Get on the right track this World Book Day with some train-based adventures
Since the advent of steam, trains have been popular locations for literature as they offer places for accidental meetings, contemplation, a way to a new adventure in faraway lands or, more often than not, the location for a crime or murder.
There is something for adults and younger readers in this round-up of nine books covering travel adventures, murders, disappearances, ghosts and thieves.?
Monisha Rajesh plans to travel around the world in 80 train journeys, covering 45,000 miles across remarkable railways.
In this combined travelogue and memoir, British writer Diski shares her experiences on two cross-country Amtrak trips.
The Queen of Crime loves to set her books on various modes of transport, from trains to boats and planes. The indomitable Hercule Poirot is at his most moustache-twirling best in these two favourites.?
In this suspenseful novel, adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, published in 1936, a young socialite, Iris Carr, tries to solve the sudden disappearance of her travelling companion, Miss Froy, whom no one remembers seeing.
Probably one of the most well-known psychological thrillers of recent times, Hawkin's novel was made into a film featuring Emily Blunt and Justin Theroux.
This novella is in the urban fantasy Peter Grant series. Police Constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant tackles the mystery of ghostly encounters on London's Metropolitan Line.
For younger readers
Published in Germany in 1929, this enthralling book for younger readers begins as the twelve-year-old Emil has seven pounds go missing on the train from Neustadt to Berlin. Emil is determined to get it back in this rollicking caper.?
This illustrated mystery series for 9 -11-year-olds is set on various exciting trains worldwide. Eleven-year-old Harrison "Hal" Beck travels with his travel writer Uncle Nat, and they always fall into a thrilling mystery. There are six books in the expanding series, so there is plenty to keep young readers hooked, especially on long train journeys!