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Klondike Era Mystery #1
The Silk Train Murder
When his best friend is arrested for the murder of a notorious gangster, gentleman adventurer John Granville is determined to hunt down the real killer.
It’s 1899. To save his friend, Granville must dive into the seedy side of the city—the burlesque halls, gambling joints, and opium dens that line reeking mudflats. He finds allies along the way, including Emily Turner, the emancipated daughter of a very Victorian father. But with a fortune in Klondike gold and Chinese silk at stake, no-one is safe.
Set on the Northwest Coast during the Klondike Era—when Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco were gateways for Klondike gold and Chinese silk, The Silk Train Murder features strong characters and a well-researched and lively story.
Finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best First Novel
It’s 1899. To save his friend, Granville must dive into the seedy side of the city—the burlesque halls, gambling joints, and opium dens that line reeking mudflats. He finds allies along the way, including Emily Turner, the emancipated daughter of a very Victorian father. But with a fortune in Klondike gold and Chinese silk at stake, no-one is safe.
Set on the Northwest Coast during the Klondike Era—when Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco were gateways for Klondike gold and Chinese silk, The Silk Train Murder features strong characters and a well-researched and lively story.
Finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best First Novel
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2007
84 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Rowse
36 books16 followersBorn and raised in British Columbia and now living in Vancouver, Sharon loves history and is fascinated by the development of the West and the madness of gold rushes. She's also spent far too much time wondering what happened to those gold seekers who didn't find gold.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Sharon is now writing two mystery series; the historical Klondike Era series, which includes The Silk Train Murder, The Lost Mine Murders, The Missing Heir Murders and The Terminal City Murders. With the Barbara O'Grady series, including Death of a Secret, Death of a Threat, Death of a Lover and A Shadowed Death.
The fifth book in the Klondike Era series will be out this November, 2015.
Watch for the giveaway here on goodreads, or check for updates on my website at:
http://www.sharonrowse.com
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Sharon is now writing two mystery series; the historical Klondike Era series, which includes The Silk Train Murder, The Lost Mine Murders, The Missing Heir Murders and The Terminal City Murders. With the Barbara O'Grady series, including Death of a Secret, Death of a Threat, Death of a Lover and A Shadowed Death.
The fifth book in the Klondike Era series will be out this November, 2015.
Watch for the giveaway here on goodreads, or check for updates on my website at:
http://www.sharonrowse.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 30, 2020
A fun and entertaining mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the development of their relationships and trust in each other.
The story is set in Vancouver, BC, a city I'm familiar with, so it was especially interesting to hear of the locations and city in an 1899 setting.
The mystery had many twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing. There were a number of additional threads added throughout. Some of these were left unfinished and I hope they will be continued in the next book of the series.
I plan on continuing this series. It's entertaining, has good characters who develop as the story unfolds. The story has twists & turns, is interesting and entertaining.
The story is set in Vancouver, BC, a city I'm familiar with, so it was especially interesting to hear of the locations and city in an 1899 setting.
The mystery had many twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing. There were a number of additional threads added throughout. Some of these were left unfinished and I hope they will be continued in the next book of the series.
I plan on continuing this series. It's entertaining, has good characters who develop as the story unfolds. The story has twists & turns, is interesting and entertaining.
March 12, 2008
The Silk Train Murder
Sharon Rowse
Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2007, 313 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-7867-1946-4
Opium dens, brothels, saloons, corruption and wealth are found in Vancouver in 1899.
Back from the gold fields John Lansdowne Granville finds that his distinguished name and privileged background are not a lot of help when you are broke and hungry. Granville is spending almost the last of his funds on a drink in Beaver Tavern, a tavern near the Vancouver docks, when Sam Scott his former partner and friend walks into the tavern.
Scott sees that Granville is not in the best of shape and takes him for a meal and offers him a job. Scott has been hired to guard the silk trains. There are special railcars to carry the silk and it is important that the cars are not tampered with while in the rail yard. Vessels with exotic names like Empress of India carry the silk from the orient. Silk is insured by the hour at great expense and it is very important that the trains get loaded and arrive at their destination with no delay.
On the first night on the job Scott and John, halt an attempt to sabotage one of the trains. The culprits are let go with their promise that they will leave town immediately. On that same night, the two find a man that has just been murdered. His name is Clive Jackson and his reputation is not good. When the police arrive on the scene, Scott is immediately arrested although there is no proof that he did the crime. Scott’s arrest ends Granville’s new job. The police in Vancouver in that time were very corrupt. John determines to free Scott but Scott is very uncooperative. John realizes that Scott is holding back something but he can’t figure out what.
John goes forward with his investigation with his new sidekick Trent Davis, a young boy he has picked up along the way. John has resorted to gambling, a vice he swore he would never participate in, to make money to keep going.
