9 Historical Cozy Mysteries Set on a Train
Murder, mystery, and marabou feathers aboard the most glamorous trains of the 1920s.
There’s something timeless about a murder mystery on a train. The luxury of first-class travel. The suspense of a confined space. The secrets steaming just beneath the surface. If you’re craving an atmospheric escape filled with clever sleuths, elegant fashion, and irresistible suspense, these nine historical cozy mysteries set on trains are your perfect ticket.
1. A Roaring Murder by Ava Ness
Lady Marigold’s 1920s Murder Mysteries – Book 1
All aboard for a very good murder mystery! Lady Marigold Grey—former British spy and accidental aristocrat—boards a train bound for England, only to find herself the prime suspect in a murder. With the help of her eccentric staff (and her mischievous white terrier), Marigold must solve the crime before the inspector’s handcuffs snap shut.
Witty, glamorous, and full of twists—perfect for fans of Miss Fisher and Lady Eleanor Swift.
2. Murder on the Golden Arrow by Magda Alexander
The Kitty Worthington Mysteries – Book 1
1923. England. Kitty Worthington is home from finishing school and swept up in scandal when a woman with ties to her brother is murdered aboard the Golden Arrow. With her brother facing the noose, Kitty dives into the investigation—armed with her maid, two noble suitors, and a flatulent basset hound named Sir Winston.
A sparkling debut full of high society, hijinks, and heart.
3. Death First Class by Elizabeth Oakey
Mrs Mortimer Mysteries – Book 4
Georgiana Mortimer embarks on an impromptu European holiday aboard the Vitesse Europa. But elegant train travel turns deadly when a fellow passenger is murdered. With the help of her eccentric family, curious friends, and her feisty terrier Crumpet, Georgiana must untangle a web of secrets across the continent.
A fast-paced and stylish mystery perfect for fans of Downton Abbey.
4. Death on a Train by Anita Davison
The Flora Maguire Mysteries – Book 5
1905. When a man is found dead aboard a train to Paddington, Flora’s young charge is accused of murder. With war looming and political tensions rising, Flora and her husband Bunny dive into a world of spies and fraudsters to clear Edward’s name. But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous things become.
Rich with Edwardian atmosphere, family stakes, and escalating suspense.
5. Murder on the Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood
Phryne Fisher Mysteries – Book 3
Phryne Fisher’s quiet train journey to Ballarat turns violent when a girl is found drugged and an elderly woman turns up dead. Armed with her wit, her trusty Beretta, and her loyal maid Dot, Phryne uncovers a sinister world of white slavery, missing jewels, and secrets worth killing for.
Bold, decadent, and utterly Phryne.
6. Death on the Scotland Express by Fliss Chester
A Cressida Fawcett Mystery – Book 4
Cressida Fawcett is enjoying martinis aboard the Scotland Express—until industrial tycoon Lewis Warriner is found shot dead in his cabin. With Scotland Yard’s Detective Andrews injured in a second attack, Cressida must unravel the secrets of the passengers and stop a murderer before they strike again.
Smart, stylish sleuthing in the Golden Age of train travel.
7. Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman by Lee Strauss
A Ginger Gold Mystery – Book 8
Newlyweds Ginger and Basil Reed are aboard the Flying Scotsman for their honeymoon when a body is discovered in the Royal Mail carriage. Ginger and Basil must uncover the killer’s identity before another crime derails their journey—and their future.
Romantic, thrilling, and as fashion-forward as it is twisty.
8. Murder on the Night Train to Paris by L.B. Hathaway
The Posie Parker Mystery Series – Book 15
January 1926. When Lady Caroline Greenlow is poisoned aboard the Night Train to Paris and Posie Parker’s best friend goes missing, Posie is drawn into a dual mystery that spans the seedy clubs of Montmartre to the glitter of Paris Fashion Week. But someone is watching—and Posie may be next.
Glamour, danger, and darkness in the City of Light.
9. A Murder in Blue by Colette Clark
Penelope Banks Murder Mysteries – Book 13
Penelope “Pen” Banks is on the Blue Train to Paris when a theft accusation leads to murder—and her friend Lulu becomes a suspect. As secrets unravel, Pen must uncover the truth before the train reaches its final stop.
A clever and engaging mystery set against the elegance of French railway travel.
Final Destination: Murder, Elegance, and Escapism
Whether it’s Paris or Ballarat, the Scotland Express or the Vitesse Europa, these cozy historical train-set mysteries offer the perfect mix of danger and delight. So pour yourself a cup of tea, don your finest travel hat, and climb aboard—murder awaits at the next stop.