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The Railway Detective #12
Timetable of Death
Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.
1859. Two children dash past gravestones playing hide-and-seek. A freshly dug grave should provide the ideal hiding place, if it weren't for an unscheduled body occupying the spot.
The body is that of Vivian Quayle, director of the Midland Railway and pillar of the community, whose mysterious death baffles local police and necessitates Scotland Yard's assistance. As Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming piece together the victim's final moments, and suspects and motives multiply, a gruesome picture emerges. This is a case only the Railway Detective can solve.
1859. Two children dash past gravestones playing hide-and-seek. A freshly dug grave should provide the ideal hiding place, if it weren't for an unscheduled body occupying the spot.
The body is that of Vivian Quayle, director of the Midland Railway and pillar of the community, whose mysterious death baffles local police and necessitates Scotland Yard's assistance. As Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming piece together the victim's final moments, and suspects and motives multiply, a gruesome picture emerges. This is a case only the Railway Detective can solve.
351 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2015
45 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
239 books466 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 64 reviews
March 22, 2017
This is the very best book in the series!!! I love this series set in 1850's England with mysteries on or around trains.
February 7, 2019
This was one of the best in the series, loved that the mystery played out and that the motive was true... I do enjoy this series!
April 11, 2017
Two children, Sam and Lizzie Grindle, are playing a game of hide-and-seek and head for the local graveyard where a freshly dug grave is awaiting its occupant, Cecily Peet, who had suffered an untimely death when still short of her 50th birthday. Lizzie decides that it is a capital place to hide so in she dives only to discover to her horror that it is already occupied; her scream of terror is heard all around the Derbyshire village of Spondon.
The victim is a Mr Vivian Quayle, a director of the Midland Railway and well respected in the community. When the local police are unable to solve the crime, they approach Scotland Yard and request the presence of the Railway Detective, Inspector Robert Colbeck. Superintendent Edward Tallis, with whom Colbeck has an uneasy relationship as the former is extremely jealous of the repeated success of the latter, organises the visit and assigns the faithful Sergeant Victor Leeming to accompany the Inspector. Tallis considers going along too but Colbeck persuades him that he is more needed in London than in Derbyshire.
Once in Spondon, Colbeck tries to determine Quayle's final movements but in doing so he discovers that motives for the man's murder multiply while the number of possible suspects increases the more investigating he does. For a start the Quayle family is in some chaos as one of the daughters has moved away because of the attitude of her late father while the eldest son, there are two along with two daughters, adopts a dogmatic role and tries to rule everyone else in the household.
Tension mounts and Colbeck and Leeming find themselves visiting different parts of the country in an attempt to uncover more clues. Nothing materialises for some time and it looks like the investigation will stall, so much so that Tallis, fed up with not getting any positive details of progress, visits Spondon himself. However, his visit is short-lived because in accompanying Colbeck on one avenue of investigation he is injured and has to return to London where he is able to rest at his desk.
A gardener, fired from the Quayle's household and a remarkably good cricketer, becomes the number one suspect and Tallis in particular is convinced he is the perpetrator of the crime and wants to arrest him immediately. But other suspects emerge as having as much reason to dispose of Quayle, and Colbeck and Leeming require all their experience to keep the investigation on track. And that investigation is aided by the arrival in Spondon of Madeleine Colbeck, the Railway Detective's wife, and her input to the case turns out to be invaluable while all the time she is involved Colbeck keeps that detail away from Tallis, who is convinced there is no place for a woman in any investigation.
Eventually, in a most surprising denouement, the culprit is revealed and Colbeck's methods are fully justified. In addition when he returns home to London he discovers that his wife is expecting their first child, 'I'm delirious,' he says and realises that in future there will be three of them to consider when he goes away on his investigations.
Once again the Railway Detective brings us an exciting adventure with the usual array of totally believable characters - great stuff!
