. But what if it's about to resurface? And what if it's about to be used to shift
the global balance of power?
Jade Snow, sexy international journalist turned spy extraordinaire must choose between her worst friends and best enemies, and the future just might depend on her choice.


288 print pages. Includes Excerpt from next Accidental Spy Asia Adventure, DRAGON GATE.


Books by Lada Ray


Accidental Spy Series
Some conspiracies are hidden in small towns with perfect facades... STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Small Town Adventure)
GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) Who can Jade trust, her worst friends or best enemies?
Book 3: DRAGON GATE (Asia Adventure) is next. See official author website, LadaRay.com, for progress and release details!
Also read Green Desert (Iraq prequel novelette) What would you do if all were lost?


For readers of all ages, early teen through
New release! A mystical & powerful experience you don't want to miss!
THE EARTH SHIFTER - top-rated and epic! Prophetic YA fantasy/thriller
Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicle 1), visionary/metaphysical fantasy



Lemurian Crystal (Earth Keepers Chronicle 2) - release 2013
Atlantis (Earth Keepers Chronicle 3) - release 2013
EARTH KEEPERS ORIGINS - release 2013

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Russia

ebook

First published December 17, 2011

About the author

Living her life in the fast lane, Lada Ray, M.A., always wanted to write cool stories, which she'd been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is). Born in Russia, she is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher.

Lada holds a Master's Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to twenty six countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself - Fidel Castro.

In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup. But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She studied Feng Shui in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and received her Feng Shui Master's certification from the famed Asian author, Lilian Too (graduated first in class). For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans - and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.

A few years ago, Lada finally got her ultimate wish, and now she imagines her stories full-time in the bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, NY, where she lives with her family and calico cat.

Lada Ray is the author of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series, including the Amazon & Kindle bestseller, GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), mystery/thriller STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure), and GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Iraq Prequel). She is the creator of the new, top-rated metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER, and the EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, Atlantis).

Visit Lada's innovative & cool author website: LadaRay.com
For posts about Russia & world, feng shui, spirituality, predictions read her popular blog: LadaRay.wordpress.com
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Youtube: Lada Ray Channel

Reviews

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the fans of The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure comes this gripping new thriller, based on true historic events! 1918: Civil war in Russia. The entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. Today: journalist Jade Snow travels to Russia to uncover a dangerous conspiracy, find the world's largest treasure and experience forbidden passion, defying time and space.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - the opening chapter gives us a little insight into the Gold Train in 1918 and then goes to present day where we meet Jade Snow, it’s been her lifelong ambition to visit Russia, a promise she owed to her Grandma’s memory.

I found myself quickly engrossed into this book as I needed to find out the mystery of the Gold Train. I don’t want to give much more away about the plot lines but they were brilliantly written and the story is just fantastic - there is layers that go deeper and deeper as we go along and I just loved it.

I love the relationship between Jade and Alexi - you can sense they’re feelings from that initial meeting as he was her rescuer when she was mugged. This was the start of the real action in the book, I thought the action scenes were once again brilliantly written - especially the one at the station. I also enjoyed the suspense in the book, I just had to carry on reading to get to the end.

I found that the way the author described the scenery and landmarks of Russia was just amazing - it made me want to go and visit myself. I was as interested in reading about the landmarks as I was about the actual storyline!

This book had it all, not only a great mystery, and action but a little romance and even some humour. It really was superb, fast paced and well written. For me it was also one of those books that gets you thinking about things - even after you finish reading.

I really hope that we get to here more from Jade Snow and also Alexi

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twilight with a Pulse AND a Vodka Twist - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I enjoyed reading this book very much! I felt that I couldn't put it down, it is very passionate. I would VERY HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense and adventure mysteries!

The book is very well written. I was lovestruck with the interaction between the characters, how well they work together, complimenting one another so well to solve the mystery. Jade Snow is a very intuitive, resourceful, quick thinking, witty heroine and Alexei is well... a total hunk.

I love how the plot develops, very thrilling story of conspiracy that might potentially overthrow the Russian government, shift the balance of power and lead to dire consequences, even to another World War! The plot had me by the edge of my seat, the twists and turns had me thinking, what's Jade gonna do next? What would I do if I were in her position? Very powerful fast action pace kept me reading to the very end!

