‘Canal Pushers’ and ‘River Rats’ by Andy Griffee

So this is a bit different I am here to review both ‘Canal Pushers’ and ‘River Rats’ by Andy Griffee which are the first two books in the Johnson and Wilde mysteries.

Jack Johnson, ex-journalist, newly divorced and feeling unmoored, has bought a 64-foot narrowboat with absolutely no idea how to captain it. So when an attractive stranger takes pity on his dismal attempts and comes aboard to assist him manoeuvre, Jack is only too happy to make her welcome.

But it's soon apparent that Nina is keeping her own secrets and when they stumble into a murder investigation the past begins to intrude. What's Nina afraid of? And who is stalking the towpaths?

Review

I really really enjoyed this book. ‘Canal Pushers’ is a superb start to a new series set on the canals, with characters that sing off the page, a captivating and original story and also a cute dog! What more could you ask for? Oh yeah unrequited love, a story that ramped up the tension brilliantly and villains that made you go huh! It was a great, well I want to say rollercoaster of a ride but can you go at that speed when driving a narrow boat down the canals?!

I loved the main two characters Nina and Jack and of course Eddie. I maybe biased when it comes to Eddie but then I have a wee Border so….. I loved the vulnerability of Nina and the kindness of Jack. I think they make a good duo.

Obviously, there are the Faith Martin books where the main character lives on a narrow boat but they are more police procedurals so this makes this series unique in a way. Journalists can be just as nosey as the police and can’t get away with more and I enjoyed seeing investigations from a different perspective.

Jack Johnson has a talent for trouble - wherever he goes on his narrowboat, it seems to follow him. Moored up on the River Avon in the beautiful Georgian surroundings of Bath, he’s working at the local paper when a prominent magistrate and heritage campaigner is attacked and drowned.

Could it be a serial killer copying the Canal Pusher? Or a biker gang who swore revenge on the magistrate? Against his wishes, Jack is pulled into the investigation by his ambitious editor who wants the scoop. Jack and his friend, Nina Wilde, have also been drawn into another struggle. The moorings of a small settled boating community sit alongside a huge former industrial site that property developers want to fill with luxury housing. Nearby residents are enlisted to petition against the boat people, and as the campaign spirals out of control, lives are threatened. Who is helping their enemies? Another gripping tale of corruption and intrigue from the riverbank, full of dark waters and deadly secrets.

Review

So this sees Jack and Nina back in action and this time they are based in Bath. I really enjoyed reading this book as it built on the success of the last book it gave great characterisation and narrative.

I loved all the new characters that popped up in particular the Professor and Rani. I wish that they would be in future books but alas I think what will make this series great is that the location and characters will change in each one. It will stop the series from stagnating and keep the fun and mystery about it. I hope Will pops up each time though!

I really found the storyline quite thought provoking as I actually know a couple who live on a narrow boat on the canal in Glasgow and they have had to deal with attitudes like those depicted in this book. For them it’s a great way of life but people can look down on their family and they are wonderful people, so this definitely resonated with me as it came across as being very authentic. Unfortunately. Why can’t people just be accepting and happy eh?! Anyway, I digress. The high action finale was amazing and I can’t wait to see what is next for Jack and Eddie!

Andy Griffee is a former BBC journalist and media consultant with a fascination for stories. He began his journalism career at the Bath Evening Chronicle, and then spent twenty-five years at the BBC, culminating in his role as Editorial Director of the redevelopment of Broadcasting House. Andy lives in Worcestershire and, when he isn’t writing, rears rare breed pigs, struggles to keep a 1964 Triumph Spitfire on the road and enjoys hiring narrowboats with his wife Helen.