First published as a collection in 1927 these 12 stories are short and to the point. While some are recognisable from the TV series, there were some that I had not come across before. Provided the reader can grasp that when the actual stories were written they were quite unique, the people of the day would have been mesmerized as they turned each page. With this in mind it's a “Pick' rating from me

While the investigation into the latest murder on the railway was interesting the ending was somewhat flat compared to other stories in the Railway Detective series. Had it not been for some chance finds, I didn't feel that the detective's would have solved this case. The introduction of a clairvoyant hotelier added a little silliness and coupled with some heated family discussions that didn't enhance the story I was left a little disappointed.

I'm part way through reading the Railway Detective's Christmas Case set in 1864. The investigation has taken them to Oldbury in the Black Country. I was more than surprised when a mention was made relating to a nearby Chemical works, a company that I worked for and visited quite often. One of the hotels locally had two function rooms, one called the Albright and the other called the Wilson suite.

I collected the Montford Maniac from the Library on Saturday without realising it was the 2nd book in the Violet Thorn Mysteries series. The first book, I disliked,. To say I dislike the 2nd book is an understatement and I couldn't agree more with the review that I found on Amazon.

In 1932 the Abbey Road Building society opened on 219-229 Baker Street, London. Immediately receiving numerous letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes from the public asking for help, a secretary was employed to furnish a reply. One plea for help prompts the secretary to become a Holmes assistant and search for a missing Maid. Sadly the actual story itself wasn't that inspiring. With a mediocre plot and characters the investigation just ambled along

Having read 17 of the Railway detective series in my opinion this was by far the best. Apart from some action at the beginning , the story mainly followed the investigation. However, it also had a few other interesting storylines that cropped up on a regular bases throughout which enhanced my opinion of this book . It was a riveting historical police procedural that I had difficulty in putting down. An excellent read.

With numerous characters in the 2nd of the Lord Petteril's Mystery series I found it a bit difficult to follow the plot in some sections. Less flowing than Petteril's Thief it was still and enjoyable story but not quite so satisfying. This is an ideal book to read on one of those restful lazy days when there isn't much else to do.

'The Ardlamont Mystery' which was the original title given to this book describes more accurately the actual content. As a Victorian true life mystery and subsequent trial, it was very informative. However, filled out with some unesscesary trivialities which didn't relate to Ardlamont Ithe book became quite boring in places. The prominence given to Sherlock Holmes on the cover I expect, is to attract his fans who may be disappointed in this book

Before this morning I had not come across this series of books. My granddaughter read the first book and enjoyed it which prompted me to purchase the Crown of Midnight for her. I expect eventually, I will end up buying the entire set.

As a birthday present, I took my partner to Emmerdale today. She was really pleased to meet Caleb and he signed her guide.

The paperback edition of the Ardlamont Mystery has been published in 2024 with the title 'The Men Who Were Sherlock Holmes'

Following a murder in Swindon Railway Works which is particularly gruesome the detective's have a difficult case. With at least five credible suspects the investigation is lengthy and complex. To make matters worse an acting superintendent causes problems while another is taken by force in Kent. The Swindon case was solved but lacked some credibility and once Colbeck reached Kent the issues there were dealt with. Will Christmas be a happy one?

I've just managed to obtain a first UK edition of this book published in 1974. It's going to be a Mega read.

If you had a list of characters from this novel, without reading a page you may be able to guess 'who done it'. As soon as this character was introduced I had hoped a twist in the story would occur and my own guess would be wrong. Sadly it wasn't to be. The investigation pottered along at a slow pace with no real urgency. As a sideline to the main story, the release of the detective's dangerous father from prison turned out to be a non-event.

I was taken to see a circus when I was a small boy and didn't enjoy it. Because of that experience I was not overly keen on reading this, the 14th book in the Railway Detective Series. Settling in to the investigations, two in Northumberland and one in London, there wasn't much progress and a lot of time was spent travelling without many thrills. In the latter stages the story came alive resulting in another very enjoyable and fulfilling mystery.

Some of the books that I intend toread over the coming weeks .

With an interesting opening and written in quite a pleasing, relaxed manor I was really enjoying the first in the Norhminster Mysteries. Unfortunately the investigation became slightly tedious as the book progressed and with the introduction of some romantic, courting interludes my enjoyment diminished. A third of the way through I had assumed who the guilty person maybe although I had the reasoning completely wrong. The ending redeemed the story.