The investigation takes John into the homes and offices of some of the shakers in the Vancouver community. He meets Emily Turner, a very intelligent, inquisitive woman, who is determined to assist in the investigation even at her own peril and her father’s wrath. Emily and her good friend Clara find it very exciting to feel that they are assisting an accused murderer. Emily’s father does not find it so amusing.
The Silk Train Murder takes the reader on an adventure in the town of Vancouver during the year 1899. The fact that opium is legal during that time is amazing. The devastation that the drug brings about is horrible. The things that Emily and Clara dare to do are humorous and shocking for that period.
I enjoyed the very exciting story set forth in this book as well as reading about what was expected of women during that era.
Sharon Rowse
Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2007, 313 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-7867-1946-4
Opium dens, brothels, saloons, corruption and wealth are found in Vancouver in 1899.
Back from the gold fields John Lansdowne Granville finds that his distinguished name and privileged background are not a lot of help when you are broke and hungry. Granville is spending almost the last of his funds on a drink in Beaver Tavern, a tavern near the Vancouver docks, when Sam Scott his former partner and friend walks into the tavern.
Scott sees that Granville is not in the best of shape and takes him for a meal and offers him a job. Scott has been hired to guard the silk trains. There are special railcars to carry the silk and it is important that the cars are not tampered with while in the rail yard. Vessels with exotic names like Empress of India carry the silk from the orient. Silk is insured by the hour at great expense and it is very important that the trains get loaded and arrive at their destination with no delay.
On the first night on the job Scott and John, halt an attempt to sabotage one of the trains. The culprits are let go with their promise that they will leave town immediately. On that same night, the two find a man that has just been murdered. His name is Clive Jackson and his reputation is not good. When the police arrive on the scene, Scott is immediately arrested although there is no proof that he did the crime. Scott’s arrest ends Granville’s new job. The police in Vancouver in that time were very corrupt. John determines to free Scott but Scott is very uncooperative. John realizes that Scott is holding back something but he can’t figure out what.
John goes forward with his investigation with his new sidekick Trent Davis, a young boy he has picked up along the way. John has resorted to gambling, a vice he swore he would never participate in, to make money to keep going.
The investigation takes John into the homes and offices of some of the shakers in the Vancouver community. He meets Emily Turner, a very intelligent, inquisitive woman, who is determined to assist in the investigation even at her own peril and her father’s wrath. Emily and her good friend Clara find it very exciting to feel that they are assisting an accused murderer. Emily’s father does not find it so amusing.
The Silk Train Murder takes the reader on an adventure in the town of Vancouver during the year 1899. The fact that opium is legal during that time is amazing. The devastation that the drug brings about is horrible. The things that Emily and Clara dare to do are humorous and shocking for that period.
I enjoyed the very exciting story set forth in this book as well as reading about what was expected of women during that era.
February 2, 2016
3.5 stars
It's 1899 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. John Granville has recently arrived from the Klondike and when he meets up with his old buddy, Sam, Sam gets Granville a job guarding a train. A couple of nights later, they find someone murdered and Sam is arrested and held for the murder. Granville is certain Sam didn't do it, but the police think otherwise and aren't looking into alternatives, so Granville does some sleuthing of his own.
I enjoyed this. Historical mysteries are iffy for me, but this was good. It did take a few chapters for me to get “into” it, but it was interesting enough, even at the start, that I backed up to reread what I missed when my mind wandered at first. I enjoyed the mystery and I enjoyed the secondary characters, Trent and Emily, who were helping Granville out. I also enjoyed the setting. It was also a nice quick read. This is the first in a series, and I will pick up the next one, as well.
It's 1899 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. John Granville has recently arrived from the Klondike and when he meets up with his old buddy, Sam, Sam gets Granville a job guarding a train. A couple of nights later, they find someone murdered and Sam is arrested and held for the murder. Granville is certain Sam didn't do it, but the police think otherwise and aren't looking into alternatives, so Granville does some sleuthing of his own.
I enjoyed this. Historical mysteries are iffy for me, but this was good. It did take a few chapters for me to get “into” it, but it was interesting enough, even at the start, that I backed up to reread what I missed when my mind wandered at first. I enjoyed the mystery and I enjoyed the secondary characters, Trent and Emily, who were helping Granville out. I also enjoyed the setting. It was also a nice quick read. This is the first in a series, and I will pick up the next one, as well.
June 2, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through the "Good Reads First Reads Giveaway."
"The Silk Train Murder" is an enjoyable "quick read" set in a Victorian period. The author demonstrates considerable insight into the attitudes of families at that time. This adds to the fun.
There are some minor flaws, such as, overuse of "Attacks" on the main character. But overall, this would be a great "Beach Book" for the summer.
"The Silk Train Murder" is an enjoyable "quick read" set in a Victorian period. The author demonstrates considerable insight into the attitudes of families at that time. This adds to the fun.
There are some minor flaws, such as, overuse of "Attacks" on the main character. But overall, this would be a great "Beach Book" for the summer.
April 9, 2019
1899 Vancouver and when John Granville ex-prospector partner Sam Scott is accused of murdering Clive Jackson, Granville is determoned to prove him innocent. He investigates resulting in having the the help of a young man called Trent and lady, Emily Turner.
An enjoyable story with some likeable main characters.
An enjoyable story with some likeable main characters.
September 28, 2019
Excellent read!
Just what I love...multiple mystery strands. One solved with each book and 1 ongoing, a convoluted extended storyline that keeps you interested & ties all the books together. I keep reading to not only discover the current mystery, but the underlying story. Good job, Rowe! My mind of series!
Just what I love...multiple mystery strands. One solved with each book and 1 ongoing, a convoluted extended storyline that keeps you interested & ties all the books together. I keep reading to not only discover the current mystery, but the underlying story. Good job, Rowe! My mind of series!
April 16, 2020
Really good
I loved the characters, they were very well written and really interesting. The story was also very good. I like mysteries and historical novels, so the combination of the two was right up my alley.
I loved the characters, they were very well written and really interesting. The story was also very good. I like mysteries and historical novels, so the combination of the two was right up my alley.
January 15, 2022
This one of the better mysteries that I have read in a while. 1899 Vancouver, Canada, is an interesting city with plenty of crime and a questionable police force. I may have to read more of this series as I have unanswered questions about some of the characters.
April 3, 2025
A very acceptable 1st novel, fiction in 1899's Vancouver, with hints to the Yukon Territory (but it's not a story about the Yukon - the subtitle is misleading). A detective story of amusing entertainment. I would read her sequel.
August 25, 2018
A good summer read made better because of my familiarity with the setting. I live in the greater Vancouver area.
October 29, 2018
Entertaining, but flat characters.
February 11, 2026
Convoluted plot, but interesting enough to continue reading, but not convinced to read others in the series.
March 18, 2017
The is an account of Granville’s search for the iller(s) of Clive Jackson.. There are many twists and turns as he questions many with relationships with the dead man. Along the way, he meets several people willing to help him.
An interesting mystery describing Vancouver, Canada at the turn of the 19th century. Fascinating, intriquing and an enjoyable read.
An interesting mystery describing Vancouver, Canada at the turn of the 19th century. Fascinating, intriquing and an enjoyable read.
January 20, 2010
Previously, The Honourable John Granville, fourth son of a baron, was in the Yukon seeking gold with his partner, Sam Scott. Arriving in Vancouver in 1899, he finds himself down on his luck and short of cash. He meets Sam, who offers him a job guarding a Canadian Pacific Railroad silk train, which was soon to leave for points east, as soon as the steamer from the Far East arrives. The faster the train goes; the better the economic return because of the cost of insurance for the silk. On Granville’s first day on the job, Granville and Scott foil a sabotage attempt. Later that night, they find the body of Clive Jackson, to whom Sam owes money. On that basis, Sam is arrested for the murder.
Granville sets out to prove Sam's innocence, even though Sam is reluctant to help his own cause. Granville's quest takes him from burlesque halls to Chinatown, from brothels and opium dens into the upper echelons of Vancouver society, where he meets Emily Turner and her father, Sam's employer. Teaming up with a teenage Trent Davis (whom he dubs his "Watson”); Granville eventually tracks down the real killer and decides to set himself and Sam up as private detectives.
There were a few weak points along the way, but for a first novel, I found it very enjoyable. If you like historical mysteries, this will definitely fill the bill. The research into the history of the silk trains and life in Victorian Vancouver is very good and adds an interesting aura to the story.
Granville sets out to prove Sam's innocence, even though Sam is reluctant to help his own cause. Granville's quest takes him from burlesque halls to Chinatown, from brothels and opium dens into the upper echelons of Vancouver society, where he meets Emily Turner and her father, Sam's employer. Teaming up with a teenage Trent Davis (whom he dubs his "Watson”); Granville eventually tracks down the real killer and decides to set himself and Sam up as private detectives.
There were a few weak points along the way, but for a first novel, I found it very enjoyable. If you like historical mysteries, this will definitely fill the bill. The research into the history of the silk trains and life in Victorian Vancouver is very good and adds an interesting aura to the story.
April 27, 2014
A near tangible adventure in the Yukon, Rowse's tale had me reaching for a blanket almost every time I picked up this book. Rowse is a gifted writer, with an uncanny ability to transport the reader into the story. The sense of time and place is spot-on - excellent historical fiction.
After failing at prospecting, John Granville finds himself down on his luck and searching for work unbefitting to his former status of English gentleman. No sooner does he find work with an old friend, guarding the silk trains, than trouble follows shortly behind. Granville finds his closest friend, Scott, accused of murder and set for a speedy trial and swift sentencing. Knowing he owes Scott for dragging him back from the edge of down-and-out, and for his loyalty as a friend, Granville sets out to find the real killer and prove his friend's innocence before he can be hanged for a crime he didn't commit.
Along the way, Granville finds help in the form of an unlikely sidekick, a young boy named Trent, and an even more unlikely investigative accomplice in the form of the witty and stubborn Emily Turner. Granville has to take help where he can get it, however unlikely, and together the three navigate their way from the darkest opium dens and seediest docks to the business offices and society parlors of Vancouver, racing the clock to catch a killer.
After failing at prospecting, John Granville finds himself down on his luck and searching for work unbefitting to his former status of English gentleman. No sooner does he find work with an old friend, guarding the silk trains, than trouble follows shortly behind. Granville finds his closest friend, Scott, accused of murder and set for a speedy trial and swift sentencing. Knowing he owes Scott for dragging him back from the edge of down-and-out, and for his loyalty as a friend, Granville sets out to find the real killer and prove his friend's innocence before he can be hanged for a crime he didn't commit.
Along the way, Granville finds help in the form of an unlikely sidekick, a young boy named Trent, and an even more unlikely investigative accomplice in the form of the witty and stubborn Emily Turner. Granville has to take help where he can get it, however unlikely, and together the three navigate their way from the darkest opium dens and seediest docks to the business offices and society parlors of Vancouver, racing the clock to catch a killer.
August 10, 2015
Broke and returning from the gold Klondike gold field John Lansdowne Granville visits 1899 Vancouver and there meets his old friend and partner, Sam Scott. Sam offers him a job guarding the Canadian Railroad silk train before it leaves the yard. These silk trains would transport millions of dollars worth of silk brought in by ship from China to markets in New York. When Granville and Sam discover the body of a dead gang boss, Sam is jailed for the murder. Granville set out to prove him innocent, but Sam is strangely uncooperative and refuses to answer questions, leading Granville to suspect that he is covering for someone. His only allies are Trent, a 17-year-old boy, familiar with the streets of Vancouver and Emily Turner, the progressive daughter of Victorian parents. The trail takes them from the docks, to the saloons, bordellos, Vaudeville theatres, China Town, and the finest homes of Vancouver.
April 17, 2012
An Entertaining Historical Mystery...
The Silk Train Murder entertained me from the start. Within a few pages I was transported to winter 1899 on Vancouver's rough and tumble waterfront. Rowse provides a fascinating glimpse of late 19th century society and weaves a mystery that left me guessing until the end. I had never heard of the transcontinental silk trains with their precious cargo. The plot kept me guessing and the romance between John Lansdowne Granville and Emily Turner provided provided additional insight into the society and lifestyle of the era.
Rowse kept me entertained as the mystery unfolded, and I enjoyed learning more about the west's early history and the people who made it.
The Silk Train Murder entertained me from the start. Within a few pages I was transported to winter 1899 on Vancouver's rough and tumble waterfront. Rowse provides a fascinating glimpse of late 19th century society and weaves a mystery that left me guessing until the end. I had never heard of the transcontinental silk trains with their precious cargo. The plot kept me guessing and the romance between John Lansdowne Granville and Emily Turner provided provided additional insight into the society and lifestyle of the era.
Rowse kept me entertained as the mystery unfolded, and I enjoyed learning more about the west's early history and the people who made it.
October 6, 2017
At the start of this book I almost gave up on it. But, I am glad that I stuck with it. The book starts a bit stilted and I had difficulty telling the characters apart as they did not seem to have their own voices. However, as the book moves along the characters do develop their own, well, characters. I also really like the main characters, Granville, Trent, and Emily, as well as the supporting cast. Also, the plot moved along well with enough twists to keep me interested and guessing but not so many to bog down and confuse the reading.
Overall, a good start to a new series. I enjoyed this read enough that I will look up book #2.
Overall, a good start to a new series. I enjoyed this read enough that I will look up book #2.
March 1, 2009
This book tries to be steam punk but...not sure the steam stuck with the story. I think my bias against the genre colors this a bit. I haven't found an author I like that can really pull off an engaging story in this genre. And I find myself really comparing it to classics like Murder on the Orient Express and falling far far short in structure, level of complexity and my engagement.
January 23, 2017
Better than I expected...I'm not usually a fan of "westerns" and was relieved to see this isn't one. Just a really good mystery/detective story set in 1899. This author has written more books, I'll likely read at least one or two more to see if I want to follow her work. Looking good so far!
June 21, 2009
Hmmm. Set in 1899 Vancouver, which was kind of fun in itself. A first novel, which showed a bit, I thought, but overall an enjoyable read.
July 18, 2015
fun read
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews