This is the first book I have ever read by Warren Adler, quite a prolific writer until his death in 2019. Trans-Siberian Express is a novel with a large cast of characters, the main one being Alex Cousins, an American physician who comes to Moscow to treat Dimitrov, General Secretary of the Communist Party, for cancer. Cousins has a Russian heritage from his grandfather and a successful reputation in his field, thereby being Dimitrov's doctor of choice. In the course of treating Dimitrov, Cousins unexpectedly learns secret and explosive information which lands him in the middle of Soviet double-crossing and intrigue. Cousins then sets out on a journey across Soviet-era Russia on an antiquated train, encountering a variety of colourful characters and trying to navigate the treachery of the KGB.

This novel is an interesting product of its time, capturing all the mystique and machinations of the Soviet Union at the height of its power. A number of themes, including racial discrimination, the treatment of prisoners and nuclear tensions, are still depressingly relevant. However, the characters, including Alex Cousins, are very one-dimensional - often caricatures of the type we would expect from the Soviet Union. At one stage, the novel detours into the realm of soft porn as Cousins and his female romantic intrigue lock themselves into their cabin and fornicate endlessly for days.

Ultimately, the novel ends rather predictably and could have been told in far fewer pages. I can understand that this type of novel might still hold appeal for a certain segment of readership, however I cannot recommend it. Thank you to Net Galley for furnishing me with a copy.