TRAIN FROM MARIETTA by Dorothy Garlock
Dorothy Garlock is a reader's writer. This lady writes with no need to impress anyone. She makes her stories simple and satisfying. Others may have more complex plots, more multi-faceted characters, more ambiguous endings; but others don't pack as much enjoyment into their stories. Dorothy Garlock has a history of writing successful stories that entertain, entertain, entertain. She is an American storyteller and an American legend. If you read her latest novel TRAIN FROM MARIETTA you will know why she and her stories are so beloved.
In this book, Katherine Tyler and Tate Castle are both traveling on the train from Marietta, Texas. Tate is headed home from a business trip where he sold some horses to the Army. Katherine is on her way out west to work as a nurse. They meet briefly while waiting on the train but do not exchange much conversation. They are just strangers passing by each other.
At one of the stops of the train Katherine gets off to get some air. Just as she leaves the train she is kidnapped. Three men have been hired to take her and hold her for ransom. Tate never even notices that she has left the train. However, when he gets home he is contacted by an old friend who asks him to look into Katherine's disappearance. Tate is an excellent tracker and his friend knows if anyone can find the trail of this woman it is Tate.
Tate does find Katherine but getting her back to safety is another matter. This story is set in the 1930's and the land where Tate and Katherine flee to escape the kidnappers is rough and wild. They must depend on each other's skills and bravery.
TRAIN FROM MARIETTA is both a suspense thriller and a romance novel. The danger that Katherine and Tate find themselves in is very real and the men who are after Katherine will kill them in a heartbeat. But there is also the sweet romance that blossoms between the two people who are on the run. She is a big city girl from a wealthy family while he is a rough and rugged rancher who has been married before and has a young daughter. They seem to be total opposites but as we all know, opposites attract.
The plot moves from point A to point B with precision and balance. It never seems forced but always moves naturally. The characters act logically at all times. Sometimes they make mistakes but they are natural mistakes. These are totally human individuals complete with strengths and flaws.
The pages of TRAIN FROM MARIETTA will fly by as you become totally absorbed in Garlock's story, and as you near the end you will wish that she had written more. This is not because the story is incomplete but because the story is so enjoyable.
So find your perfect reading spot, get something to drink and settle down for a nice evening of reading. TRAIN FROM MARIETTA will keep you entertained from beginning to end. As stated at the start of this review, Dorothy Garlock is a reader's writer.
TRAIN FROM MARIETTA is published by Warner Books. It contains 373 pages and sells for $24.95.