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DCI John Blizzard #3
The Railway Man
Few tears are shed when an ex-boxer and local hard man is found dead in a disused railway signal box.When DCI John Blizzard is called in to investigate, he discovers no shortage of people who would want the bully dead. But getting any of them to come forward proves difficult.Having interrupted the opening day of the public display of a steam engine that DCI Blizzard lovingly helped restore, few are keener than he to see the perpetrator under lock and key.It transpires that the victim once gave a man life-changing injuries with a cruel sucker punch, thus Blizzard’s colleagues think they’ve found a likely suspect. But the veteran detective is not so sure.In fact, the real culprits might be much closer to home. Probing deeper into the web of lies that surrounded the man’s life, Blizzard might have to confront unpalatable truths that shatter his nostalgic view of the city’s past.Set in the fictional port city of Hafton in northern England, THE RAILWAY MAN is a traditional British whodunit with a thrilling contemporary twist. The novel is the third title by John Dean to feature the burly, no-nonsense detective, John Blizzard, a man who refuses to take no for an answer.All the books in the series, in order of publication, THE LONG DEAD2. STRANGE LITTLE GIRL3. THE RAILWAY MAN4. THE SECRETS MAN5. A BREACH OF TRUST6. DEATH LIST7. A FLICKER IN THE NIGHT8. THE LATCH MAN9. NO AGE TO DIE10. THE VENGEANCE MAN11. THE NAME ON THE BULLETJohn Dean is the author of several other crime fiction titles. Look out for his DCI Jack Harris novels, and those featuring detective Danny Radford, which he writes under the pen name John Stanley. All of these books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
John Dean
153 books87 followersJohn Dean is a freelance journalist who has runs his own business and draws heavily on his years as a crime reporter for newspapers and magazines to create his novels.
He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.
(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.
(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 15, 2019
A police procedural which brings home the hopelessness prevalent in many once industrial towns in northern England and the frustrations of the police force with no go zones. Despite, repeated references to the brilliance of DCI Blizzard, this series rarely reveals any examples of it. Surprisingly even in 2017, it seems that forensic science is yet to reach this unfortunate part of England.
August 4, 2024
When the opening of a railway museum is marred by the murder of a former railman, Detective Chief Inspector John Blizzard finds himself confronting some awkward truths. Not only does he have to consider the unpalatable possibility that his friends could be concealing vital information from him, but he soon discovers that the dead man's legacy is a dark shadow that spreads across the northern city of Hafton. In the end, though, John Blizzard has to confront a betrayal that he never thought possible.
September 24, 2023
The last DCI Blizzard book I will ever read. Shallow, one dimensional characters with no personality and crappy mysteries.
February 11, 2021
This one read somewhat slow. Somewhat clunky as well.
September 16, 2019
Once again DCI Blizzard and DS Colley are heavily involved in an investigation which seems to be a revenge killing with the daughter of a victim the prime suspect. However as the case unravels it seems to point towards a power struggle within Hafton’s criminal community. Blizzard & Colley are led towards the “Spur” in Hafton and the criminal rivalry which seems to sustain the rivalry has been the cause of the murders. However a surprise ending certainly has you thinking!!
November 30, 2011
I found this a very disappointing book, the characters were shallow and i got confused who was who, glad to have finished it.
January 20, 2018
Cardboard cut out characters and a dull tale. Didn’t finish it which is unusual for me.
May 23, 2019
The biggest problem with this book is that there is not a single likeable character in it. Inspector John Blizzard is uncharacteristically pleasant. engaged in the restoration of a locomotive he is high on the romance of the rails. Then a disgrace boxer/thug winds up dead near the railway museum. factor in some tired backstories and the vicious local slum and you have all the ingredients to make an unpleasant story even more so. I thought the first two-thirds were as dull as dishwater. The last third picked up but when you don't care about the flat, miserable characters it really doesn't matter what happens to them. also, any book that needs to have a cast of characters has too many to begin with.
February 20, 2026
Events of the past once again intrude into the present when a body is found...
Railways is the theme in this British detective mystery and much to Blizzard's irritation, a glorious opening of a railway museum is marred by murder.
The idea of the old railway system and its workers, where steam locomotives ruled, is romanticised, and Blizzard's enthusiasm is obvious - perhaps blinding him in some ways. Historically interesting, however, especially as I remember seeing the Flying Scottsman zooming through the countryside.
Twists and turns lead the officers through the murk of human behaviour and I enjoyed the banter and relationships of the team. Interviews are always my favourite part of crime stories and these were well done.
Well-written, if a little slow at times.
Enjoyable.
Railways is the theme in this British detective mystery and much to Blizzard's irritation, a glorious opening of a railway museum is marred by murder.
The idea of the old railway system and its workers, where steam locomotives ruled, is romanticised, and Blizzard's enthusiasm is obvious - perhaps blinding him in some ways. Historically interesting, however, especially as I remember seeing the Flying Scottsman zooming through the countryside.
Twists and turns lead the officers through the murk of human behaviour and I enjoyed the banter and relationships of the team. Interviews are always my favourite part of crime stories and these were well done.
Well-written, if a little slow at times.
Enjoyable.
April 16, 2019
John Dean DCI Blizzard Series
The DCI Blizzard series takes place in Britain - where most of the mysteries I read begin. John Dean's characters are interesting, but at some points very confusing. Confusing? Sometimes major characters are introduced without much context. I often read these books and tried to sort out who did what after the book was finished.
Regardless, his work in interesting and I enjoyed the read. If you’re a sucker for British police procedurals (like I am) you'll like these books.
