If you are a fan of fiction, railroad history, murder mysteries and a Hollywood buff, it is all rolled into one for you in this small, and quick read. The setting brings you back to the twilight of the golden era of the diesel-train era. Overall, I find it well written. The plot is rather simplistic, and a bit unrealistic as to how legal or criminal matters might be handled. With that said, it makes for a quick, escapist read to that time period. Railroad buffs and those smitten with Hollywood intrigue from the golden days of big studio legends will find this appealing as well. If that is your cup of tea, by all means, take a sip and enjoy.
Many will be surprised to know that while Jim Lehrer is renowned for his news reporting on PBS, he has also written twenty novels. Super is the latest--a fun, pleasant tale that takes place on the Santa Fe Super as it travels from Chicago to Los Angeles in the early '50s. Lehrer weaves a tale that incorporates both real and fictional people. On this trip, we find Harry Truman, Clark Gable, and Claudette Colbert, as well as fictional characters of a national note. Former President Truman is captured as many of us think of him, while all the rumors and myths surrounding Clark Gable are rehashed. But the real story involves the fictional characters. One wealthy passenger dies--was it suicide or murder? Without revealing more of the story line, suffice it to say that it was a delight to read a good story void of most profanity, (except for plain-speaking HST), gore, and unnecessary violence. Super is well worth reading for a few hours entertainment.
