Death Rides the Zephyr: A Mystery - Softcover

Dawson, Janet

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1564745309 ISBN 13: 9781564745309

Publisher: Perseverance Press, 2013

Synopsis

December 23, 1952. A transcontinental train is stopped cold by an avalanche in a remote Colorado canyon. There's a murderer aboard, one who has already killed, and will kill again unless stopped. The California Zephyr, with its run from Oakland to Chicago and back, was famous for 21 years for its Vista-Domes, providing a 360-degree view of the spectacular Western scenery. It is a veritable small city on tracks, populated by passengers from all walks of life and a large crew whose duty it is to keep them safe. Zephyrette Jill McLeod is the passengers' primary point of contact. She's armed for any emergency-with a first-aid kit, a screwdriver, and her knowledge of human nature. But can she figure out a clever plot and stop a ruthless killer?

About this title

About the Author:

This is the first book in Janet Dawson's California Zephyr mystery series. The second is titled Death Deals a Hand. Her series PI Jeri Howard has sleuthed through eleven books, the first of which won the St. Martin's/PWA award and other mystery award nominations. Dawson was nominated in 2012 for Left Coast Crime's Golden Nugget Award for Bit Player. She is past president of the MWA Norcal chapter.

Review:

"VERDICT: With a nod to Agatha Christie, Dawson has created a stand-alone historical that's perfect for Western collections with its detailed descriptions of the midcentury train routes . . . Her stately pacing and elaborate attention to clues make this a must-purchase for any library with historic-train aficionados."
- Library Journal

"Death Rides the Zephyr is an entertaining tale of spies, counter-spies, and intrigue which also captures nuances of a transcontinental train trip in the early '50s."

- Railfan & Railroad Magazine

"Death Rides the Zephyr is an engrossing murder mystery with enough suspicious people to provide multiple suspects . . . The book is also an unapologetic paen to railroading, recreating the train travel experience of the 1950s."

- Gumshoe Magazine

"This historical mystery is really a love song to a bygone way of life . . . The real star is the train, which is lovingly described, from its layout to its ingenious bedrooms to its cuisine. That's worth the price of admission."

- Roberta Alexander, Oakland Tribune

"Dawson's extensive research into train life is translated into a moment-by-moment account of life on the California Zephyr, and we are privileged to see every aspect of being a Zephyrette . . . Train lovers will love this glimpse of a life spent riding the rails on this unique streamliner."

- Historical Novels Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Perseverance Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1564745309
• ISBN 13: 9781564745309
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232