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The Railway Detective
Inspector Colbeck's Casebook
Thirteen specially commissioned short stories from the master of historical crime fiction Edward Marston, following his quick witted protagonist Inspector Colbeck.Brand new and exclusive short stories which are sure to delight Marston's army of devoted fans.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 19, 2014
45 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
227 books467 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 27, 2022
I like mysteries and I love steam railways, so these Railway Detective books are the ideal combination for me, particularly when the information about the trains is so accurate.
I like these thirteen short stories as they take part all over the UK and not all of them involve murders. Each story is around 20 pages in length and is easy to read at one sitting.
Other characters including Edward Tallis, Madeleine Colbeck, Estelle Leeming, and Caleb Andrews are included in some of the stories, so it's not just about Robert Colbeck and Victor Leeming.
This book is recommended as a good introduction to the whole series of Railway Detective novels.
I like these thirteen short stories as they take part all over the UK and not all of them involve murders. Each story is around 20 pages in length and is easy to read at one sitting.
Other characters including Edward Tallis, Madeleine Colbeck, Estelle Leeming, and Caleb Andrews are included in some of the stories, so it's not just about Robert Colbeck and Victor Leeming.
This book is recommended as a good introduction to the whole series of Railway Detective novels.
June 6, 2024
Inspector Colbeck, the Railway Detective, and his sidekick Sergeant Victor Leeming take a break from their normal lengthy investigations and involve themselves in solving 13 equally baffling mysteries set on and around the railways in Victorian times.
A young porter is found dead in a coal tub but, despite all the evidence, it was not his immediate colleagues that killed him; Colbeck surprises his sergeant by unmasking the unlikely killer.
There is an excellent art related tale in which Turner's painting 'Rain, Steam and Speed' is stolen by an ingenious band of criminals but they are not too smart for Colbeck, who on this occasion also has the assistance of his artist wife Madeleine to find the painting and arrest the perpetrators of the crime.
Colbeck's superior Superintendent Tallis falls foul of a conman while travelling on the railway and he is too embarrassed to tell anyone other than his Inspector. Ordering him to find the criminal without revealing his direct interest in the case, he is delighted when Colbeck very cleverly discovers the man's real identity and in arresting him, returns the Super's 'investment'.
A railway carriage is set on fire in Ravenglass but when Colbeck is called in a body is discovered within it. During the investigation Leeming has a haircut and his conversation with the barber not only reveals the identity of the dead person but also leads the duo to an unlikely killer.
There is even a cricket related tale in which Colbeck informs Leeming of H H Stephenson's achievement of securing three wickets in three balls, a feat that led to a hat being taken round for a collection. 'Thus the phrase a hat-trick was created,' he tells his Sergeant. Perhaps not surprisingly in view of the cricket interest this story is set in Sheffield and Colbeck's cunning leads, no surprise here, to three arrests; a hat-trick of another kind!
All the stories have the usual Colbeck/Leeming humour and make for enjoyable reading but it does make one wonder why in other circumstances the duo need take so long to resolve their cases, ie, in full length novels! I only add this for I am not the greatest reader of short stories for, by their very nature, the plots are condensed so as to fit the format. However, there was no shortage of excitement or loss of detail in these tales but do give me the full length novels every time please.
A young porter is found dead in a coal tub but, despite all the evidence, it was not his immediate colleagues that killed him; Colbeck surprises his sergeant by unmasking the unlikely killer.
There is an excellent art related tale in which Turner's painting 'Rain, Steam and Speed' is stolen by an ingenious band of criminals but they are not too smart for Colbeck, who on this occasion also has the assistance of his artist wife Madeleine to find the painting and arrest the perpetrators of the crime.
Colbeck's superior Superintendent Tallis falls foul of a conman while travelling on the railway and he is too embarrassed to tell anyone other than his Inspector. Ordering him to find the criminal without revealing his direct interest in the case, he is delighted when Colbeck very cleverly discovers the man's real identity and in arresting him, returns the Super's 'investment'.
A railway carriage is set on fire in Ravenglass but when Colbeck is called in a body is discovered within it. During the investigation Leeming has a haircut and his conversation with the barber not only reveals the identity of the dead person but also leads the duo to an unlikely killer.
There is even a cricket related tale in which Colbeck informs Leeming of H H Stephenson's achievement of securing three wickets in three balls, a feat that led to a hat being taken round for a collection. 'Thus the phrase a hat-trick was created,' he tells his Sergeant. Perhaps not surprisingly in view of the cricket interest this story is set in Sheffield and Colbeck's cunning leads, no surprise here, to three arrests; a hat-trick of another kind!
All the stories have the usual Colbeck/Leeming humour and make for enjoyable reading but it does make one wonder why in other circumstances the duo need take so long to resolve their cases, ie, in full length novels! I only add this for I am not the greatest reader of short stories for, by their very nature, the plots are condensed so as to fit the format. However, there was no shortage of excitement or loss of detail in these tales but do give me the full length novels every time please.
May 28, 2017
A nice little collection of 13 short stories featuring Detective Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Lemming. I enjoyed this but with the exception of the last story you really need to have read the five or six novels that come before this collection. With the speed that a scene has to be set in a short story this is no bad thing but it may make the characters less believable for any one who hasn't read the novels.
My one disappointment was the thirteenth story. The story itself was fine but it should have been at the start of the collection not the end. I had heard the story before and I think it is mentioned in one of the novels but it takes us backwards and tries to explain the relationship between Colbeck, Leeming and their Superintendent Edward Tallis. Having read the first twelve stories I really didn't need this level of detail and it spoilt the book for me.
I would suggest reading the last story first and if I were the publishers I would definitely be moving that story in the order before the next edition is published.
My one disappointment was the thirteenth story. The story itself was fine but it should have been at the start of the collection not the end. I had heard the story before and I think it is mentioned in one of the novels but it takes us backwards and tries to explain the relationship between Colbeck, Leeming and their Superintendent Edward Tallis. Having read the first twelve stories I really didn't need this level of detail and it spoilt the book for me.
I would suggest reading the last story first and if I were the publishers I would definitely be moving that story in the order before the next edition is published.
September 6, 2019
As I am always on the lookout for that unusual book, group of stories, I found just the "ticket", in these humorous, historical, delightful "on the train" mini mysteries! Our hero of the day is believable. Reminds me a little bit of the popular BBC TV program "Murdoch's Mysteries". Possibly set in the same time period. So, if you enjoy mysteries that aren't gory..these are for you!
January 25, 2019
I say this every time I enter a book of short stories. It is difficult to rate the book because of there being more than one story. This book was to me the exception to the rule. All 13 stories were enjoyable, and I will undoubtedly read it again.
November 19, 2018
An enjoyable quick-read of 13 stories of theft, murder, and other villainous acts occurring on railroads in Victorian England.
September 9, 2018
Combining a few short stories following Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming, 'Inspector Colbeck's Casebook' is another triumph of historical crime writing that is true in Edward Marston's other Inspector Colbeck books.
The only reason I have not provided 5 stars for this read, is that as the book is made up of short stories, the crime, investigation and conclusion, as you would expect comes very quickly, whereas I prefer the slow burn of a full book which provides depth and insight into the protagonist and the characters around him.
However, should you enjoy short stories then this is a good collection to go to. I highly recommend and hope those that read it enjoy it as much as I did.
The only reason I have not provided 5 stars for this read, is that as the book is made up of short stories, the crime, investigation and conclusion, as you would expect comes very quickly, whereas I prefer the slow burn of a full book which provides depth and insight into the protagonist and the characters around him.
However, should you enjoy short stories then this is a good collection to go to. I highly recommend and hope those that read it enjoy it as much as I did.
October 27, 2017
Really enjoyed these short stories. Edward Marston is a really good author, whether writing about Railway Detectives like Colbeck and Leeming, or the Restoration detectives of Redmayne and Bale. I thoroughly enjoy both genres and I like to try and work out who committed the crimes. I'm usually wrong, as I seem to follow more of the red herrings, but I think that's part of the enjoyment of the books.
June 22, 2014
an okay read to pass a couple of hours. The stories were very slight though and I think this author and his characters do not work well in short story form. These might have worked when published in magazines but not in collected form. much prefer them novels.
March 31, 2022
Found at a discount book store and decided to give it a try. A selection of short stories featuring Detective inspector Robert Colbeck and his Sergeant Victor Leeming during the early days of the steam trains.
Various crimes are inspected up and down the various lines, seeing Colbeck and Leeming going all over the country from their base at Scotland Yard.
The short story approach makes them all succinct without too many red herrings being thrown into the mix. There are only a few suspects, and it seems to be down to good detective work rather than Holmesian flights of fancy into obscure details.
In some cases, the short format means the case is cracked more by luck or coincidence, but that doesn't happen in each case so can be put up with.
Leeming is a good counterpoint to Colbeck, able to work things out on his own without needing to have everything explained in minute detail.
A good selection of interesting short stories.
Various crimes are inspected up and down the various lines, seeing Colbeck and Leeming going all over the country from their base at Scotland Yard.
The short story approach makes them all succinct without too many red herrings being thrown into the mix. There are only a few suspects, and it seems to be down to good detective work rather than Holmesian flights of fancy into obscure details.
In some cases, the short format means the case is cracked more by luck or coincidence, but that doesn't happen in each case so can be put up with.
Leeming is a good counterpoint to Colbeck, able to work things out on his own without needing to have everything explained in minute detail.
A good selection of interesting short stories.
December 8, 2022
An eagerly awaited collection of brand new, specially commissioned short stories from the master of historical crime fiction Edward Marston, featuring his quick-witted Railway Detective, Inspector Robert Colbeck.
In this thrilling selection of stories, a young porter is found dead in a coal tub; Colbeck devises a trap to catch a thief; and a burnt train carriage holds a gruesome secret in a small coastal village. As Colbeck and his trusty aide Sergeant Victor Leeming begin to piece together clues and motives for each crime, it becomes clear the pair must stay a step ahead of the culprits to solve the cases. With a new suspect at every turn, can the duo unearth the real villains?
Including 'The End of the Line' and 'The Barber of Ravenglass', jealousy, vengeance and duplicity all collide in this supercharged anthology, proving once again, that Inspector Colbeck is the master of mysteries.
In this thrilling selection of stories, a young porter is found dead in a coal tub; Colbeck devises a trap to catch a thief; and a burnt train carriage holds a gruesome secret in a small coastal village. As Colbeck and his trusty aide Sergeant Victor Leeming begin to piece together clues and motives for each crime, it becomes clear the pair must stay a step ahead of the culprits to solve the cases. With a new suspect at every turn, can the duo unearth the real villains?
Including 'The End of the Line' and 'The Barber of Ravenglass', jealousy, vengeance and duplicity all collide in this supercharged anthology, proving once again, that Inspector Colbeck is the master of mysteries.
February 21, 2023
A great collection of short stories.
The setting is really intriguing. The early days of railways in the mid-19th century allows the author to explore not only the period, but how people reacted to the coming of the railways. Long distance travel was possible for the first time for most people, as was speedy travel. Instead of being restricted to how far you could walk, people could now hop on a train and be a hundred miles away a couple of hours later. Exciting or what. The author captures the period very well.
Oh, and the stories are good as well. I loved the main characters [though a couple of the secondary characters were less than convincing]. The stories had enough twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end. Fab Stuff.
The setting is really intriguing. The early days of railways in the mid-19th century allows the author to explore not only the period, but how people reacted to the coming of the railways. Long distance travel was possible for the first time for most people, as was speedy travel. Instead of being restricted to how far you could walk, people could now hop on a train and be a hundred miles away a couple of hours later. Exciting or what. The author captures the period very well.
Oh, and the stories are good as well. I loved the main characters [though a couple of the secondary characters were less than convincing]. The stories had enough twists and turns to keep you guessing to the end. Fab Stuff.
December 15, 2023
This author and his extensive range of Victorian/Edwardian cosy mysteries are astonishingly popular with a certain demographic - my white middle-class 90 year-old mum seems to find a new one every other week. I thought I'd give the Railway Detective a go in this short story format but only made it through 7 of the 13 tales.
I just couldn't be bothered with them. Colbeck is in the mould of a particularly smug Sherlock Holmes - he shines mainly because he appears to be surrounded by morons. Some of the "mysteries" were so glaringly obvious that surely even his dim-witted sidekick Leeming could have spotted the perpetrator. But no. He's too busy moaning about the new-fangled railways. That's about it for characterisation even for the principals.
I just couldn't be bothered with them. Colbeck is in the mould of a particularly smug Sherlock Holmes - he shines mainly because he appears to be surrounded by morons. Some of the "mysteries" were so glaringly obvious that surely even his dim-witted sidekick Leeming could have spotted the perpetrator. But no. He's too busy moaning about the new-fangled railways. That's about it for characterisation even for the principals.
January 9, 2018
A number of short stories about the exploits of 'the railway detective'. They are not all murder mysteries but we have a tale of a con man stalking the railway system and unfortunate goings on in an hotel where the detective and Madeleine, his wife, are staying for a short holiday. As I have commented before, thee author's time lines are awry. The stories are set in the late 1850s/early 1860s but Madeleine's fathjer is said to have been a railway man for 50 years, However, the family seem to have lived in the London area all their lives and the first railway in the capital didn't open until about 1836. Otherwise a pleasant, quick, read
February 28, 2020
I hadn't read any of the full-length novels featuring these two characters but, although I occasionally found myself distracted by wondering about the history of their relationship, didn't find this too much of a disadvantage. These gentle, humorous stories are well-written, most have credible plots which, although necessarily condensed to fit the short story format, offer enough intrigue to provide a satisfactory reading experience. I enjoyed the Victorian setting and, although I tend to prefer darker stories, it made a refreshing change to read some gore-free crime!
May 15, 2017
An enjoyable collection of short stories set in Victorian England, all with a railway slant. Sometimes this seems a little contrived, but the tales are fun and an easy read. The characters aren't well developed, even a little stereotypical, even though I have read the full length novels as well.
October 11, 2019
Finished this before going on holiday and forgot to make comments so I'm rectifying that now.
Thirteen tales from the Railway Detective - I pretty much read one a night before settling down to sleep and I think I enjoyed the final tale the best as the perpetrator was a real surprise for me.
Thirteen tales from the Railway Detective - I pretty much read one a night before settling down to sleep and I think I enjoyed the final tale the best as the perpetrator was a real surprise for me.
January 12, 2025
I can't say that I am a great lover of short stories of which this book contains 13 of them. The Inspector or his sergeant always managed to solve the cases, some by coincidence but there was no excitement or action that would make the reader thrilled with the chase. This book is OK if you want to have a quick read rather than a complete novel. I was disappointed.
April 10, 2019
Published in 2014, 'Inspector Colbeck's Casebook' is a collection of 13 short stories, and forms part of the 'Railway Detective' series of mysteries set in the 1850s. The stories are mostly well written and competent, with only a couple of them lapsing into improbably daft plots.
December 1, 2019
Short stories - mini puzzles read during several journeys on the Birmingham-London Euston line to work. Railway detective fiction provided an enjoyable distraction during my commute. Another author to explore. Recommended
September 16, 2025
interesting collection of stories
Easy to read, each story gives the reader differing aspects of the Railway Detective’s work, partnership with Leeming and his personal life. Enjoyable.
Easy to read, each story gives the reader differing aspects of the Railway Detective’s work, partnership with Leeming and his personal life. Enjoyable.
August 23, 2018
Prefer to read longer stories. All seemed a bit predictable.
April 23, 2019
Exquisite gems of the Railway Detective’s exploits. With the familiar characters- swift detecting and not always the Inspector who comes up with the solution!
April 7, 2020
This is a good background to the detectives but I find the stories a bit short. You just get into green and they are over.
March 17, 2021
Enjoyable collection of stories featuring railway based crimes.
February 26, 2022
Amazing! Loved the aspect of not knowing until the end who had committed the crimes!
October 9, 2022
This is a collection of short stories that involve trains and are set in the Victorian Era.
October 11, 2022
A fun, light, easy and enjoyable read 👍
October 25, 2022
I enjoyed this, probably because it was a collection of shorter stories, rather than one long one.
May 17, 2023
It was good because you could read each case in one go. However, I guessed what would happen half way through each case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews