Reviewing the 231 page paperback.

this is the first in a series of 'Jim Stringer - steam detective' books written by Andrew Martin. I'd bought it for someone else originally but i thought the history element of it might be interesting so i read it myself.

We follow a young man starting out in his career on the Railway in 1903, moving to London to better himself and try and work his way up to the respected footplate ranks. The Author builds a wonderful picture of city life, dotted with quirky, street hardened characters all searching for a safe route through the lower class struggle.

The description and atmosphere of the Steam sheds are terrific, embellished by the main characters love of his steam engines and career dreams. The railwaymen he encounters are a mix of remote men, adding mystery and resentment to our characters day.

Learning of his predecessors demise, Jim looks to find out what he can about the death, as much fearing for his own safety. The plot is a bit thin, for although it does become a murder investigation, it's somehow de-emphasized by the full scene and lifestyle writing in the book. It's purpose seems only to be as a vehicle for the clever writing of Railway and working life at the time, which i don't have a problem with in terms of reading enjoyment. The protagonist is certainly no detective, which again the book cover misleads about.

The book in many respects is a joy. I enjoyed the characters and the history of the period. It'll help greatly if you have an interest in the railway and steam engines. If you're looking for a story to carry you through a book then this will be too flimsy for you. I suspect that the series of books was one book to start with, and that perhaps the story over all would appear much stronger.

It's a pleasant enough read and i'm already starting the next book 'The Blackpool Flyer'.