The victim is a Mr Vivian Quayle, a director of the Midland Railway and well respected in the community. When the local police are unable to solve the crime, they approach Scotland Yard and request the presence of the Railway Detective, Inspector Robert Colbeck. Superintendent Edward Tallis, with whom Colbeck has an uneasy relationship as the former is extremely jealous of the repeated success of the latter, organises the visit and assigns the faithful Sergeant Victor Leeming to accompany the Inspector. Tallis considers going along too but Colbeck persuades him that he is more needed in London than in Derbyshire.
Once in Spondon, Colbeck tries to determine Quayle's final movements but in doing so he discovers that motives for the man's murder multiply while the number of possible suspects increases the more investigating he does. For a start the Quayle family is in some chaos as one of the daughters has moved away because of the attitude of her late father while the eldest son, there are two along with two daughters, adopts a dogmatic role and tries to rule everyone else in the household.
Tension mounts and Colbeck and Leeming find themselves visiting different parts of the country in an attempt to uncover more clues. Nothing materialises for some time and it looks like the investigation will stall, so much so that Tallis, fed up with not getting any positive details of progress, visits Spondon himself. However, his visit is short-lived because in accompanying Colbeck on one avenue of investigation he is injured and has to return to London where he is able to rest at his desk.
A gardener, fired from the Quayle's household and a remarkably good cricketer, becomes the number one suspect and Tallis in particular is convinced he is the perpetrator of the crime and wants to arrest him immediately. But other suspects emerge as having as much reason to dispose of Quayle, and Colbeck and Leeming require all their experience to keep the investigation on track. And that investigation is aided by the arrival in Spondon of Madeleine Colbeck, the Railway Detective's wife, and her input to the case turns out to be invaluable while all the time she is involved Colbeck keeps that detail away from Tallis, who is convinced there is no place for a woman in any investigation.
Eventually, in a most surprising denouement, the culprit is revealed and Colbeck's methods are fully justified. In addition when he returns home to London he discovers that his wife is expecting their first child, 'I'm delirious,' he says and realises that in future there will be three of them to consider when he goes away on his investigations.
Once again the Railway Detective brings us an exciting adventure with the usual array of totally believable characters - great stuff!
June 20, 2015
This for me is one of the best Railway Detective adventures,it had it all,red herrings by the boat load,great railway information and just for the summer a little bit of cricket.Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming head for Derby where a body has been found in a grave,not unusual but just not the one it was meant for.Our Detectives have little to go one as the family of the deceased have closed ranks,add to that a running battle with the local constabulary and you have a whodunit in the classic tradiotion.This is Edward Marston and the Railway Detective at the top of their game.
June 17, 2017
I started reading this series after being impressed when listening to the author on radio, and I loved the idea of the railway detective. I do keep coming back to the series for a light read, but I must admit they're disappointing. This one is a better one, with an interesting plot, though it's still a bit of a cheat, with the villain arriving late on the scene.
My main complaint about these books is that they are supposed to be set in Victorian times, but the characters are utterly unconvincing as historical people. The characterisation is pretty shallow anyway, and I get specially irritated with the detective's wife. She's supposed to be a railwayman's daughter, but she behaves like a nice, middle class lady, with a hobby of painting steam engines. This could make her quirky, but instead she's a perfect wife and daughter, and devoid of personality. Conversation isn't the author's strong suit, either. However, the plot made this one readable, and I daresay I'll continue to dip into the others, and probably complain about them afterwards.
My main complaint about these books is that they are supposed to be set in Victorian times, but the characters are utterly unconvincing as historical people. The characterisation is pretty shallow anyway, and I get specially irritated with the detective's wife. She's supposed to be a railwayman's daughter, but she behaves like a nice, middle class lady, with a hobby of painting steam engines. This could make her quirky, but instead she's a perfect wife and daughter, and devoid of personality. Conversation isn't the author's strong suit, either. However, the plot made this one readable, and I daresay I'll continue to dip into the others, and probably complain about them afterwards.
April 1, 2024
A delightful story. There are plenty of twists and turns around this case; with some intreging characters that gave the story its depth. It was a rushed ending, but this seems to be the case with the Railway Detective series, so I'm not too bothered.
P.s. I got who I thought it was wrong!! There is a first for everything.
On with the next one.
P.s. I got who I thought it was wrong!! There is a first for everything.
On with the next one.
May 25, 2025
another case solved, I feel like I'm part of Scotland yard now 😃 a good mystery, with the usual twists and turns. There was an unsolved murder that was mentioned throughout I wish that was solved too
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
It was more of the same tried and tested recipe. No chilli jam to spice it up or spoil the traditional fare.
May 29, 2018
I am a huge fan of Edward Marston’s Railway Detective books. Having picked up the first one I read as an opportunity to try a type of book I don’t normally read, I have since become hooked, and am on a mission to read them all.
This book is no different. Another tale woven utilising an intriguing detective, his sergeant and the emerging railway system of the late 1800’s. Descriptive, captivating and un-put-downable, the story is filled with twists and turns every step of the way.
Highly recommend this series to those who wouldn’t ordinarily choose crime fiction or historical set novels!
This book is no different. Another tale woven utilising an intriguing detective, his sergeant and the emerging railway system of the late 1800’s. Descriptive, captivating and un-put-downable, the story is filled with twists and turns every step of the way.
Highly recommend this series to those who wouldn’t ordinarily choose crime fiction or historical set novels!
June 15, 2015
delightful latest in the railway detective series this time taken the team away to Derbyshire and plenty of red herrings again in search of the killer of a midland railway chairman and feel a slight change in direction with the character of the inspector's wife coming more into play too
September 7, 2017
I thought this was quite a good read. The story flowed quite nicely but sadly as seems to be happening more and more frequently with his stories of late, the climax arrives and is finished all in a rush which is at odds with the rest of the tale which is nicely paced.
Still worth a read though.
Still worth a read though.
June 12, 2018
Another great read.
With a love for railways the Victorian era and a mystery to be solved what more do you want. The unfolding relationships with the main characters adds to the enjoyment.
With a love for railways the Victorian era and a mystery to be solved what more do you want. The unfolding relationships with the main characters adds to the enjoyment.
February 19, 2019
In this case, the detectives don’t get much help. But little by little they gather clues. And a visit to a railway works gives the Inspector the inspiration needed to solve the case.
And the addition of the game of cricket to talk about was extra special!
And the addition of the game of cricket to talk about was extra special!
May 22, 2020
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series and have now read them all up to this one. This plot is set in my local area of Nottingham and Derby, so it gave an added interest. All the books maintain a very similar plot of a murder, or murders, of someone connected with the emerging railway network throughout the UK. Hence the need for the Railway Detective.
The main characters are all there in each book and it’s great to follow their respective progresses. It’s recommended to read them in order, although each book is a standalone story, but does occasionally reference to earlier books.
The plot is very well laid out, never too many characters to deal with and a very easy read due to the author’s silky smooth writing. No swearing, no sex, no gratuitous violence. Even the murders are very cosy, a bit like an Agatha Christie novel.
My main love of this series is the historical theme of Victorian Britain in the mid 19th Century during the growth of the railways. If you like this genre, these books are definitely recommended.
I normally give his books a 5* rating but this was just slightly below-par of a very high standard. As I can’t give half-points, it had to be 4*.
The main characters are all there in each book and it’s great to follow their respective progresses. It’s recommended to read them in order, although each book is a standalone story, but does occasionally reference to earlier books.
The plot is very well laid out, never too many characters to deal with and a very easy read due to the author’s silky smooth writing. No swearing, no sex, no gratuitous violence. Even the murders are very cosy, a bit like an Agatha Christie novel.
My main love of this series is the historical theme of Victorian Britain in the mid 19th Century during the growth of the railways. If you like this genre, these books are definitely recommended.
I normally give his books a 5* rating but this was just slightly below-par of a very high standard. As I can’t give half-points, it had to be 4*.
May 28, 2017
Colbeck and Leeming head off to Derbyshire to investigate the murder of a director of a railway company. The usual supporting characters from the series feature, and the family and colleagues of the victim form a good cast of plot-specific supporting characters - although a very high proportion of them are distinctly unpleasant folk.
The central plot is fairly strong, although I had some minor grumbles about some of the characters and subplots - things that inexplicably petered out or were left without proper resolution, such as . This is a solid mystery, and one of the better books in the series, although if you find the books in the series somewhat samey and repetitive, then this is definitely more of the same.
The central plot is fairly strong, although I had some minor grumbles about some of the characters and subplots - things that inexplicably petered out or were left without proper resolution, such as . This is a solid mystery, and one of the better books in the series, although if you find the books in the series somewhat samey and repetitive, then this is definitely more of the same.
August 2, 2022
Another one for Inspector Colbeck. This time it's about a corpse in the wrong grave in a town he had no reason to visit and, along the way there is an unsolved murder of a well-liked villager to deal with too. There were more moving parts in this book than in the last one, with the victim's family, Leeming, Colbeck, a reporter, a vicar and various suspects to keep track of and I felt like this went a little slower than the last book in the series. It seemed to take a while for the plot to take off.
That said, there were parts I enjoyed. I liked Madeline and Lydia's friendship together and Colbeck's excitement when he got to visit the works where trains were made. I was left guessing about which of the suspects committed the murder right up until the end and I found the little details pointing towards them very well hidden. It was a nicely well thought out mystery without making the murderer too overly evil, which I found was the problem in the last book.
4 stars!
That said, there were parts I enjoyed. I liked Madeline and Lydia's friendship together and Colbeck's excitement when he got to visit the works where trains were made. I was left guessing about which of the suspects committed the murder right up until the end and I found the little details pointing towards them very well hidden. It was a nicely well thought out mystery without making the murderer too overly evil, which I found was the problem in the last book.
4 stars!
March 1, 2020
As usual, I enjoyed the well-developed character. Victor Lemming continues to be amusing and the cast of secondary and incidental characters--such as the village folk--were interesting. However, I felt the author fell back on the old trope of "the butler did it". It was somewhat disappointing to me. What also was a bit strange was how the author handled the issue of women's independence and fulfillment. On one hand, Lydia was able to stay in London with her friend, but it wasn't all that clear how she was able to afford it. Yet, she seemed rather independent for a woman of her time. On the other hand, Madeleine didn't get the recognition she deserved in her role of solving the mystery. That seemed aligned with the societal norms of the male-dominated 19th century. However to me, Lydia continued to be an anomaly that didn't sound right to me.
December 13, 2024
The Railway Detective series offers interesting historical mysteries with likeable detectives, all set on the Victorian railway network. Here Colbeck and Leeming are sent to Derbyshire, where the head of the local rail company has been found murdered in a newly dug grave, intended for one of the villagers. The dead man had plenty of enemies and the detectives must find out why he was murdered.
These books are pleasant background reading for me, I always enjoy the historical details and the dynamics between the recurring characters. This plot was one of the cleverer ones, I missed the misdirection completely and was wrongly convinced I had murderer and motive clear. Very entertaining and enjoyable, 3.5*
These books are pleasant background reading for me, I always enjoy the historical details and the dynamics between the recurring characters. This plot was one of the cleverer ones, I missed the misdirection completely and was wrongly convinced I had murderer and motive clear. Very entertaining and enjoyable, 3.5*
July 14, 2022
1859. Two children dash past gravestones playing hide-and-seek. A freshly dug grave should provide the ideal hiding place, if it weren't for an unscheduled body occupying the spot.
The body is that of Vivian Quayle, director of the Midland Railway and pillar of the community, whose mysterious death baffles local police and necessitates Scotland Yard's assistance. As Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming piece together the victim's final moments, and suspects and motives multiply, a gruesome picture emerges. This is a case only the Railway Detective can solve.
The body is that of Vivian Quayle, director of the Midland Railway and pillar of the community, whose mysterious death baffles local police and necessitates Scotland Yard's assistance. As Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming piece together the victim's final moments, and suspects and motives multiply, a gruesome picture emerges. This is a case only the Railway Detective can solve.
May 4, 2017
I thought that this was one of the better Inspector Colbeck books that I've read. I remained interested in the storyline, though I did think a scene or two could have been eliminated. I was also kept guessing about the villain up until the end. I have to pace myself with the remaining Railway Detective novels I have left. I think I might have four or five left and then I'll have to wait anxiously for the next.
