When the engines finally met, there was a deafening clash and the Brighton Express twisted and buckled, tipping its carriages on to the other line. It was a scene of utter devastation.

October 1854. As crowds of passengers rush to make the departure of the London to Brighton Express, a man watches from the shadows nearby, grimly satisfied as the train pulls out of the station. Chaos, fatalities and unbelievable destruction are the scene soon after when the train derails on the last leg of its journey. Could it simply be a case of driver error? Detective Inspector Colbeck thinks not.

Edward Marston was born and brought up in South Wales. A full-time writer for over thirty years, he has worked in radio, film, television and the theatre. He is a former Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association.

Sam Dastor's theatrical experiences include a season at the National Theatre under Olivier in Volpone and in Zeffirelli's Much Ado about Nothing. His West End credits include Melon, Hidden Laughter and Cell Mates, and he has also made over 1,000 plays and readings for radio. Among his many television appearances are I, Claudius, Fortunes of War and Spooks, while his films include The Life and Death of Peter Sellers.