A Christmas Railway Mystery

Edward Marston's The Railway Detective series has the perfect mix of mystery and history...and trains!

December 1860. The morning shift at the Swindon Locomotive works sees an army of men pouring out of terraced houses built by the GWR. This is a town and planned community that aims to provide for its employees from the cradle to the grave. Unfortunately, the men happen upon the body of boiler smith Kenneth Rodman. Mr. Rodman is headed for the grave sooner than expected, or he will be once his missing head is found.

Colbeck, the Railway Detective, finds his investigation into Rodman's murder mired in contradictions and far too many suspects. Was the victim a short-tempered brawler, or a committed Christian and chorister, with the voice of an angel who aimed to better himself? On the trail of Rodman's killer as the holiday season starts, Colbeck finds little festive cheer in the twists and turns of this peculiar case.

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Series: The Railway Detective Series
Author: Edward Marston
Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
Publisher: Allison and Busby

A Christmas Railway Mystery is the creation of Edward Marston. This book is very entertaining and a wonderful addition to the Railway Detective Series. Mr. Marston is a highly creative writer who knows his subject matter and can weave a story that will keep the reader turning the page.

Detective Colbeck is a man who knows how to solve a crime. He is patient as well as compassionate; he makes certain he has the right man or woman before he takes the necessary steps to slap on the handcuffs. The character is charming, intelligent and methodical.

Colbeck’s sidekick, Victor Leeming is a study in contradiction. He jumps from one suspect to another and is always sure he knows who the killer is, and changes his mind as often as he changes his shirt. He is slowly learning to look before leaping under the detective’s guidance. This character brings smiles and occasional laughter, mixed with a bit of head shaking for the reader. Supporting characters are interesting; a few are the type that we love to hate. The characters keep the reader engaged throughout the story. Even the suspects have a fascination to them that makes the reader want to find out who they are.

Mr. Marston designed the setting for this book with enough detail to allow the reader to travel back in time and feel that they understand the layout of the area, the railway system as well as the people who live and work there along with the purpose for everything they do.

When the killer is revealed, many will scratch their head wondering how they could have missed the clues that point to a murderer but will know the solution is correct. This is a tribute to the talent, skill, and creativeness of the author. A Christmas Railway Mystery is fast-paced, well written and highly entertaining. Anyone who enjoys a good who-done-it will find that they cannot put this book down.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

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 murder, 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 murders, 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!