The Railway Detective

Title: The Railway Detective

Author: Edward Marston

Published in: 2004

Date read: 22nd March 2011

Score: 4/5

Genre: Historical fiction, Crime, Detective

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Railway Detective," published in 2004, is the first novel in Edward Marston's popular series, introducing Inspector Robert Colbeck, a Victorian-era detective specialising in crimes committed on or around Britain's burgeoning railway network. Set in 1851, the novel expertly blends a classic whodunit with a fascinating historical backdrop of early railway expansion and societal change.

The story begins with a brutal and audacious crime: a passenger train from Euston to Birmingham is deliberately derailed, resulting in a horrific crash that kills several passengers, including a wealthy lawyer and his mistress. The incident is immediately recognised as no accident, but a meticulously planned act of sabotage.

Inspector Robert Colbeck, a sharp, intuitive, and somewhat unconventional detective from Scotland Yard, is assigned to the case. Known for his keen understanding of the new railway technology and his progressive investigative methods, Colbeck is dubbed "the Railway Detective." He is assisted by his loyal and steadfast subordinate, Sergeant Victor Leeming.

As Colbeck and Leeming begin their investigation, they uncover a complex web of motives and suspects. The deceased lawyer, a man named Potter, was involved in contentious land deals related to railway expansion, and his will is shrouded in mystery. The train's derailment was no random act; it was designed to target specific individuals.

Their inquiry takes them through the smoky, bustling railway stations, the burgeoning industrial heartlands of Victorian England, and the elegant drawing-rooms of the wealthy. They delve into the cutthroat world of railway politics, land speculation, and bitter personal rivalries. They encounter disgruntled landowners, ruthless businessmen, aggrieved family members, and various other characters with something to gain or lose from the railway's progress.

The novel paints a vivid picture of the mid-19th century, with its rapid technological advancements contrasting with lingering social inequalities and traditional ways of life. Colbeck must navigate not only the complexities of the crime but also the skepticism of traditional police officers who are wary of his "modern" methods and his focus on the newfangled railways.

The climax involves Colbeck meticulously piecing together the clues, understanding the mechanics of the derailment, and ultimately unmasking the cunning murderer, whose motives are deeply rooted in the financial and personal upheavals brought about by the railway age. "The Railway Detective" is a well-crafted historical mystery that combines a compelling puzzle with a rich sense of period.

Comments:
On a Christmas visit, my uncle dropped off the first couple of books in this series that he had read. I left the first for a few months then gave it a go and really enjoyed it. Very entertaining and I have since, read several more.

Books that we've read by Edward Marston (7):
The Railway Detective (2004), The Excursion Train (The Railway Detective #2) (2005), The Railway Viaduct (The Railway Detective, #3) (2006), The Iron Horse (The Railway Detective #4) (2007), Murder on the Brighton Express (The Railway Detective, #5) (2007), The Silver Locomotive Mystery (The Railway Detective #6) (2009), Railway to the Grave (The Railway Detective #7) (2010)