The DCI Blizzard series takes place in Britain - where most of the mysteries I read begin. John Dean's characters are interesting, but at some points very confusing. Confusing? Sometimes major characters are introduced without much context. I often read these books and tried to sort out who did what after the book was finished.
Regardless, his work in interesting and I enjoyed the read. If you’re a sucker for British police procedurals (like I am) you'll like these books.
December 4, 2017
No-nonsense detective John Blizzard returns in this exciting new murder mystery by John Dean. A hated local thug is found dead, and police soon have a long list of possible suspects. In typical John Dean style we are led to believe we know the culprit, but only if you pick up on the carefully placed clues will you discover the real murderer and the reason for their crime. A clever, interesting plot; and an easy read.
December 12, 2017
An easy-to-read murder mystery set in the world of the railway industry and council estates of England. Dean's strength lies not only in creating satisfying plots that keep you guessing, but in building up relatable characters whose depth only increases as the series continues. DCI Blizzard is gruff, funny and deeply dedicated to his work, and I love how his expressiveness develops over these three books. This is a rewarding murder mystery with fascinating twists and complex villains.
November 1, 2018
A less abrasive, more user friendly DCI Blizzard was not really what I was looking for. The plot was fine, continuing the motif of crimes from long ago reaching into Blizzard's current investigation but his increasing introspection and the ongoing domestication of his DS seems to be filling more pages.
Would I read another? It's a series I would come back to but for the moment, it's time to look elsewhere.
Would I read another? It's a series I would come back to but for the moment, it's time to look elsewhere.
December 21, 2018
Good
Have given 4* mainly for storyline and the way it flows good writing and the usual police procedures, I borrowed this book as a prime member, but I could not take a liking to Blizzard don't no why he came across as quite affable, but he obviously don't know who is friends are, but I did suspect a couple and as it turned out I was right. Would have another go at this author as I think he has potential.
Have given 4* mainly for storyline and the way it flows good writing and the usual police procedures, I borrowed this book as a prime member, but I could not take a liking to Blizzard don't no why he came across as quite affable, but he obviously don't know who is friends are, but I did suspect a couple and as it turned out I was right. Would have another go at this author as I think he has potential.
February 18, 2019
The storyline was quite good but not that keen on Blizzard doesn't seem to do anything Colley i like at least he does some action Blizzard hates paperwork which is good part of his work and couldn't even control a kid from stabbing him !!Not a very good example of a good detective his team do more than him !!
August 2, 2019
Megan Rees discovers a body in an old railway signal box. This turns out to be Billy Guthrie, a man that had disappeared from the area some years ago. A man so hated that the suspect list will probably turn out to be very long. The body is discovered the same day that D.C.I. Blizzard's restored locomotive has its granding opening, near the signal box.
An entertaining well-written crime story
An entertaining well-written crime story
September 8, 2022
The book is a fairly fast read, nothing too twisty, as he pretty much tells you whodunnit if you pay attention. There is some decent character development for Blizzard and Colley, I keep hoping for more development on Fee.
The pacing is good, plot moves along with few distractions and the action is smooth and well done.
The pacing is good, plot moves along with few distractions and the action is smooth and well done.
April 27, 2020
A Really Well Written Story
John Dean does a great job of telling a story that draws you in and keeps you interested. This book has great character development and a nice mix of humor to go with a solid mystery.
John Dean does a great job of telling a story that draws you in and keeps you interested. This book has great character development and a nice mix of humor to go with a solid mystery.
Read
July 9, 2020Dean is a very visual writer in that I could clearly see every scene in my head. The plot was straightforward and believable, with just enough twists to keep my interest. The character development was well done without being over done. I can clearly see this as a BBC series.
March 27, 2025
Could not enjoy due pathetic and incoherent narration I was listening to an audio book and the narrator did an extremely poor job in as much I could not follow the storyline. In fact I gave up listening half way through
July 30, 2025
A body is "discovered" in an old signalbox. It seems that this person was not at all popular, therefore many suspects. The expected red herrings galore giving John and Colley plenty to think about.
Another great novel being an enjoyable read.
Another great novel being an enjoyable read.
April 7, 2018
The Railway Man
Well written! This story holds your attention from first chapter to the last! It proves "crime doesn't pay", you always get caught in the end!
Well written! This story holds your attention from first chapter to the last! It proves "crime doesn't pay", you always get caught in the end!
October 26, 2018
The railway man
I love this series. A very interesting book. That keeps you guessing who is guilty. Be sure and read the other books in this series
I love this series. A very interesting book. That keeps you guessing who is guilty. Be sure and read the other books in this series
January 3, 2019
Off the rails
I enjoy the characters in this series. The plot line in this one was quite contrived. Not one of Dean's better efforts. Still a worthy read.
I enjoy the characters in this series. The plot line in this one was quite contrived. Not one of Dean's better efforts. Still a worthy read.
October 18, 2019
A good read
Again, too many characters, frustrating when you are not sure who is talking to who, or talking about who. Other than that, an enjoyable read.
Again, too many characters, frustrating when you are not sure who is talking to who, or talking about who. Other than that, an enjoyable read.
February 4, 2020
No as good as books 1 and 2, but will read more from this series
March 11, 2020
Brilliant book
Another absolutely thriller of a book.
Fantastic author and he knows how to keep you intrigued and wandering what will happen next.
Another absolutely thriller of a book.
Fantastic author and he knows how to keep you intrigued and wandering what will happen next.
April 29, 2020
3.5 stars
May 13, 2020
An excellent plot with good characters. John Blizzard is a very good investigator and it was great fun following him in solving the mystery. Engaging read.
July 21, 2020
It was good. I like DCI John Blizzard books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews