Michael Crichton's The Great Train Robbery captivates with its detailed historical setting and intense pacing. Reviewers praise its meticulous research and engaging narrative. However, some find character development lacking and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's lauded for its vivid depiction of a real-life heist and suspenseful storytelling.

Fans of historical thrillers will find The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton captivating. Readers who enjoyed The Alienist by Caleb Carr or The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown will appreciate the blend of fast-paced intrigue, meticulous historical detail, and rich Victorian-era setting.

Set in Victorian England, Michael Crichton's The Great Train Robbery follows criminal mastermind Edward Pierce and his team as they meticulously plan and execute the theft of £12,000 of gold from a highly secured train bound for the Crimean War efforts. The novel explores the intersection of crime and technological progress amidst a rapidly industrializing society. Note: The book includes descriptions of child exploitation and racial slurs.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Gritty / Adventurous / Challenging

Michael Crichton

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Great Train Robbery reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Great Train Robbery | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Great Train Robbery and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Great Train Robbery Summary

Background

The Great Train Robbery Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Preparations: May-October 1854”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 8

The Great Train Robbery Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-16

The Great Train Robbery Part 1, Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Keys: November 1854-February 1855”

Part 2 The Great Train Robbery Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Delays and Difficulties: March-May 1855”

Part 3, Chapters 29-38

The Great Train Robbery Part 3, Chapters 29-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Delays and Difficulties: March-May 1855” - Part 4: “The Great Train Robbery, May 1855”

Part 3, Chapter 39-Part 4

The Great Train Robbery Part 3, Chapter 39-Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Arrest and Trial, November 1856-August 1857”

Part 5 The Great Train Robbery Part 5 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Great Train Robbery Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Great Train Robbery Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Great Train Robbery Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Great Train Robbery Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Great Train Robbery Essay Topics

The Great Train Robbery

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Great Train Robbery?

Reading Age

Book Details