Like other readers, I found the Holmesian similarities readily apparent. On the positive side, the characters are likable and the plot flows along smoothly, though not complexly. On the negative side, Inspector Colbeck's leaps of intuition are a bit unconvincing and I found the dialog slightly unnatural.

On the whole, a pleasant-enough mystery with which to while away a few hours. I'll probably read the next one in the series though there's no sense of urgency. ( )

Rather a mixture. Despite the impeccable detail, this story had the feeling of being set in a slightly later period, and I'm not entirely sure why. It might be the dialogue (which I sometimes found pedestrian), or perhaps the Holmesean resonances, especially the characters of the engine driver and his daughter who seemed to me straight out of Conan Doyle, or at least his era. I also found the plot a little thin, espcially the detective's ability to anticipate an outrage at a precise spot in the Crystal Palace, on the slenderest of evidence.
Nevertheless, the story had considerable charm, especially the disarmingly innocent attraction between the detective and the engine driver's daughter. This was refreshing and sensitively done. Indeed the entire book had the feel of being written many decades ago. If the author intended this, then he triumphed.
I shall certainly read more of these. The charm and unique atmosphere for me outweigh the shortcomings and perhaps, when this series gets into its stride (I intentionally read the first story first) it will strengthen further. ( )

The first in the serries Cleb Andrews a train driver is attacked on his train. During the investegation Inspector Colbeck meets Clebs daughter with whom he forms a lasting friendship. ( )

This is the first of a new series of railway detective books, set in Victorian England of the mid-19th century. The pace is sedate and the plot not unduly complex, but it makes for pleasant enough reading. There are hints of Holmes and Watson in the foppish inspector and his loyal sergeant. Both the period setting and the railway ambience add interest. ( )

The Railway Detective is the first in a series of light mystery novels featuring Inspector Robert Colbeck of Scotland Yard of mid-19th century England. In this first installment, a train carrying gold from the mint and mail is highjacked and the fireman of the train is forced to derail the engine after the driver refuses and is forcibly kicked off the train. After looking around for clues, Colbeck realizes that the robbery is probably an inside job, but just as he and his partner, Sgt. Leeming, start getting a break, there are a series of murders that occur that starts them on their search yet again. Add to this Marston's stuffy boss, who thinks Marston's techniques are unsporting and ungentlemanly and a damsel in distress, and you've got the story.

It's fun, a bit of a fluff piece but still very interesting due to the period details. I'd recommend it to people who like British series mysteries, anyone interested in that time period, and people maybe looking for something new in their mystery reading. ( )