Breakheart Pass

Master action adventure author Alistair Maclean goes away from his usual World War II setting using a 1870's Western theme for his 1974 novel "Breakheart Pass". While not written with the intricate plots or character descriptions of his earlier work, the book contains enough misdirection and intrigue to keep you guessing. Maclean's writing style is which he displays an erudite command of the English language, gives us small bits and pieces of information slowly advancing the plot. "Breakheart Pass" involves a perilous winter railroad journey through the Nevada territory in the midst of a frightful blizzard. Aboard the train are Nevada governor Fairchild and his niece Marica, along with U.S. cavalry colonel Claremont and two carloads of troops. Joining them are U.S. marshal Pearce and the governor's aide and Pearce's old army buddy Major O'Brien. Pearce, a venerable lawman and Indian agent was transporting dangerous murderer and gunman John Deakin. Their destination was the remote Fort Humboldt nestled deep in the Nevada mountains. Their trip was a mercy mission as a cholera outbreak in the fort had decimated the troops who were in need of relief and medical supplies. Dr. Molyneaux, a tropical disease expert was accompanying the aforementioned entourage. As the journey continues we slowly learn that all is not what it seems. Maclean has meticulously obliterated the lines defining exactly who were the good guys and who were the bad. A nefarious plot had been hatched and the train passengers were mostly all integral parts of it. As the story winds down the cunning deviousness nature of the plan is finally revealed.

A highly enjoyable, quick-paced book. MacLean has more hits on his list than misses, and this is near the top of the hits. You can't trust anyone on board the train to be telling the truth, even the hero. Great setting as the train chugs its way through the mountains; less enjoyable once the destination is reached, but we don't spend all that much time there. Truly, getting there is (more than) half the fun.

This book has everything - the U.S. Cavalry, Indians; heros, villains. It is high adventure and a great read.

I've read every book MacLean has written -- some of them two or three times. This was the hardest one to put down. I finished it in two days. Somewhat unusual setting for MacLean -- aboard a train in the 1800's in the American West. Very well written, with nonstop action from beginning to end. Highly recommended for MacLean fans.

When I was a kid, I read every single one of MacLean's novels -- and this was the one I found hardest to put down! With a plot involving a Pinkerton agent on board a train in the American West, it is somewhat different from other MacLean novels -- but just as authentic and exciting! If you're a MacLean fan, it'd be well worth your time to track down an edition of this overlooked gem.