I loved the colorful descriptions of life unfolding before my eyes in Moscow, St Petersburg, the Menshikov Mansion, Grand Ball, the infamous KGB/FSB headquarters, high-speed trains and gorgeous Russian Metro. The grand ballroom scene was magnificent, I could see myself dancing in the arms of some Prince in a mysterious far off land... so romantic. Alexei stood out as a character because he is so strong, handsome and debonnaire. He can literally charm the pants off any girl... I wouldn't mind being alone in a hotel room with him... so hot and sexy, I was dripping with anticipation.
I would love to read more about Alexei in the future Jade Snow books!

In Gold Train, I think everyone will find mystery, suspense, action, passion, romance... and an amazing timeless story!

[Kate's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold Train by Lada Ray is a thriller based on actual events. During the Russian Revolution the entire gold reserve of the Russian Empire disappears while being transported by train. It is still missing.

Jade Snow is a veteran reporter who returns to work after maternity leave to help in an investigation of the Gold Train story and the possible whereabouts of the gold. The request for help comes from a Russian journalist who has extensively studied the history of it. She jumps at the opportunity to work again and also to explore her Russian heritage.

Once in Russia she connects with old acquaintances of her grandmother who are all members of a society for Russian nobility. Their main interest is in returning the Russian Empire to noble rule.

When the journalist that sent for her is found murdered the chase is on. Everyone is on a hunt to find the gold first. Everyone has their own reasons for acquiring the gold.

As the circle of conspirators tightens Jade must struggle to keep at the head of the chase. Along the way she encounters a man who just might be here soul mate and passions ignite.

Gold Train is a fast paced thrill ride filled with great characters you will love and villains you will hate. And maybe a few you won't know whether to love or hate. This is definitely one to read!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the charming young detective, Jade Snow, in Stepford, USA, you will absolutely love her next adventure in Gold Train. Jade travels to Russia to do a piece for Time magazine and the second she steps off the plane the excitement, and magic, begins. This thriller has it all! It has the two romantic locations of Moscow and St. Petersburg for its backdrop. It has real princes and princesses, who may or may not be undercover agents and spies. It has the whisperings of revolution, deepening international intrigue, plus beautiful trains and huge piles of gold!

Jade, however, is the real treat. She does not have super powers, nor even any formal training in the spy business, but she is daring, and clever, and her heart is always in the right place. She must rely on her intution to make choices her life, and world peace, depend on. Read Gold Train and be transfixed as Jade stays one step ahead of her adversaries through quick thinking and bold actions. This book is so believable it reads like a true story. Lada Ray takes you inside the grand houses of Russia to witness an unfolding mystery you will not soon forget.

[Rachel's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was good with the book until the end, then it got REALLY good. Review Sunday or Monday.

http://www.rachelsbookreviews.com/cur...

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began reading the story, I thought “What?, Where is thing going? A happily married mother of a toddler is taking off to Russia on a writing assignment for an undetermined amount of time?” Then I realized, this is a story that does not take itself too seriously and it became a fun adventure/mystery.

Because this is the second in a series the main character Jade Snow is not quite as well developed as I would have liked. There are references to the previous case she was on throughout. But that was fine.

According to the book summary, the story of the Gold Train is based on real historical events. Jade is drawn into a scheme where at first she does not know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. She has good instincts and manages to figure it out.

The scenes where she has full-on telepathic (I’m guessing they were not out loud) conversations with a family of guard dogs made me roll my eyes and then laugh out loud.

A fun read once I chose not to take it seriously.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gold Train by Lada Ray is a non-stop adult-fiction thriller set in Russia. Protagonist, Jade Snow, a journalist and amateur detective who appeared in Ray’s previous novel entitled Stepford U.S.A. is back in an new tale. Based on historical facts, Ray takes us to Russia, to discover what happen to the entire Gold reserve of the Russian Empire. It vanished without a trace during the Civil War in 1918. The tale offers, suspense, mystery, murder and a touch of paranormal.