November 8, 2017
I am really pleased with this series. This story especially was interesting seeing how much the characters have grown.
'I dispute that,' said Colbeck, firmly, 'and I speak as a former barrister. When you prosecute an innocent man it can be embarrassing and now without consequences. To begin with, the police can be sued for wrongful arrest. Before you go to court, you must ensure that you have watertight evidence of guilt.'
And Colbeck is going to be a father.
'I dispute that,' said Colbeck, firmly, 'and I speak as a former barrister. When you prosecute an innocent man it can be embarrassing and now without consequences. To begin with, the police can be sued for wrongful arrest. Before you go to court, you must ensure that you have watertight evidence of guilt.'
And Colbeck is going to be a father.
April 23, 2020
Yet another great Railway Detective book. This is a great series and each book is a joy to read. Which is why I'm getting through them so quickly. Colbeck and Leeming are great characters and it's a joy to read the banter between them and their boss, Superintendent Tallis, who always ends up having to praise the detectives. In this one it took me up to the last couple of chapters to realise who the culprit was. Excellent story telling. 👍👍
July 30, 2022
1859. St Mary's Church, Spondon. A little girl playing hide-and-seek jumps into a freshly-dug grave to find a dead man already occupying it. It is the body of a senior director of the Midland Railway. Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming travel to Derbyshire to investigate.
I am slowly making my way through the Railway Detective now just finished book twelve the usual fast paced book with a twist easy read, another good read onward to book 13.
I am slowly making my way through the Railway Detective now just finished book twelve the usual fast paced book with a twist easy read, another good read onward to book 13.
January 28, 2023
Published in 2015, 'Timetable of Death' is another in the popular series of mystery novels featuring Inspector Robert Colbeck of Scotland Yard, tasked with investigating prominent crimes on the British railway network during the 1850s and 1860s. This is one of the better episodes, benefitting from a few more pages allowing a richer selection of characters and a deeper plot, although the ending seems a little rushed like others in the series. Very enjoyable, but strictly light entertainment.
July 7, 2024
This is the 12th edition in The Railway Detective series. I've gotten to know Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming and have found their cases very interesting. The solution to the crimes are not apparent until the end of each book. The books are easy to read I've tried to intersperse them between non-fiction, historical books, and other novels, etc.
I was introduced to this series by a brass band friend during one of our earlier trips to the UK for brass band competitions.
I was introduced to this series by a brass band friend during one of our earlier trips to the UK for brass band competitions.
October 4, 2025
This was a rather meandering affair that wrapped up satisfactorily, but there were a lot of repeated beats from past books: Colbeck and Leeming go off to the countryside and don't have many leads, Tallis gets involved and manages to bungle around, Madeleine is involved in the case even though as a woman in this time period she wouldn't be, the case gets solved in the end. The series continues to be a reliable, cozy read, but it's not one that I excitedly seek out.
February 26, 2021
Open grave of Cicely Peet, died young from brain tumor, wed to older man, holds RR tycoon workaholic by timetable, poisoned. Wife of Colbeck helps estranged daughter before wife of victim also dies of disease. RR turn-about hints to re-start, guess motive, accomplice, killer. Typo: By .. 2 Colbecfk IS Colbeck
March 22, 2022
Its taken many books but we can finally see some character development in Leeming! To be honest the lack of character development in this series doesn't bother me at all because the plot is so good and these are easy reads. This was a real mystery and I didn't see the murderer reveal coming although I was close!
January 5, 2025
A case that develops over time that should keep the reader interested throughout. With an abundance of characters there are several that become suspects in another of the railway detective series. While I was a bit dubious how the evidence gathered or surmised was sufficient to convict the perpetrator, it was a worthwhile, descriptive read.
December 10, 2018
The last twenty pages of this book were actually pretty good and held my interest. Unfortunately, the first 300 pages felt like the author was just running in circles with no forward movement in the story. This is the only book I have read in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews