This is the 21st in the Hillary Greene mystery series. I have read about half of them. This book would work as a standalone.

Former DI Hillary Greene, now retired, has been hired by Thames Valley police as a consultant for cold cases. She lives on a narrowboat and drives a car she has tagged, “Puff the Tragic Wagon”, which gives you some insight into her character!
Hillary has also written a mystery book which is about to be published. To help promote it, she takes a holiday trip to a quaint town in Wales that is known for its bookstores. While staying at a charming inn, she embarks with six fellow guests on a nostalgic and picturesque steam train trip. When one of the group is murdered while sitting on the train, Hillary becomes involved in the investigation.

This is an Agatha Christiesque locked room mystery which the author acknowledges through Hillary’s narrative. Faith Martin writes absorbing British police procedurals and this one is no exception. The story is engrossing and entertaining with good character development. Hillary is a strong, capable individual and I really enjoy the humor expressed in Martin’s writing.

I recommend this series for fans of British police procedurals with an engaging protagonist.

Thanks to #netgalley and @joffebooks for the DRC. ( )