Customer Reviews

End of the Line

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Kem Parton has crafted a phenomenal tale of railway terrorism and heroism which caused me to re-commence that nasty habit of nail biting (drat it!). Every page is another suspence-packed step towards unpredictable and surprising situations, and one humdinger of a conclusion! With no schmaltz and no faking, Parton's original wit and smooth transitions allow the story to flow freely throughout. Clever situations and well-rounded character development mark this volume for classic status on par with other well known suspense/mystery writers whose works are frequently seen lining the bestseller rack in the supermarket. Transcon Railway, the Railway Transportation Union, railroaders Cal Farranger and Megan Langford to name a few are all larger than life representations of the American railroad world. Believable, detailed and accurate on railroad technical matters such as running the engine, switching, dispatching, etc., this novel weaves the railroad world through the story in a way the non-railroading public can understand and railroaders will appreciate. Someone needs to call Hollywood, because if the right director gets a hold of a proper script for "End of the Line", it'll put films like "Speed" and "Runaway Train" out to the rip (repair) track. So put that bottle of eye drops down next to you on the coffee table, and get ready to pull and all nighter--this volume won't let you rest! This railroad Conductor gives "End of the Line" Two Thumbs Up, which is the railway hand sign for tie it down & go home. Parton has hit a home run!!!

I normally read mystery and legal thrillers (think Grisham), but this was from a local author so I thought I'd give it a go. I've never written a review on Amazon before, but this was so good I simply felt compelled to share.

I first heard about this book in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. The author was a corporate officer for one of the big railroads and got fired because senior management didn't like one their officers revealing tricks of the trade, presumably the Clancy like detail he puts in about trains and train operations.

First, I have to say I was shocked at how much I liked the book, not being a railroad fan. In truth, I can't remember reading a more entertaining or well crafted thriller. But there is something more meaty here too. I'm now convinced that one terrorist or a group of terrorists could literally kill thousands of people using chemical hauling trains as weapons of mass distruction, or "turn the lights out" for our cities by hampering key train routes. This is a fantastic read that makes you think, and is truly something exceptional. It was like the first time I read Grisham (before he got famous).

The writing is first rate, and the villian exceptionally entertaining. This is one of those "how is the good guy going to stop him" books, where once the protagonist (Callahan) figures out some clever way to stop the bad guy (Casey), the bad guy throws something unexpected at him that makes good triumphing seem even more unlikely. Read the first chapter and you are hooked (author put the first chapter on his website, but it looks like he's made some changes and didn't update). The climax is as exciting and as anything I've ever read.

It's back and forth, cat and mouse, where the rear 2/3 of the book is almost non-stop action. You don't have to like or know anything about railroads to enjoy this book. I certainly didn't, but I do now.

I have tirty five years service on the same class 1 as Kem Parton. The man not only knows railroad,he knows how to write! The scenario is not only plausible,but the way he writes on how things work is very accurate. Yes,there is some license taken to help the story but, he put me in the cab! The characters are right off the railroad. This is a must read,I could'nt put it down! Buy this book!!! Enjoy the advetures of Cal Farranger,and Megan Landford!

I can't believe this is Kem Parton's first book! He writes like a much more experienced author. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. The constant action pushed the plot along at a breakneck pace and kept me on the edge of my seat, and the interaction among the characters kept me involved on a more personal level. It's obvious that the author knows what he's talking about when it comes to railroading. Before I read this book, I knew nothing about the American railroad system, but now I feel like I could stop a runaway train armed with nothing but a shotgun, just like Cal did.

Absolutely entertaining!! So many twists throughout the book keeps you in suspense the entire journey. Hard to believe this is a first novel for Mr. Parton. Why he was fired for writing this should be more of a mystery than the book itself, unless, of course, some feel they are as ruthless as the fictional characters illustrated in the novel. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those with any railroad background. I anticipate more books from Mr. Parton and look forward to seeing "END OF THE LINE" in the movie theaters. Congratulations on a job very well done!!!

I read the book in 3 days, I didn't want to put it down. The suspense kept me going and I couldn't wait to get back to it. I thought it was realistic. Good vs Bad and wondering where it will lead and who wins in the end. The journey was remarkable. I normally read fantasy books and won't go near books like this, but I picked it up and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope Mr. Parton does more writing. I was very impressed.

What a ride! Without a doubt, this is the best action/suspense thriller I've ever read. I just got my copy today and I literally couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This is a smart and incredibly original action/suspense story. I've never been terribly interested in trains or railroading (I got the book because it looked like a good action thriller, not for the railroading aspect), but End of the Line made railroading absolutely fascinating. Bottom line: This is a fantastic, suspenseful page-turner with an incredibly original story and fun, witty characters (there's a villain you'll love to hate). This one is a must-read.

I read this book in one night! It was so suspenseful I couldn't put it down. I recommended it to my good friend F.W. George U.T.U. who has 32 years in train service. He read it specifically looking for technical mistakes and he found very few, if any. It is technically correct in every aspect and a must-read in the union hall. It is unique among railroad books and highly recommended for all railroaders to get to fast. The author isn't the only one who has been fired lately. There are others waiting for him to write a book about them, but it won't be fiction.

This is by far the most exciting book I have ever read. I can't believe the Railroad fired a person for writing a book this good, especially since he stated in the beginning that the book was all fiction. Maybe he hit home in too many places. I would like to see him on some of the talk shows as I think he might be as interesting as his book.

At the very least, this book serves as a warning to those who take the job lightly. As a thriller, put away your disbelief as to one man's ability to do all our hero does, because this stuff has or could happen. My dad pulled the pin with a man in the knuckle. You don't want to go there. With the ability of digital FX to keep the carnage at a minimum, this would make a good movie. Bruce, where are you ?