Jack In A Box by Angela C Nurse

Who do you trust when everyone has a secret?

When single mother Rowan joins her Uncle Jack’s detective agency she doesn’t expect his murder to be her first case. To find out who is responsible for his death she will need to solve another mystery, the disappearance of Jack’s best friend 30 years earlier.

Someone doesn’t want Rowan digging up the past and they’re prepared to go to any lengths to keep their secrets hidden. Can she stand up to the danger, protect her daughter and bring a murderer to justice?

Author Bio
Born in the Kingdom of Fife, Angela spent her teenage years in Penzance before returning to Scotland. She has had a varied career from Nursery Nurse to Bank Manager before becoming a full-time writer. Her Rowan McFarlane Mysteries are set in the fictional town of Cuddieford, which lies somewhere between Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy. Angela now lives with her husband in Fife, looking out on the River Forth where she can easily see her favourite bridge. When she is not writing she can be found walking the coast or touring the countryside in her campervan.

Review.

’Jack In A Box’ is the first book in the Rowan McFarlane mysteries and it’s great for a debut novel. Set somewhere in Fife this fictional town picks up on many of the social economic problems that are faced in this area. Loss of facilities, lack of opportunities on the estates, gang culture etc.

Rowan has just been told that her Uncle Jack has been murdered, her protector since she showed up at his door at aged 15 pregnant and homeless. He looked after her ever since. Jack ran private investigators and Rowan was due to join the business and she decides she is going to find out who murdered her uncle. It leads her to drugs, gangs, and much more with twists and turns aplenty.

Rowan and her daughter Alana are both characters to love. They are strong, fiercely loyal to family and each other. No one is going to intimidate them. Not even the police! I particularly liked Alana and her joy for science.

This is a great start to a series and am in awe of people who have the gumption to self-publish. As others have said there are a few editing issues but it doesn't take away from the pleasure of reading this book at all. We need to support people especially when it falls into my specialist area - tartan noir. I will champion any author who puts across a great story which Angela has done!

Let me know your thoughts!