Night Train to Rangoon

Rating:
Summary: Quirky Mystery with Many Unattractive Characters
Review: Before reviewing this book, you should know that it contains much foul language and many references to paid sex. If such things offend you, skip Night Train to Rangoon.

The story itself is based on apparently coincidental travel by a number of highly unusual people. You will feel like you are reading a screenplay at times about one of those movies where 10 great actors take small roles. One of Hollywood's biggest teen stars is there with her obese and overbearing mother on their way to shooting a new film in the Orient. An alcoholic golf champion is on his way to an important tournament in Hong Kong. A very capable French physician is traveling with his wife. A Soviet agent posing as a fertilizer salesmen is in the middle of an assignment to make a delivery. An American diplomat is passing through on a final trip near the end of his career. One of India's greatest film directors shows up. An American couple who want to make films are along. And there's a luscious Eurasian woman who attracts the attention of all the men, but speaks to none. In the background, there's something that's being plotted for their Air France flight.

The story builds like a kaleidoscope from bits and pieces of observations and experiences by each of the travelers. Soon, mysterious events occur. What's going on? Eliminate the impossible, and you will be left with the answer. The resolution fits the observed facts very well, so those who like to solve mysteries before their resolution is revealed will enjoy this book.

I had three problems with the book. First, many of the people in Night Train to Rangoon are so out-of-control that the action tends to strain credibility. Second, almost every character is a victim or a victimizer. The victimizers are never attractive, and the weaknesses of the victims that make them exploitable are seldom attractive. So most of these characters got on my nerves rather than drew my attention. Third, the ultimate mystery fell flat for me. The mystery relates more to the stupidity of the victimizers than any real necessity. As part of that, accomplishing many of the major elements of the story will seem like they are filled with leaps.

Although the story will hold your attention, it fails to have the compelling appeal of the attractive young heroine of Murder in Mexico. If you only read one book by Mr. Rosner, I suggest Murder in Mexico over Night Train to Rangoon.

After you finish this book, reflect on how appetite can become compulsion. Where can you avoid letting compulsion take over your actions?

Stop. Take a breath. Mount your courage. And choose the right path!

Rating:
Summary: Not Just A Train
Review: Closer to 4 stars than three.

Author Paul Rosner has assembled a group of characters that whether flying, traveling by rail, or by car, are eclectic, eccentric, likable, lovable, homicidal, easy to despise, and more. Some are characters you will support, while many others you would happily see thrown from the plane. And to round this menagerie out, there are the most polite hijackers, and of course love interests that, whether real or imagined, quickly pass the familiar triangle on their way to something approximating an octagonal.

It would be both too easy and unfair to say this novel is nothing more than a derivative Agatha Christie adventure. It is accurate that a portion of this story takes place on a train, involves dark crimes and passions, and some dark humor. But however much it may remind you of the classics of this genre this book is done well. There are those who imitate because they lack original thought, however Authors who write a good tale can be legitimate members of a genre, Mr. Rosner is decidedly in the latter group.

The Author is also a member of a growing number of, "self-published", writers that for whatever reasons are not part of the select few who habitually clutter the top spots on the bestseller lists. There are many writers who produce great books, there are also those who gain a celebrity endorsement and are immediately, "legitimized", celebrated, and their books are bought by the ton. Hopefully writers who are published with some assistance, or by small publishers will continue to gain more attention and become more widely read. There are a large number of very good writers who in time may find their way to various rankings that help the sale of books. When they do it will be after earning a following and not a seal of approval that means nothing as it pertains to the quality of what resides between the covers.

Mr. Rosner has written a solid book for mystery fans with his debut novel. It is every bit as good as the first efforts of the more familiar brand names, and better than some on the present bestseller list. It is not perfect but is written with the skill to justify further books. I don't believe picking apart new Authors on minor detail is important as long as the whole is well planned. One of the issues that stuck in my throat was a person who was no marksman gunning down an individual from an extraordinary distance from an elevated position. Bug issue no, in later works I am sure these details will be refined.

Rating:
Summary: exciting historical Asian who-done-it
Review: In 1974 Burmese soldiers hijack Air France Flight 194 after it left Bombay. They want to land in Rangoon, but fog forces them to go to Mogok. The military arrests internationally acclaimed director Sarajini Rama for delivering two and a half million rubles to the revolutionaries as a courier. Since the plane is too big to lift off from Mogok, the plan for the other hostages is to escort their "guests" by train to Rangoon where everyone will board a plane and continue on to their destinations.

When Sarajini tries to escape, the soldiers open fire and kill him. However, the bullet that murdered Sarajini did not go through his back, which is where the soldiers were aiming. Instead, it came through his chest meaning one of the guests killed the movie great. Could it be the two elderly odd Minnesota women or the Russian? Or perhaps the hippie couple? The teen movie star, her mother, her lover, or the diplomat? The Burmese do not care though they wonder where the stash is.

Fans of an exciting historical Asian who-done-it will fully relish the NIGHT TRAIN TO RANGOON. Paul Rosner takes his time developing the key cast members in this ensemble tale (reminiscent of Christie), but once the dysfunctional and loving relationships are established, the story line goes into hyperspeed. Readers will enjoy this engaging political crime thriller.

Harriet Klausner