Murder On The Train (Paperback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

If you're looking for a true crime book that reads like a novel, look no further.

"Murder On The Train" by John J. Eddleston is an accessible non-fiction book about an Edwardian murder case I hadn't heard of before. In 1910, John Nisbett was murdered while delivering his employer's wages. What started as the search of two killers somehow turned into the accusation and arrest of one man, John Dickman.

But did Dickman actually do it? To his dying breath, he insisted he was innocent. So, did his wife and many that witnessed the case. Between solely circumstancial evidence, unreliable and questionable witnesses and stained evidence, Dickman had no chance. The author wishes with this book to shed the light on the unfairness of Dickman's trial and propose an alternative solve to the mystery.

The book starts with a detailed, and somewhat cinematic, introduction to the case. Over half of the book shares the case in its entirety, introduces us to all the parties involved as well as takes us through the trial and verdict.

And I will tell you I was baffled by the incompetence of everyone involved in the case. If I didn't know this had been a fiction, I would have called the whole thing unbelievable. But, unfortunately, it is true.

Afterwards, the author explains his theory and who he thinks actually committed the crime. I would rather avoid spoilers in my review so I won't go into the details, but I will say that the author's version of what happened certainly makes more sense than the prosecution ever did. While some of it might involve guesswork (how could it not after all that time?), it provides answers to many of the open questions that lingered after poor Dickman's execution.

I enjoyed this book and can safely say I found myself hooked.

NetGalley, Mona M

Murder on the Train is an absorbing, well-crafted exploration of a century-old crime. Eddleston skillfully blends rigorous historical analysis with the dramatic tension of a mystery novel, making the book both enlightening and emotionally engaging.

The research is evident throughout, and I especially appreciated the author’s thoroughly detailed descriptions of the victim and his wife, the accused, the witnesses, and the crime locations. The inclusion of images and maps at the back of the book was a particularly nice detail.

NetGalley, Carolanne Barry

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I had never heard of this historical murder before, so I found this book to be so interesting. It was such a thought provoking read that made me think throughout history I wonder how many innocent people were sent to their deaths, the sheer number it probably could have been is heartbreaking.
I couldn't put this book down I was totally absorbed.

NetGalley, Kirsty Montgomery

I enjoyed this book. If you like True Crime or whodunits, this is a good book to add to your collection. I am curious to see if others agree with the author.

NetGalley, Shannan Lee

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was an excellent book. It was well-written. I would highly recommend this book.

NetGalley, Lisabeth Racine

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A non-fiction book that reads like an Agatha Christie novel.
The first thing that struck me about ‘Murder on the Train’ is how readable the book is. I was so caught up in the story that I found myself picking it up in my lunch break, to catch up on the next instalment.
The book is an analysis of a murder which took place over a century ago. In 1910, a quiet, unassuming man, John Nisbett was travelling on the 10:27 Newcastle train, when he was shot five times in the head. In a ‘locked room’ mystery, he was found under the seat of an empty railway carriage, leaving more questions than answers. The ‘why’ was no mystery; Nisbett had been carrying miners’ wages from the bank to the colliery and this was a robbery. But were there one or two killers and how did they get off the train unseen?
The author walks us through who saw what, and when, and introduces the main suspect; John Dickman. The latter was arrested, tried, found guilty, and hanged. An open and shut case you might say…except all the ‘evidence’ was circumstantial and even at the time petitions were raised that this was an unsafe conviction.
In a twist, the author then explains his take on events and gives an extremely plausible explanation as to what happened and who the killer(s) [No spoilers!] were. To me, he has nailed it. Mystery solved!
This book was a hugely enjoyable read that speed past with the tension of a fictional thriller. Anyone interested in true crime, Victoriana, or miscarriages of justice is going to be fascinated by this book. If your are on the fence about reading it, ponder no longer and dive in…you won’t regret it.

NetGalley, Pippa Elliott

Very compelling read! The book follows the death and subsequent trial of his killer, a unique view into the judicial system in the early 1900’s and how things can go very wrong. I really enjoyed the book. It read very well, and kept me interested. The author was able to break down the case, the problems with it and alternative conclusions without the story becoming rote or dry. I appreciated that the case was viewed objectively from both sides, that is if the accused was the killer, and if not. Overall, a very satisfying read, and definitely makes me want to see if the case in reopened!

NetGalley, Leigh Bacon