‘Mystery at the Station Hotel’ by Edward Marston

Published by Allison & Busby,
23 January 2025.
ISBN: 978-0-749030124-4 (HB)

The year is 1866 and at the Station Hotel in Shrewsbury the body is discovered of Julian Lockyer, an important figure in the Great Western Railway. At first it is believed to be suicide, but why would a man expected to be elected as the next Chairman of the Railway kill himself? Plus, the knife used was by his right hand – he was left-handed!

Superintendent Edward Tallis of Scotland Yard dispatches Inspector Robert Colbeck and his Sergeant Victor Leeming to investigate. They have a rather frosty welcome from the local police, who believe they are quite capable of solving the murder themselves, however as things turn out, they really need their help. As Colbeck and Leeming delve more into Lockyer’s life, it becomes clear that he was not the respectable gentleman he would have everyone believe.

A real puzzle is why did he tell friends and family he was going to visit someone he knew in Kent, when he actually went to Shrewsbury? His son Pelham is especially at a lost to understand, and when he finds out is knocked for six.

At the same time, Colbeck’s wife Madeleine, an artist of some repute, has a mystery of her own to unravel. Someone is copying her work and passing themselves off as her. Not only that but one such painting is seen for sale in a shop window. Madeleine is incensed and together with her outraged father Caleb, resolves to find the culprit, leading to a very surprising outcome.

Meanwhile back in Shrewsbury the police wonder if the person responsible for Lockyer’s death is someone jealous of his expected promotion. Colbeck is not too sure, it doesn’t feel right to him.

It soon becomes clear that whoever planned the killing actually hired someone else to do their dirty work for them. If the police can discover who carried out the murder, it will surely lead them to the person behind it all, but this proves more difficult than expected. The local police really do need Colbeck’s expertise now.

Another absorbing book in the Railway Detective series. I have read many of the previous stories and have nothing but praise for the way the author brings to life the times of the days of steam. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

Edward Marston (A pseudonym used by Keith Miles) was born and brought up in South Wales. A full-time writer for over thirty years, he has worked in radio, film, television and the theatre and is a former chairman of the Crime Writers' Association. Prolific and highly successful, he is equally at home writing children's books or literary criticism, plays or biographies.

www.edwardmarston.com 

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.