‘A Dangerous Train of Thought’ by Faith Martin

Published by HQ Digital,
15 January 2026.
ISBN: 978-000873843-2 (PB)

Sir Bayard Cherville surveyed his lovely Georgian Manor house and his gently rolling acres of south Yorkshire only six miles from the coast. Although the Great War, taxes and the changed times had made inroads into his coffers, the family were still an important part of society.  Lady Sybil was not over keen on country living and hosted lavish weekend parties which Sir Bayard bore stoically.

A Thursday in 1926 finds Bayard is contemplating the arrival of his first guests. While Sybil his wife is uneasy, he couldn’t know, could he?  She’s been so careful. 

Meanwhile, Arbuthnot 'Arbie' Lancelot Swift is looking forward to the promise of a lavish weekend party.  He has no idea that he has been cast as a celebrity, but he is a happy go-lucky kind of chap simply looking forward to a spot of fishing, maybe a bit of cricket and a few games of billiards. However, Sybil is an avid reader of Arbie’s books and is eager to show him off to her distinguished guests. Arbie is also tasked with investigating rumours of a ‘ghost train spitting fire’ for the third instalment of the increasingly popular (to Arbie’s great surprise) Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-hunting. Sitting opposite to him on the train is Miss Valentina Coulton-James, a vicar’s daughter, who keeps Arbie’s nose to the grindstone re his ghost-hunting. He has tried desperately not to sign another contract for a third book, but Val has other ideas, she also harbours feelings for Arbie, of which he is totally unaware. 

Also on route is Miss Agnes Warren, who is so excited that she finds it difficult to sit still, for something beyond her wildest dreams has happened. And not far away is Bill Endicott, an adonis just over six feet with, blue eyes and a strong jaw. But Bill is not looking forward to the weekend party, but sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and grin and bear things.  Roger and Daphne Potts-Gibson have very different reasons for looking forward to this weekend break. 

But when the guests start dying, Arbie finds himself thrust into the middle of a murder investigation.  Will he and Val be able to uncover the truth? 

With a terrific mix of characters this is an intriguing mystery. But can Val and Arbie solve it? Cleverley plotted this is an exciting mystery. I look forward to the next instalment'
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

Faith Martin is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton who was born in Oxford. She is best known for writing a series of books set around Oxfordshire, with the starring character being DI Hillary Greene. She also has a series set in Oxford in 1960 featuring PC Trudy Loveday, who is assigned to help coroner Clement Ryder. Writing as Joyce Cato, she has published 7 books featuring Jenny Starling, a travelling cook and amateur detective. And four books featuring Monica Noble, a vicar's wife with a taste for solving crimes. Her latest series is set in the featuring Val and Arbie.