We are introduced to Jade Snow, former journalist, wife and stay-at-home Mom to her thirteen month old daughter. They reside on the Upper East Side of New York. Her husband works for Time magazine and while they seem to have the good life, Jade admits she misses her career. Jade’s family is from Russia and she longs to visit, when a phone call offers her a chance to collaborate on a book surrounding the Gold Train, Jade jumps at the opportunity. Jade is in Russia less then forty-eight hours when the Russian journalist she is working with is murdered. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful, full of twists and takes us to Moscow, St Petersburg, the Menshikov Mansion, the infamous KGB headquarters and the grand houses. We travel on high-speed trains, attend balls and walk through the gorgeous Russian Metro. Not everyone is who they appear to be, and Jade will have to use her wits to solve it. The conspiracies, political intrigue and cast of characters had me racing to the dramatic ending.
While the ending is intense, it wraps up nicely, without a lot of unanswered questions and even hints at where Jade’s next adventure will be.

Jade is a bright likeable character. She is educated and good at connecting the dots. While she has no training as a detective, her inquisitive mind and investigative reporting skills find her entwined in the mystery. I loved Jade the detective, but struggled to like Jade the person. While on this adventure she strays and breaks her marriage vows. Call me old fashioned, but this doesn’t sit well with me; even though the romance was passionate and Jade felt he was her soul mate. I realize this won’t affect everyone, so do not let this deter you from a great adventure. For my more delicate readers, I must warn you that while most is implied, the romance does get pretty hot and heavy.

I want to thank Lada Ray for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Hayley Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly Written - A MUST Read

This review is from: Gold Train (Jade Snow Russia Adventure) (Kindle Edition)

For the fans of The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure comes this gripping new thriller, based on true historic events! 1918: Civil war in Russia. The entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. Today: journalist Jade Snow travels to Russia to uncover a dangerous conspiracy, find the world's largest treasure and experience forbidden passion, defying time and space.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - the opening chapter gives us a little insight into the Gold Train in 1918 and then goes to present day where we meet Jade Snow, it's been her lifelong ambition to visit Russia, a promise she owed to her Grandma's memory.

I found myself quickly engrossed into this book as I needed to find out the mystery of the Gold Train. I don't want to give much more away about the plot lines but they were brilliantly written and the story is just fantastic - there is layers that go deeper and deeper as we go along and I just loved it.

I love the relationship between Jade and Alexi - you can sense they're feelings from that initial meeting as he was her rescuer when she was mugged. This was the start of the real action in the book, I thought the action scenes were once again brilliantly written - especially the one at the station. I also enjoyed the suspense in the book, I just had to carry on reading to get to the end.

I found that the way the author described the scenery and landmarks of Russia was just amazing - it made me want to go and visit myself. I was as interested in reading about the landmarks as I was about the actual storyline!

This book had it all, not only a great mystery, and action but a little romance and even some humour. It really was superb, fast paced and well written. For me it was also one of those books that gets you thinking about things - even after you finish reading.

I really hope that we get to here more from Jade Snow and also Alexi

Hayley Sale ~ The Kindle Book Review

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced mystery thriller that is based on historic events that happened. If you like gripping stories that has layer after layer of intrigue...then you will love this one. Who knows when you might meet your own mysterious stranger who will change your life forever, and have your own love affair? I hope you step away from the brake and get back to full speed with the sight and promise of something that is unobtainable in Lada Ray's intriguing "GOLD TRAIN".

Jeannie Walker Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder

[M.G. Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold Train. What images come to mind when you read those words? Do they conjure images of a train filled with gold? That’s what will cross your thoughts when you read the novel Gold Train by Lada Ray. The author paints a vivid image of an early 20th Century locomotive filled with gold reserves from the Czar’s treasury that disappeared without a trace during the 1918 Russian Civil War.

From the very first chapter, Lada weaves vivid descriptions of Russia and Russian culture into a story filled with thrilling suspense. The novel follows the prequel Stepford, U.S.A. and the novella Green Desert, which introduce readers the colorful character of Jade Snow, an international journalist turned stay-at-home mom who’s dedicated to her family but longs to return to the field as a reporter.

In Gold Train, Jade embarks on the adventure of her life traveling to Russia to investigate the Gold Train’s disappearance. The assignment leads her into a tangled web of intrigue in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and New York City that involves the Russian authorities, a pro-monarchist organization with Chechen ties, and the FSB, the Russian intelligence agency formerly known as the KGB. The story is filled with page-turning action that hurtles Jade toward an explosive climax that sheds light on the mystery of the Czar’s missing gold. Buffeted by events often out of her control, Jade uses her intellect and journalistic instinct to navigate her way heroically through life-threatening events.

