An intriguing dip into murky, mid-1850's London, full of twists and memorable characters, and a mystery that will surprise you at every turn. The Railway Detective is the eponymous opening title in the series of detective mystery novels written by Keith Miles under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He resents Colbeck's presence but is forced to admit that traces of wax on the keys of the corresponding safe prove that duplicates were made at Chubb.

Colbeck proves to be every bit as motivated as the thieves, giving this tale a dimension of cracking suspense. Travelling at top speed, the Brighton express comes off the line and collides with an oncoming ballast train.

When he discovers that the victim is a French engineer, Colbeck and his assistant, Sergeant Victor Leeming, travel to France where the British contractor, Thomas Brassey, is building a railway between Mantes and Caen. The project is plagued by vandalism and the detectives have to solve the crimes on French soil before they can pick up the trail to the villains back in England who perpetrated them.

His first historical mystery, The Queen's Head, was published in 1988, launching the Nicholas Bracewell series. Because of his highly acclaimed style of writing and unique setting, he is regarded as a pro in his field by many reputed magazines.He is not helped by the appointment of an old enemy as acting superintendent at Scotland Yard, a man determined to throw his weight around. His commitment to his family does not sit well with the workaholic Tallis who regards family as a distraction from work. Whereas Colbeck as the eponymous "railway detective" is enthralled by the "Railway Age", Leeming hates travelling by train.