The Train Home

This short novel -- really more of a novella in length -- follows a familiar premise, the paths of two deeply unhappy people cross, and then intersect again over the course of a few days as they each seek some kind of relief from what haunts them. For Annie Blakemore, vocal coach and Washington Opera understudy, it's her loveless marriage to her nasty wheelchair-bound husband. For actor and playwright Will Huston, it's the murder of his baby brother twenty years ago in Northern Ireland. He's come to Washington, donned the disguise of a priest, and seeks to kill the man who shot his brother in a sectarian rampage. Annie spots him on a train and is instantly attracted (although why this is never becomes all that clear, despite an attempt to tie it to a childhood fascination with priests) and follows him.As Will stalks his prey, and Annie stalks Will, both their inner and past lives are offered up to the reader. In Annie's case, it becomes harder and harder to understand why she is still married (although they do have two children), until a dark secret is finally revealed to the reader. Despite Will's stated intent to kill, it's actually Annie's marriage that produces the lion's share of the tension in the story. It's the kind of story that sucks you along while reading, but doesn't provide an equally satisfying ending. It also doesn't help that it leans heavily on coincidence (such as Will deciding to kill time by going to see the very opera that Annie happens to be in), to make some of the connections. Stil, it's worth dipping into by readers that enjoy stories involving chance encounters and themes of romance and connection, without spelling it all out.

I don't know if I should admit this confession, but I enjoyed this book immensely; Annie reminded me of myself in a lot of ways, so that may be the reason. I've always enjoyed the idea of a little bit of detective work, as long as I'm guaranteed I won't be in any REAL danger!. This book was a sweet and amusing romantic/suspense novel, and I enjoyed going with Annie on her adventures.