THE RAILWAY DETECTIVE

Shortly before the Great Exhibition of 1851 is to open in England, the London to Birmingham mail train is robbed and derailed. D.I. Robert Colbeck is assigned to investigate the case, which promptly expands to include murder and blackmail. The challenge of multiple British, Scottish, and Irish accents is admirably met by Simon Prebble. He conveys the great variety of the characters' personalities--whether blustering, sarcastic, pompous, sneering, officious, or refined--so convincingly that the listener will quickly become emotionally allied with or repelled by certain individuals. (Colbeck's superior is particularly unlikable.) Though not filled with action and suspense, this is an enjoyable period piece of detective fiction. S.S.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]