Jade is a character who, in some ways, represents “everywoman” to whom readers can relate. She has some amazing talents, including a sixth sense that defies logic, and a charming, engaging personality. At the same time, she exhibits some flaws that make her all too human. From her strong bond with friends to her struggle against temptation, Jade is someone many of us see in ourselves. At the same time, she has some unforgettable traits — from her flaming red hair to her deep knowledge of Russian culture — that put her in the annals of fiction literature’s great heroines. I’m looking forward to reading more about Jade in the upcoming Dragon Gate and many sequels to come.

As someone with a keen interest in international affairs, I was happy to read the author’s unique portrayal of Russia, and in particular, Russian intelligence. So many western novels since the days of the Soviet Union have painted Mother Russia and the “Russians” as a nemesis, a stereotype that has continued, albeit muted, since the fall of the U.S.S.R. in 1991. Her account is a refreshing look at Russia today and a rare positive portrayal of the Russian authorities. While the truth may be different than her depiction, I give her high marks for originality. For Western audiences, it’s a new take on an old storyline usually reserved for Russia’s former Cold War foes. Her deep appreciation of Russian culture is apparent in her writing and translates well to readers. Lada does an excellent job navigating a subject that can be easily politicized — Russian politics – in a disarming way. Those with an eye for fashion will enjoy the exquisite descriptions of the trappings of European royalty.

I give Gold Train 5 stars overall. The novel includes all the elements of a novice spy-thriller masterpiece, from smart writing to a crisp plot that moves along with action and ties up loose ends, great plot twists, memorable characters, good dialogue, and fabulous descriptions. That said, it doesn’t achieve the threshold of greatness reserved for classic spy thrillers written by John LeCarré, Frederick Forsyth, and others. Perhaps, in time and another book, Jade will rise to the level of a Kay Scarpetta or Kinsey Millhone. I would have liked to see more development of secondary characters such as Jade’s husband Paul and Svetlana, a woman in Moscow who draws Jade into the Gold Train mystery. At times I questioned Jade’s judgment and found myself mumbling that I would not have made the same choices she did. I remembered, however, that she made her choices in character – she is Jade and I am not. I enjoyed the symbolism of the book, including the allusions to her fate, although the mildly paranormal aspect of the story diminished the realism of the book. A simple cat and dog whisperer would have sufficed over telepathy. I found no grammatical errors in the second edition of the book mentioned by an earlier reviewer.

All in all, Gold Train is an excellent read. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an entertaining thriller featuring a memorable character by someone who’s an up-and-coming novelist. Read the book, and then follow with the other Jade Snow adventures before her next story comes out in 2012. You’ll be thrilled you got to know Jade.

Disclaimer: Lada is a colleague and a friend. I am honored to have been invited to join the Gold Train Blog Tour and hope that my review of the book is an honest look at her work.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book blurb and it made me think of Clive Cussler. This is more of a spy adventure than a treasure hunt. It is based on a true story. In 1918, during the Russian Civil War, the Gold Train was attacked and the entire Russian Empire's Gold Reserve was taken. Intrigued? Put your traveling shoes on and come with me.

The conductor stopped the train when he saw two kids on the tracks, running and waving him down. He couldn't run over the kids. The commissar tried to get the train back up and running, but it was too late. When the Gold Train was found, the cargo was gone and only bodies were left behind.

Russian Journalist Svetlana Svistunova told me she was closing in on an answer and would love to have my help. I was more than ready. I had married Paul and and had my sweet baby Lara, but I also had a gypsy spider that wanted to be let free. Now was the perfect time.

Paul was very helpful. He gave up a great opportunity to give me one of my own. I was shocked by his sacrifice. I guess I never realized how much he loved me and wanted me to be happy.

I kissed Lara good bye and told Lily to watch over her. No one ever seemed to notice that Lily and I communicated telepathically. After all, she is a cat.

Boris, an old friend of my grandma's, had given me a package for Vera, his friend in Russia. It was a jewelry box. I never looked inside it, but I might have been better off if I had.

Svetlana and I clicked right away. She showed me the secret compartment where she kept her notes and off we went, sightseeing. She said tomorrow would be soon enough to start on the story.

We saw a sign. Rada Famous Gypsy Psychic and Fortuneteller. Her predictions were ominous.

"You'll find something extremely valuable, but lose something even more valuable in return."

But for Svetlana it was more foreboding.

"...it won/t be your destiny to get to the bottom of this story...you won't live to finish it...."

5 STARS - Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I love treasure hunting stories and I love Lada Ray's writing so I was really looking forward to reading this. It was not what I thought it would be, but I was not disappointed. I have read several of her books and love the way she blends the historical with fiction and the paranormal. The words flow smoothly as the story unravels.

Her writing grips me as soon as I open the book and the ride to the end is full of murder, conspiracy, intrigue, passion, betrayal, loss and sorrow.

Trouble always seems to find Jade. What would we do if it didn't? After all, I don't want to read about my life. I want fast paced, action packed adventure. All the rest is gravy. lol

Vera - Boris' friend. Jade hadn't listened to her Grandma's stories, but Vera told her she had royal blood. She wanted Jade to go with her to the Grand Ball at the Menshikov Mansion. Jade was suspicious of her and felt she had an ulterior motive.

The gypsy fortuneteller had told her, "you'll go to a ball, where you'll meet your Prince Charming."

Alexei - He had saved Jade from muggers in Moscow. She was very suspicious of him. He seemed too convenient, too helpful, too trusting. Was he her Prince Charming or would he turn into a frog? When she was around Alexei, it was hard to keep in mind that she was married, with a child waiting back in the US.

Be aware that there are a couple adult scenes.

I was almost to the end of the book when I saw it coming. The segue into her next adventure.

Rachel, her best friend - "you only come truly alive when you are working on a case."

"I recall Jason...." (from Stepford USA)

"Last I heard he was in Asia. "

I am hooked again. Where is my Asian adventure? Dragon Gate.

Once I read her book Earth Shifter, I was eager to read more from her. I won this book on Lada Ray's blog, along with Green Desert and Stepford USA, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series. To see my reviews of those books, scroll down to the links below.

I look forward to reading many more books from Lada Ray.



Lada Ray

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far fetched adventure story with an unconvincing romance.

[Lada Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear reader, I hope you enjoy GOLD TRAIN, which is especially dear to my heart as it takes place in Russia, the country I love. I was inspired while creating the story of the lost Russian treasure, the characters of Jade and Alexei, as well as the book's magical setting, and I hope I was able to convey that through my writing.

Jade Snow is a jet-setting journalist and a totally new, original heroine, who finds herself in the most extreme circumstances of her life in GOLD TRAIN (which is saying a lot for someone who'd been to Afghanistan and Iraq, and had a near death experience in Stepford USA). And she deals with these circumstances in a way that is guaranteed to surprise even the most seasoned reader! Although the mystery/thriller is the book's dominant element, and Jade has been compared by reviewers to Jason Bourne, Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew and even Superman (wow!), it's hard to fit one's life, with all of it's complications, twists and turns within one narrow genre, won't you agree? As one reviewer put it, "Lada, your books are so all-around!"

Therefore, I ask my readers to keep an open mind while reading GOLD TRAIN, where in addition to the rip-roaring adventure and thrilling mystery, you'll find history and geopolitics, hot romance and forbidden love, amazing pets, and a touch of metaphysical/paranormal!

If I had to make a comparison with another book, I'd say that Gold Train protagonists, Jade and Alexei, share traits and spirit with Claire and Jamie, protagonists of The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. The spirit of the book may also appeal to the fans of The Da Vinci Code and Jason Bourne. Having said that, I want to stress again and again that this is a totally original book/series, complete with a new and original heroine. No clones here!

Note:
While each book in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series stands on each own, it is advisable to read them sequentially to fully appreciate plot twists and character development

Enjoy!

Lada Ray
Author

Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians
Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure)
Stepford, USA (Accidental Spy US Adventure)
Green Desert (Accidental Spy Iraq Prequel - short novella)
Coming: December 2012 - THE EARTH SHIFTER

[Elaine Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Russia or Russian history you'll have to like this one. This is my first introduction to Lada Ray's work, but I plan to pick up the first book in the accidental spy series and read it too. I like the author's style.