It's nice to know that you are going to enjoy a book even before you start reading it. All of the Railway Detective books that I have previously read were good and there should be no reason why this one would be any different. I wasn't disappointed. A womaniser had been murdered and Inspector Colbeck was called in to solve the case. I had no idea who the guilty person was until it was revealed and with an unexpected motive it was a pleasant read.

'Sherborne was a pleasant town, nestling around a magnificent abbey..........yet Leeming hardly took any notice of it' I've Just started chapter 7 of this book and Leeming's investigations have taken him to Sherborne, which is where I was a couple of weeks ago. The photo is of Sherborne Abbey's Organ.

Quite an interesting police procedural set in South Wales UK, the 2nd book in the D.I. Meadows series. While it was well worth reading it wasn't a patch on book one. I did manage to surmise what had occured in the events leading up to the murders well in advance of the crime team, and remained ahead of the investigation throughout. Frozen Minds iis a steady, moderately paced book that is satisfying but I wouldn't say enthralling.

If someone asks why I enjoy reading the answer will be found in Petteril's Thief. It is about family and friendship, about truth and deception but mostly it is one of those stories that leaves you satisfied with a warm feeling inside and a sense of fulfilment. A reluctant Viscount, a 'boy' taken off the streets and the selection of loyal servants all intermingled in one household introduces the reader to the excellent Lord Petteril mystery series

#NoPlaceLikeHolmes This book has just been obtained by our County Library. It looks really interesting. I took a picture of the Great Detective while in Baker Street a few weeks ago.

1890 Bath, England is the setting for a story that loosely encapsulates the upper class sentiments of the era.Fancying a cosy mystery is the reason I chose this book. At the start I was pleased with my choice, It had a relaxing, interesting storyline with lots of amusing occurrences and even a little romance on offer. Unfortunately once the detective work begins the story slows, becomes somewhat dreary, elongated and uninspiring.

For 8 weeks I've experienced a readers block. Only the publication of Karen Charlton's latest novel, some 4 years after the last 'Lavender' mystery tempted me back. A mystery with a Myriad of Characters, an interesting number of cases and with a new Magistrate, this book has everything one requires in an historical police procedural novel. With a very pleasing ending this pleasant story has left me invigorated and looking forward to my next read

As I really enjoyed the Victorian Detective series by Carol Hedges, I thought that I would introduce my Grand Daughter to this author. I obtained a copy of The Dark Side Of Midnight, (Spy Girl Book 1) for her.

As this book looks interesting, I purchased a copy for my Grand Daughter. She still loves reading a lot.

This story was set in a sleepy out of season seaside resort and mainly revolved around the local Newspaper office and its employees. When there are two deaths on the same day ,one of the employees believes murder is the cause and starts her own investigation. While it has been described as a cosy mystery, cosy is too fast a word for this monotonous book. Only with dogged perseverance did I manage to reach, with a sigh of relief, the last page.

A Face Book post by Karen Charlton.

The books shown in the picture, which are being delivered Tuesday, will be some of my next reads.These are in addition to the books obtained from the Library.

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.

We found this absolutely riveting book on our apartment block swap shelf. It's a book my partner chose as it's not one that I would have picked myself. While some parts were a little far fetched the story itself was very tense and mostly believable.The anguish of the missing girls mother was conveyed in such away that the anxiety and anger felt by her was effectively passed on to the reader. For edge of the seat reading, it's excellent.👌

What I thought was going to be a case that was easily solvable, turned into a marathon. With the Sergeant questioning some of the inspector's methods and both showing some fatigue with the Superintendent's suggestions it was a slightly different format to previous books in the Railway detective series. While I wasn't too certain if the introduction of some sexual content with its accompanying descriptive text was really necessary its a good read

Previously published as Saint's Rest by Keith Miles, this is another re-release under the pen name of Edward Marston. 'Homicide in Chicago.'

My partner really enjoys reading JoJo Moyes novels which prompted me to try one of JoJo's books myself. I can't say that I was grasped by the story from page one, but as the book continued I realised that I was actually enjoying it. Yes, it was about Dolphins, Whales sleepy hideaway coves and impending change but also about tradegy, families and relationships. Even the most cold hearted reader will be left with a warm feeling inside.

Too many coincidences and too much involvement from a sheepdog gave silly undertones to what could have been an intriguing investigation. While the story was interesting, the anamosity between some characters and arguments between others lessened my enjoyment of this novel. Most of the Railway detective books that I have read so far have been a pleasurable, comfort and believable read. Let's hope this series doesn't continue on the down-line.

I wasn't certain if I was reading a book for a teenage audience or younger. I wouldn't describe it as for adults based on the plot. Somehow I knew that the password would be guessed on the last try, everyone would escape from impossible situations and how they would all know where to meet up, along with the locations of the missiles by some dubious deductions. This was my first Lee Child/Jack Reacher Book. It will also be my last.

The previous story of the railway detective I found disappointing. I also found this book slow and labouring at the start, it was as if the author had lost his way. Gone was the exciting openings I had associated with the books in this series. The slow start was hiding, what turned out to be a really interesting case with some exciting moments. Although it was obvious where the diary and cash was hidden the ending was more than satisfactory.

The story is loosely based on the Jack the Ripper crimes that haunted Whitechapel in London towards the end of the 19th century. Apparently this is the first of an intended series of books featuring the two main characters. While I enjoy Victorian Police Procedural fiction, I do like to have some excitement in the storyline which I found lacking in this novel. I also found the actual story to be slow and overly descriptive and not to my liking.

A little more gruesome than some of the other Railway Detective series, I found the story just as entertaining although disappointing. A measure of predictability in the slow investigation and with some ludicrous decisions made by the the two, previously intelligent and calculating fugitives which could lead to their capture, it was not on a par with earlier novels.

Not your usual Victorian Crime mystery. Nine new born babies were discovered buried in flowerpots. Their deaths came under the durisdiction of the Coroner. The same Coroner that was being thrashed by a whore prior to her becoming his assistant and wife. Subsequently, what occurs in the matrimonial bed is described in great detail. While the investigation of the crime is not that inspiring the court case and storyline itself is very good.

Who would have thought that such a picturesque cover would encompass an immensely intriguing story. Commencing in 1999 this is a crime investigation into the murder and attempted murder of two school girls. Years later, after a further incident the case is reopened.The investigating officers, the victim and the suspects who were all children when the crime took place all attended the same school. An exceptional, gripping book for crime enthusiasts

Eleven short stories all of which were overflowing with detail and will be exceedingly entertaining for all those who adore the great detective. Martin Daley has a relaxed way of writing that portrays the era and wraps the reader in a blanket of nostalgia. While reading his novels I can easily imagine being in the same room or walking the same streets as the characters he is portraying, a skill not all writers have.

A Christmas present from my Daughter. Happy Christmas everyone.

While there were no train crashes in this novel someone did get killed by one. Apart from the journeys taken by the Detective and his Sergeant the crimes to be investigated in this story took place away from the railway. The investigation itself made an interesting read and with an abundance of prime suspects it was quite difficult to ascertain who was responsible until the very end. Another good case for Edward Marston's Railway detective.

Different from the normal kind of book that I read, I found the story somewhat unique and interesting. Set in the 1950s it was quite eye opening. Describing the various attitudes of the time and the brutality of the police was shocking. This was the first in a series following Evander Mills or the Gay Detective as he was once described. While I enjoyed the story as a one off, I don't feel that inspired to continue reading anymore in the series.

A very pleasant way to spend the day. Free hot drinks and a place where you will feel welcome.

Looking for a new author to read in the Historical Fiction section I came across 'To Find A Penny' The storyline appears slightly unusual. Lets hope I like it.

Quick reads are quite useful, it kept me entertained during a four hour flight. This story started off in away that gave me hope that I was going to be reading a good book. The crime was interesting, it revolved around an aggrieved son wanting his pound of flesh after the suicide of his mother. While interesting in the first part of the book it became a little far fetched as the story progressed. I feel the story was an ideal read for adolescents.

Out of the eight Railway Detective books that I have read by Edward Marston, this was by far the best. It was enjoyable from start to finish. While I had an idea part way through that the evidence was not all that it seemed, the way the story progressed made me dismiss my theory. This book is all that one can expect from an excellent historical police procedural murder mystery and with a great ending I would class it as a cosy read.

I've just read a book that was published in 1954, Safer Dead: At the back of the book it had a list of famous authors in Panther books. Out of interest I checked which of these were still alive. Sadly there is only one, Len Deighton who is now aged 94. Of those listed it appears that Dylan Thomas had the most tragic and needless death at a young age. I try to imagine all the authors now gone, sat at their desks pondering what to write next.