All aboard for a thrilling ride through post-war Britain with the Inspector Vignoles Mystery series! Penned by Stephen Done, this captivating collection of historical crime novels whisks readers to the gritty, steam-filled world of 1946–1957, where Detective Inspector Charles Vignoles untangles chilling mysteries along the tracks of the Great Central Railway. Think foggy platforms, swinging jazz, and a nation rebuilding amidst austerity—this series is a nostalgic ticket to suspense.
With its blend of meticulous historical detail and heart-pounding whodunits, Inspector Vignoles Mystery offers more than just crime-solving. It’s a love letter to the age of steam trains and the resilient spirit of a country emerging from war’s shadow. Ready to dive into this atmospheric adventure? Let’s explore the tracks that make this series unforgettable.
How Inspector Vignoles Mystery Began
Stephen Done, a museum curator and lifelong railway enthusiast, crafted the Inspector Vignoles Mystery series from a deep passion for steam trains and post-war history. Growing up in Scarborough and witnessing the demolition of Brackley’s great viaduct, Done’s childhood dreams of driving locomotives were dashed when steam engines faded. Instead, he channeled that nostalgia into vivid storytelling, launching the series in 2007 with Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. His goal? To resurrect the silent tracks of the Great Central Railway through gripping tales of crime and human struggle.
Inspired by the austere 1940s and 1950s, Done’s novels reflect his expertise as a historian and his knack for evocative settings. Partnering with artist Bill Citrine for striking cover art, he independently published through The Vignoles Press, building a loyal fanbase among railway buffs and mystery lovers alike.
The Heart of Inspector Vignoles Mystery
The series follows Detective Inspector Charles Vignoles, a sharp-minded railway detective navigating murder and mayhem in post-war Britain. In Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (2007), set in 1946, Vignoles investigates a counterfeiting ring in Woodford Halse, only for a shocking discovery to spiral the case into deadly chaos. The Murder of Crows (2008) plunges readers into the 1947 Big Freeze, where a young woman’s death on a snowy train unveils a silent killer. The Torn Curtain (2009) ventures into 1948’s Cold War tensions, with Vignoles probing murders in Trieste that threaten global conflict. Blood and Custard (2015) tackles a chilling 1952 serial killer case targeting young trainspotters in Leicester.
Each novel weaves themes of resilience, community, and moral ambiguity against the backdrop of a nation scarred by war. Done’s atmospheric prose captures the clatter of steam engines, the squalor of displaced persons’ camps, and the quiet courage of ordinary people. The series’ railway setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character, with its creosote-soaked sleepers and whistling locomotives driving the narrative’s pulse. Fans praise the rich character development, from Vignoles’ dogged determination to Sergeant Trinder’s loyal grit, making each mystery a warm yet unsentimental portrait of the era.
The series spans diverse locales, from Leicester’s bustling stations to New Brighton’s seaside charm, blending historical accuracy with suspense. Whether it’s the swing of 1940s jazz or the menace of a foggy platform, Done’s storytelling immerses readers in a world where crime and nostalgia collide.
Why Inspector Vignoles Mystery Resonates
The Inspector Vignoles Mystery series has carved a niche among historical crime fiction fans, particularly those enchanted by railways and post-war Britain. Its meticulous research and evocative settings have earned a devoted following, with books stocked at heritage railways like the Great Central and Gloucestershire Warwickshire. Done’s ability to balance gritty crime with human warmth appeals to readers seeking more than just a puzzle—it’s a journey into a bygone era.
The series’ potential grows, with plans for eBooks, audiobooks, and even a TV adaptation announced in 2023, signaling its rising cultural footprint. For railway enthusiasts and mystery lovers, Inspector Vignoles Mystery remains a hidden gem, celebrating the romance of steam and the thrill of a well-spun tale.
- First Book: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (2007)
- Latest Book: The Signalman’s Daughter (2022)
- Setting: Great Central Railway, 1946–1957
- Author: Stephen Done, museum curator and railway historian
Ready to hop aboard? Grab Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and let Inspector Vignoles guide you through the misty, mysterious world of post-war Britain’s railways!