1861, East Anglia. Alone in a first-class carriage, the Swarbricks are robbed at gunpoint, but when the universally-admired Swarbrick fights back, the train robber takes more than money and jewellery, killing the man working to unify East Anglia's tangle of railway networks. Inspector Colbeck is brought in from London, as the only detective in Britain with enough expertise for the job. But as Swarbrick's glowing reputation begins to crumble, the line of investigation isn't clear: Is this the act of a bungling burglar, a business rival, a disgruntled son, or a jealous lover? Whoever it is, they are determined to involve Colbeck in their fight. Is the Railway Detective following the right track or will he need to switch points to bring the murderer to justice?
Edward Marston
Edward Marston is a prolific British author known for his historical mysteries and crime novels. His most notable works include the Railway Detective series, the Domesday series, and the Elizabethan theater series. Marston's writing is characterized by meticulous historical research, intricate plots, and well-developed characters.
Marston's contributions to literature include bringing historical settings to life with vivid detail and creating engaging mysteries that keep readers hooked until the very end. His impact on the historical mystery genre is significant, as he has inspired many other authors to explore different time periods in their own works.
One of Marston's most famous works is the first book in the Railway Detective series, "The Railway Detective," which follows the adventures of Inspector Robert Colbeck as he solves crimes on the expanding railway network of Victorian England. This series has gained a wide readership and critical acclaim for its unique blend of history and mystery.