The Silver Locomotive Mystery

Inspector Robert Colbeck has been called to Cardiff, along with his sergeant, Victor Leeming, to investigate the murder of a young silversmith.  The young man had been transporting a silver locomotive to a client.  Are the two thespians who travelled with the young man culpable?  Or could it be the son of the silversmith who had become estranged from his father?

The autopsy on the victim indicates that the person or persons involved in his death plainly wanted him to suffer.  Back in London, Leeming and Superintendent Tallis discover that the estranged son has disappeared when they go to investigate the robbery of the silversmith.  All of his work and his tools have been taken.  Is his son the culprit responsible for both crimes?  Colbeck has discovered that there were several people who were aware of the date and time of the delivery of the silver locomotive.

As Colbeck anticipated, a ransom note is delivered to the commissioner of the locomotive.  He recommends paying the amount requested.  He hopes to use Leeming to set up a sting.  Unfortunately it is Leeming that is stung.  Colbeck is sure that a second request will be come forth shortly.  He is also firmly convinced that there is a particular woman involved.

Just before the ransom is to be handed over, an actress is kidnapped.  Is this done to divert Colbeck's attention from the exchange?  When Colbeck and Leeming arrest the man that they had suspected of the murder, Colbeck comes to a certain realisation.  Author Edward Marston gives the reader a surprising conclusion to this Victorian murder mystery.  A very good read.