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Split Second / The Christmas Train
Split Second
When something distracts Secret Agent Sean King for a split second it costs him his career and presidential candidate Clyde Ritter his life. But what stole his attention? And why was Ritter shot?
Eight years later Michelle Maxwell is on the fast track through the ranks of the Secret Service when her career is stopped short: presidential candidate John Bruno is abducted from a funeral home while under her protection.
The similarity between the two cases drives Michelle to reopen investigations into Ritter fiasco and join forces with attractive ex-agent king. The pair are determined to get to the bottom of what happened in those critical moments. But high ranking members of the local legal system and key witnesses from both cases are going missing...
The Christmas Train
Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train because of a slight misunderstanding at airport security, he begins his journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings. He 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 rediscover people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.
When something distracts Secret Agent Sean King for a split second it costs him his career and presidential candidate Clyde Ritter his life. But what stole his attention? And why was Ritter shot?
Eight years later Michelle Maxwell is on the fast track through the ranks of the Secret Service when her career is stopped short: presidential candidate John Bruno is abducted from a funeral home while under her protection.
The similarity between the two cases drives Michelle to reopen investigations into Ritter fiasco and join forces with attractive ex-agent king. The pair are determined to get to the bottom of what happened in those critical moments. But high ranking members of the local legal system and key witnesses from both cases are going missing...
The Christmas Train
Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train because of a slight misunderstanding at airport security, he begins his journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings. He 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 rediscover people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.
861 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
220 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 8, 2021
My review ratings are based upon the following:
1 Star, “I did not like it and wasted my time or couldn’t finish it”;
2 Stars, “I think it is just Ok, but I’ll never think about it again”;
3 Stars, “I think it is an entertaining, enjoyable book, and I’ll think about it again”;
4 Stars, “I really love this book, and I may read it again”;
5 Stars, “I think this book is excellent, I will read it again, and it will likely stand the test of time.”
1 Star, “I did not like it and wasted my time or couldn’t finish it”;
2 Stars, “I think it is just Ok, but I’ll never think about it again”;
3 Stars, “I think it is an entertaining, enjoyable book, and I’ll think about it again”;
4 Stars, “I really love this book, and I may read it again”;
5 Stars, “I think this book is excellent, I will read it again, and it will likely stand the test of time.”
December 10, 2025
The Christmas train is an excellent story, nothing fancy, no high body count but it really is a journey you are happy to go on. This does take matchmaking to the extreme and some bit, but not all, of the story stretch things a bit far, but who cares. The end result is a fun journey that in the end delivers all the Christmas spirit you need, a great story I'll probably read again next year.
February 28, 2021
I wasn’t expecting much as it’s not my usual read but I was pleasantly surprised. Great first introduction into this genre.
January 21, 2023
Action packed adventure! Two secrecy service agents happen upon similar fates that forever form a bind between them. Two crimes years apart linked together by one psychopath. Great read☺️
December 17, 2024
I could swear I had read this before. Not very memorable
October 21, 2013
I had marked both books separately on Goodreads when I first read it in 2009. I didn't even remember that I had an omnibus because I had lent it to a friend ages ago. However, I suspect that I also have another copy of The Christmas Train somewhere in the house. I think I bought an omnibus because that was the only edition I found for Split Second; and I was very eager to read the first King & Maxwell after loving Simple Genius.
November 16, 2012
Good book, nice easy read. Enjoy all Baldacci's books
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August 8, 2013Read 3/04 & 1/08
September 17, 2014
Just love these books!
March 24, 2015
I am going to be so disappointed when I finishing reading all of Baldacci's books. He's a winner.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews