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The Railway Detective #15
A Christmas Railway Mystery
December 1860. The morning shift at the Swindon Locomotive works is about to begin and an army of men is pouring out of the nearby terraced houses built by the GWR. Frank Rodman should have been among them, but he is destined for the grave sooner than he might have expected, or he will be, once his missing head is found.
But Christmas is fast approaching, and the last thing Inspector Colbeck needs is a complex case, mired in contradictions. As he wrestles with one crime, he is alarmed to hear of another - the abduction of Superintendent Tallis. Colbeck and Leeming find themselves in a hectic race to solve a brutal murder before rushing off to Kent in a bid to save the superintendent's life.
But Christmas is fast approaching, and the last thing Inspector Colbeck needs is a complex case, mired in contradictions. As he wrestles with one crime, he is alarmed to hear of another - the abduction of Superintendent Tallis. Colbeck and Leeming find themselves in a hectic race to solve a brutal murder before rushing off to Kent in a bid to save the superintendent's life.
351 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2017
172 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
229 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 158 reviews
December 8, 2018
A highly enjoyable festive offering in the Railway Detectives series.
I wasn’t initially aware that this was part of that series, as the artwork is slightly different to the rest.
This Christmas Special was my first introduction to these characters.
December 1860 and Inspector Colbeck is sent to Swindon to solve the murder of decapitated Frank Rodman, I love how the reader is instantly thrust into the mystery.
The setting of this book is great, especially all the mentions of Brunel.
During this case Colbeck revives word that Superintendent Tallis has been abducted, this second mystery added an extra layer to the story - but as I’m not familiar with the characters, this section didn’t really hook me.
Overall I really enjoyed the way Marston captured the people of this era, my interest in this series has certainly peaked. I will have to keep an eye out for the earlier entries in this series.
I wasn’t initially aware that this was part of that series, as the artwork is slightly different to the rest.
This Christmas Special was my first introduction to these characters.
December 1860 and Inspector Colbeck is sent to Swindon to solve the murder of decapitated Frank Rodman, I love how the reader is instantly thrust into the mystery.
The setting of this book is great, especially all the mentions of Brunel.
During this case Colbeck revives word that Superintendent Tallis has been abducted, this second mystery added an extra layer to the story - but as I’m not familiar with the characters, this section didn’t really hook me.
Overall I really enjoyed the way Marston captured the people of this era, my interest in this series has certainly peaked. I will have to keep an eye out for the earlier entries in this series.
November 27, 2022
This is my first winter/Christmas season read and it was a good one. Inspector Colbeck from Scotland Yard is on the case of a rail worker who has been found murdered and headless. It's pretty grim and Colbeck and Leeming aren't to return home until the case is solved. Did I mention Christmas is a week out? The story threads in addition to the main case: Colbeck's Superintendent has seemingly been kidnapped while on a short trip. Unfortunately for the Superintendent, he promoted the worst man to watch things while he was away. Grosvenor is the weediest, petty, cloying, scheming little man imaginable and I enjoyed every failure he endured trying to puff out his chest. He basically worked as comedic relief. I liked this thread but mostly, I was here for the main murder mystery.
The first third laid the foundation well but was a little slow to get on with the investigation of the murder. Considering the added conundrum that the head was missing, I was looking for a bit more urgency. Still, getting to know the people in the railway town was well done and helped in trying to establish motive, opportunity and how everyone was connected to the victim. There were tons of red herrings and this was not one of those stories where you could solve it as you went along. The culprit is pretty much just explained in the last few chapters and confesses. The story then turns to the kidnapped Superintendent. That thread was wrapped up well but also was a tell and not deduce over time with clues given. I have to give points for the explanation of the motive as it was brutal and made me cringe reading it.
In the end, everything came together just in time for snow and Christmas. That's just what I like this time of year and I would read another in this series. I read this one through Kindle Unlimited.
Recommended.
The first third laid the foundation well but was a little slow to get on with the investigation of the murder. Considering the added conundrum that the head was missing, I was looking for a bit more urgency. Still, getting to know the people in the railway town was well done and helped in trying to establish motive, opportunity and how everyone was connected to the victim. There were tons of red herrings and this was not one of those stories where you could solve it as you went along. The culprit is pretty much just explained in the last few chapters and confesses. The story then turns to the kidnapped Superintendent. That thread was wrapped up well but also was a tell and not deduce over time with clues given. I have to give points for the explanation of the motive as it was brutal and made me cringe reading it.
In the end, everything came together just in time for snow and Christmas. That's just what I like this time of year and I would read another in this series. I read this one through Kindle Unlimited.
Recommended.
November 10, 2024
Edward Marston never lets the reader down with his railway detective series; here is another thrilling case ...
It is December 1860 and when Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming hear of a body being discovered in the Swindon works of the Great Western Railway, their Superintendent Edward Tallis dispatches them to investigate.
It is an unusual case for, when discovered, the body is not complete and the missing part is nowhere to be found. Colbeck and Leeming, disappointed to have been leaving their respective families behind as Christmas approaches, establish themselves at a local hostelry and begin their investigations.
The railway town is very much a closed shop and it proves difficult to get any definite information and when it is uncovered, much of it is contrasting. However, after much diligent work, a number of suspects are identified. It is then a matter of working out who is the most likely of them. And along the way there are various sub-plots to unravel.
As the investigation unfolds, Colbeck's Superintendent back at Scotland Yard, is to attend a military reunion so Inspector 'Mouldy' Grosvenor is surprisingly appointed as temporary Superintendent ... and he has a dislike of Colbeck so he is determined to undermine the Swindon investigation. He manages to do so on two occasions but neither are to his credit, so much so that at the end of the successful outcome, sorted out by Colbeck and Leeming, he suffers accordingly back at Scotland Yard.
There are five major suspects and at each turn suspicion seems to lead to a different one of them so that Colbeck and Leeming's work is made more difficult. The duo, who want to get the investigation complete before Christmas Day, do manage a quick visit back home where they explain all to Colbeck's wife, Maddy, who often offers useful suggestions to any investigation. She does so on this occasion and the duo return to Swindon with renewed vigour.
The outcome in the end is a surprising one but comes with enough time for Colbeck and Leeming to deploy to Kent where Tallis has gone missing - and the smart acting-Superintendent Grosvenor goes to arrest the wrong man. As is to be expected Colbeck works out what has happened in Canterbury and eventually tracks down Tallis' nemesis. And it is all done in time for the respective families to celebrate Christmas back at their London homes.
It is an exciting tale from start to end with the added bonus of two investigations being undertaken more or less at the same time. All the characters are truly believable and Colbeck and Leeming are, as usual, undoubtedly the shining stars! More Railway Detective please ...
It is December 1860 and when Inspector Robert Colbeck and Sergeant Victor Leeming hear of a body being discovered in the Swindon works of the Great Western Railway, their Superintendent Edward Tallis dispatches them to investigate.
It is an unusual case for, when discovered, the body is not complete and the missing part is nowhere to be found. Colbeck and Leeming, disappointed to have been leaving their respective families behind as Christmas approaches, establish themselves at a local hostelry and begin their investigations.
The railway town is very much a closed shop and it proves difficult to get any definite information and when it is uncovered, much of it is contrasting. However, after much diligent work, a number of suspects are identified. It is then a matter of working out who is the most likely of them. And along the way there are various sub-plots to unravel.
As the investigation unfolds, Colbeck's Superintendent back at Scotland Yard, is to attend a military reunion so Inspector 'Mouldy' Grosvenor is surprisingly appointed as temporary Superintendent ... and he has a dislike of Colbeck so he is determined to undermine the Swindon investigation. He manages to do so on two occasions but neither are to his credit, so much so that at the end of the successful outcome, sorted out by Colbeck and Leeming, he suffers accordingly back at Scotland Yard.
There are five major suspects and at each turn suspicion seems to lead to a different one of them so that Colbeck and Leeming's work is made more difficult. The duo, who want to get the investigation complete before Christmas Day, do manage a quick visit back home where they explain all to Colbeck's wife, Maddy, who often offers useful suggestions to any investigation. She does so on this occasion and the duo return to Swindon with renewed vigour.
The outcome in the end is a surprising one but comes with enough time for Colbeck and Leeming to deploy to Kent where Tallis has gone missing - and the smart acting-Superintendent Grosvenor goes to arrest the wrong man. As is to be expected Colbeck works out what has happened in Canterbury and eventually tracks down Tallis' nemesis. And it is all done in time for the respective families to celebrate Christmas back at their London homes.
It is an exciting tale from start to end with the added bonus of two investigations being undertaken more or less at the same time. All the characters are truly believable and Colbeck and Leeming are, as usual, undoubtedly the shining stars! More Railway Detective please ...
June 10, 2019
have to admit that this was the weakest of all of the series I have read so far and didn't have the usual feel
December 30, 2024
You might say well whys this only got three stars? Its the book i needed after a very long epic book something easy and quick to read but id say it was a solid detective nothing that would blow you away or turning every page in a mad rush.
December 30, 2019
Each year I attempt to find at least one Christmas murder mystery - after all, what would Christmas be without a good murder?
I thought I had hit the jackpot with A Christmas Railway Mystery - not only a Victorian Christmas setting, but the location of the murder was the Great Western Railway village in my home town of Swindon. And there is no doubt that the book had its enjoyable elements, but it also had some severe limitations.
Perhaps the best bit was the evocation of the Railway Village, built by the GWR adjacent to the railway works where it built its rolling stock, reflecting the mix of benevolence and patronising control that seemed to accompany some of the better Victorian employers. Edward Marston evokes the detail of the village and its life well, apart from the oddity of describing the (still existing) buildings as red brick - they aren’t.
Marston also gives a satisfying mix of strands, with the main murder investigation in Swindon set alongside developments in the detective Inspector Colbeck’s home life and a parallel investigation into the disappearance of Colbeck’s grumpy boss, Superintendent Tallis in Canterbury, poorly investigated by Colbeck’s scheming rival, Inspector Grosvenor. And it all trundles along quite well. But the characters are rather wooden, the dialogue isn’t great and there is little heed paid to ‘show, don’t tell.’ This extends to some magnificent overkill description. For example, when we first come across the railway village church, a relatively minor setting, we are told: ‘constructed of limestone, it was roofed in tile and lead and surmounted by a crocketted spire... The church had a capacious interior, comprising a five-bay nave with a clerestory, a north aisle and a south aisle with a three-bay chapel and a three-bay chancel.’ Pevsner would have been proud - but it hardly moves the action forward in a murder mystery.
Colbeck is apparently an excellent detective, though he seems to work entirely on collecting circumstantial evidence, then pretty much randomly accusing possible suspects from those who the evidence fits.
It’s a pleasant enough read, but don’t expect either the period ingenuity of a Sherlock Holmes tale or the depth of a modern murder mystery. With that proviso it’s an acceptable addition to the Christmas murder collection, but I don’t think I will be revisiting the railway detective series.
I thought I had hit the jackpot with A Christmas Railway Mystery - not only a Victorian Christmas setting, but the location of the murder was the Great Western Railway village in my home town of Swindon. And there is no doubt that the book had its enjoyable elements, but it also had some severe limitations.
Perhaps the best bit was the evocation of the Railway Village, built by the GWR adjacent to the railway works where it built its rolling stock, reflecting the mix of benevolence and patronising control that seemed to accompany some of the better Victorian employers. Edward Marston evokes the detail of the village and its life well, apart from the oddity of describing the (still existing) buildings as red brick - they aren’t.
Marston also gives a satisfying mix of strands, with the main murder investigation in Swindon set alongside developments in the detective Inspector Colbeck’s home life and a parallel investigation into the disappearance of Colbeck’s grumpy boss, Superintendent Tallis in Canterbury, poorly investigated by Colbeck’s scheming rival, Inspector Grosvenor. And it all trundles along quite well. But the characters are rather wooden, the dialogue isn’t great and there is little heed paid to ‘show, don’t tell.’ This extends to some magnificent overkill description. For example, when we first come across the railway village church, a relatively minor setting, we are told: ‘constructed of limestone, it was roofed in tile and lead and surmounted by a crocketted spire... The church had a capacious interior, comprising a five-bay nave with a clerestory, a north aisle and a south aisle with a three-bay chapel and a three-bay chancel.’ Pevsner would have been proud - but it hardly moves the action forward in a murder mystery.
Colbeck is apparently an excellent detective, though he seems to work entirely on collecting circumstantial evidence, then pretty much randomly accusing possible suspects from those who the evidence fits.
It’s a pleasant enough read, but don’t expect either the period ingenuity of a Sherlock Holmes tale or the depth of a modern murder mystery. With that proviso it’s an acceptable addition to the Christmas murder collection, but I don’t think I will be revisiting the railway detective series.
December 24, 2017
This is an exciting and need-to-finish-it-now story. It starts with a gruesome murder in a railroad town and adds the abduction of Scotland Yard's Superintendent to the mystery all days before Christmas. Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming are sent to the Swindon Locomotive Works to find the killer of the gruesome murder. The unfortunate victim was not well liked and the suspect list is long. Meanwhile, the Superintendent is enjoying a rare holiday when he is abducted. The man the Superintendent leaves in charge while he's on holiday makes a huge mess of everything and it's doubtful the Superintendent will be found alive. All the while the wives of Colbeck and Leeming wonder if their husbands will make it home in time for Christmas. I started this last night and had to finish it today and was not disappointed in the ending.
December 21, 2018
A very fine addition to the Railway Detective but not really Christmassy!
It's set in December though - 1860 - so it's festive in the background, but that's not the main part of the story. What we come across is a dead and decapitated man. Gruesome yes. And the abduction of another man - a police character no less.
A few strands of plot then to enjoy and whilst all this is going on, we get a lovely picture of the world that Brunel helped to build and shape. This part was the most fascinating for me. This was a fascinating era and it's always a joy to return to the railway mysteries.
December 30, 2020
Suprised how much I enjoyed this!
I didn't realise this was part of a series until I started - don't think it mattered too much but does make me want to read the others.
It is set in 1860 when a murder of a decapitated head at a railway works causes panic. Inspector Colbeck is summoned to investigate the murder and imbeds himself into the life of the community days before Christmas.
Loved the writing style, the characters and enjoyed the plot.
I didn't realise this was part of a series until I started - don't think it mattered too much but does make me want to read the others.
It is set in 1860 when a murder of a decapitated head at a railway works causes panic. Inspector Colbeck is summoned to investigate the murder and imbeds himself into the life of the community days before Christmas.
Loved the writing style, the characters and enjoyed the plot.
November 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this railway mystery. This is the first I have read in this series, but that didn't affect my understanding of the mystery. If I have a chance, I will definitely check out more in the series.
Detective Inspector Colbeck is sent to Swindon to solve a murder of a very unlikable man, Frank Rodman. He had several enemies and there were several red herrings. I was caught off guard when the murderer was revealed. During the solving of this crime, back at Scotland Yard, Superintendent Tallis has decided to go to a military reunion and left someone in charge that is very unlikable. While Tallis is visiting a friend, he is kidnapped and we see that the person left in charge is not up to the task. Colbeck must solve the crime in Swindon before going to rescue Tallis.
This book was a quick read and lots of fun!!
Detective Inspector Colbeck is sent to Swindon to solve a murder of a very unlikable man, Frank Rodman. He had several enemies and there were several red herrings. I was caught off guard when the murderer was revealed. During the solving of this crime, back at Scotland Yard, Superintendent Tallis has decided to go to a military reunion and left someone in charge that is very unlikable. While Tallis is visiting a friend, he is kidnapped and we see that the person left in charge is not up to the task. Colbeck must solve the crime in Swindon before going to rescue Tallis.
This book was a quick read and lots of fun!!
November 29, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by the book.
A horrific murder has occurred in a miniature town of Swindon. Inspector Colbeck of Scotland Yard with his sidekick, Victor Leeming have 10 days to investigate the murder and be back home to their families by Christmas. Shortly after their arrival, Colbeck and Leeming narrow their list to five suspects. Every person on their list has a motive to murder Frank Rodman. Detectives use their little grey cells and catch the sneaky cold-hearted murderer, but not before a little twist in the story.
Do you think this is the end of the book? Hold your teacups! Colbeck and Leeming are not done yet. While our courageous detectives are running around Swindon trying to catch Rodman's murder, their beloved Superintendent Tallis is being abducted. Acting Superintendent Martin (Mouldy) Grosvenor takes all the wrong steps to recover Tallis whereabouts, and time is running out. Tallis' days (hours) are numbered... Will Colbeck make it in time to rescue his mentor?
Sassy characters, fantastic plot with new discoveries coming to lite with every new page. Bravo Mr. Marston!
A horrific murder has occurred in a miniature town of Swindon. Inspector Colbeck of Scotland Yard with his sidekick, Victor Leeming have 10 days to investigate the murder and be back home to their families by Christmas. Shortly after their arrival, Colbeck and Leeming narrow their list to five suspects. Every person on their list has a motive to murder Frank Rodman. Detectives use their little grey cells and catch the sneaky cold-hearted murderer, but not before a little twist in the story.
Do you think this is the end of the book? Hold your teacups! Colbeck and Leeming are not done yet. While our courageous detectives are running around Swindon trying to catch Rodman's murder, their beloved Superintendent Tallis is being abducted. Acting Superintendent Martin (Mouldy) Grosvenor takes all the wrong steps to recover Tallis whereabouts, and time is running out. Tallis' days (hours) are numbered... Will Colbeck make it in time to rescue his mentor?
Sassy characters, fantastic plot with new discoveries coming to lite with every new page. Bravo Mr. Marston!
December 30, 2017
Another cracking read in the Railway Detective Series. On this occasion Robert and Victor are sent to Swindon to investigate a naked headless corpse found amongst the Railway workings. The victim is quite a complex character and there are no shortage of suspects, this book kept me guessing to the end. A good secondary storyline was also present about Superintendent Tallis who we learn more about in this book. I now look forward to the next book.
December 25, 2019
3.5 stars
A traditional and involved murder mystery set in England 1860 that I would recommend for cosy detective crime fans.
I finished it on Christmas Eve which was very fitting and heightened my enjoyment.
A traditional and involved murder mystery set in England 1860 that I would recommend for cosy detective crime fans.
I finished it on Christmas Eve which was very fitting and heightened my enjoyment.
January 4, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. Having read 8 out of this series so far I was looking forward to it and it didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended
June 3, 2025
I usually like these books but found this one a bit boring!
January 12, 2024
This was quite a good story but maybe not the best written. It opens with an horrendous murder right at the the start and the Railway Detective, Colbeck, is sent from Scotland Yard along with his assistant, Leeming, to investigate. Whilst they are away, their superintendant, Tallis, has plans to attend a reunion weekend and leaves an old rival of Colbeck in charge. There is a lot of banter between the two detectives about the shortcomings of this rival, Grosvenor, and the fact that they have to keep sending their reports to him instead of their usual commanding officer. They start their interviews with various suspects and there are a lot of red herrings thrown into the mix. Eventually they do narrow their suspicions down but in the meantime, a further crime is committed, involving their superintendant, who is kidnapped and tortured whilst away and staying with an old friend, prior to the reunion dinner. The detectives are keen to help with this but have to finish their original job first. Grosvenor, hoping to best them, sets out to find out who the kidnappers are and locate Tallis before it is too late. However, he repeatedly, and comically, accuses the wrong man. Just in time, Colbeck and Leeming conclude their original investigation and set out to save Tallis, having worked out who the kidnappers are. Poor Grosvenor is left with egg on his face and everyone makes it home in time for Christmas. This book is one of a series of tales involving the Railway Detective, but reading other reviews, I gather the stories are a bit samey, so I don't think I will read any more. It made a seasonal read which is what I was looking for.
May 4, 2021
Another enjoyable offering in this series. This time Inspector Colbeck has two cases to hold his attention and both occurring only a short time before the festive season. he and Leeming have to travel to Swindon to investigate the gruesome murder of a local ma who works for the Railway Works. But whilst they are away Inspector Tallis goes away on an army reunion - his acting replacement becomes a thorn in Colbeck side and matters become even more desperate when Inspector Tallis goes missing.
I usually keep Christmas themed books to read at that time of the year but this was the next in the series and I didn't want to wait that long - as it turns out it was not particularly festive with only a few references to whether Colbeck and Leeming would make it back to their families in time for the big day.
The Railway Detective stories follow something of a formula and this one didn't deviate much from what you would expect. If I had any criticism it would be for the character of Madelines father who seems to say almost the same thing in every book and is just plain tiresome.
I usually keep Christmas themed books to read at that time of the year but this was the next in the series and I didn't want to wait that long - as it turns out it was not particularly festive with only a few references to whether Colbeck and Leeming would make it back to their families in time for the big day.
The Railway Detective stories follow something of a formula and this one didn't deviate much from what you would expect. If I had any criticism it would be for the character of Madelines father who seems to say almost the same thing in every book and is just plain tiresome.
January 2, 2022
This book was on offer, so even though it was ‘book 15’ in a series I thought I would give it a try. In retrospect starting with book 15 might not have been the best idea.
To begin with the story about the murder flowed quite well and it was easy to read, but by a third of the way through it was beginning to drag a bit and I had my doubts about some of the characters, 'Tallis' and especially 'Grosvenor' seemed more like caricatures. Although these two do play a part in a separate storyline later in the book, which was actually more interesting than the main investigation.
Overall it wasn’t a bad book, the main story went on too long and became fairly boring, but Colbeck was certainly an interesting character. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
This is the third book I have read in the last week that has a pronounced left margin. At my age I have to have the font size quite large on my Kindle, so having a chunk of the screen taken by a margin isn't ideal and with a book this long it eventually becomes quite annoying.
To begin with the story about the murder flowed quite well and it was easy to read, but by a third of the way through it was beginning to drag a bit and I had my doubts about some of the characters, 'Tallis' and especially 'Grosvenor' seemed more like caricatures. Although these two do play a part in a separate storyline later in the book, which was actually more interesting than the main investigation.
Overall it wasn’t a bad book, the main story went on too long and became fairly boring, but Colbeck was certainly an interesting character. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
This is the third book I have read in the last week that has a pronounced left margin. At my age I have to have the font size quite large on my Kindle, so having a chunk of the screen taken by a margin isn't ideal and with a book this long it eventually becomes quite annoying.
December 18, 2023
It is December 1860 and the morning shift at the Swindon locomotive works are just clicking on for the day.
But one of their number is missing, Frank Rodman doesn't clock on for his shift or ever will again as the gruesome sight which meets the workers eyes attest.
Christmas is getting ever nearer and Inspector Colbeck is given this latest crime to solve before he can quit and go home to be with his wife and new baby.
But even as he is wrestling with this case the grapevine lets it be known that Superintendent Tallis has been abducted too.
He and Sergeant Leeming jump into action to solve Frank's murder and rescue Tallis before it is too late.
Can he pull off a Christmas miracle as well as solve it in time to make it home to his family.
Fast paced, exciting and a great twist having a railway detective solving mysteries.
But one of their number is missing, Frank Rodman doesn't clock on for his shift or ever will again as the gruesome sight which meets the workers eyes attest.
Christmas is getting ever nearer and Inspector Colbeck is given this latest crime to solve before he can quit and go home to be with his wife and new baby.
But even as he is wrestling with this case the grapevine lets it be known that Superintendent Tallis has been abducted too.
He and Sergeant Leeming jump into action to solve Frank's murder and rescue Tallis before it is too late.
Can he pull off a Christmas miracle as well as solve it in time to make it home to his family.
Fast paced, exciting and a great twist having a railway detective solving mysteries.
January 6, 2020
This book is a very classic style detective story. Although the detective was good at his job he was no super genius nor Sherlock. He was just thorough and did not let easy answers cloud his judgement. If you are looking for that kind of detective novel this may be for you.
I however enjoyed this, but it was not for me. There is like 15 books and I feel like I would have to read all 15 to get any sense of these characters. The twist was only ok and it did not wow me. I just thought it was a nice time but I won’t remember it. Also detective stories are not my jam so this was also probably not meant for me.
I however enjoyed this, but it was not for me. There is like 15 books and I feel like I would have to read all 15 to get any sense of these characters. The twist was only ok and it did not wow me. I just thought it was a nice time but I won’t remember it. Also detective stories are not my jam so this was also probably not meant for me.
November 20, 2020
I have followed The Railway Defectives from the start of the series and was not let down and nor have I by this one. As usual the plot twists and turns causing distress and leading to a series of red herrings until the correct culprit is unveiled. Veteran readers of Edward Marston’s books or this series in particular, may not find this little offering as exciting as some of the other Inspector Colbeck mysteries. I believe the book was intended to be a fill in for the holiday season. I can only now wait for the next episode in Detective Colbeck’s life.
Actual rating 4.5
Actual rating 4.5
December 30, 2019
Solid and engaging detective mystery (my first one in this series). My only two quibbles are the character of Acting Superintendent Grosvenor (too much like a panto villain) and the setting of Christmas is barely referenced (save for the leads having to solve the main case before Christmas Day so they can spend it with their families) so this could have been set at any time of the year.
December 16, 2018
Library crime reading group. This is the first book of this series I've read as I am not really interested in crime or mystery books set in Victorian England. I found the plot to be decent but the ending spoilt it for me. The hero, Colbeck, is too perfect, both mysteries are solved by guesswork and intuition instead of hard work, observation or deduction, and the villains' reasons are terribly silly.
July 4, 2019
A charming mystery.
January 9, 2021
Great series highly recommend
January 4, 2022
Set in Swindon in 1860 and a good insight into life then. A bit formulaic, but none the worse for that.
December 23, 2024
A bit slow to start with, but otherwise a well written plot.
December 31, 2024
Really enjoyed this mystery, though the tale itself wasn’t really Christmassy or had anything to do with Christmas other than it being the time of year it was set in.
July 30, 2025
a good read everyone is a suspect until the very end, and quite a twist with the tallis story line throughout
October 25, 2022
As per all the previous Railway Detective books i have read very good fast pace and very easy read, The railway Detective has two incidents on the go, the murder of a headless body, and the kidnapping of his Superintendent. Highly recomended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews