WRONG TRACKS
(Coming January 9th, 2025, Uclan Publishing)
Mystery inspired by the Rainhill Trials steam locomotive competition, 1829.
Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials?
It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new rail ways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons’ Steam Locomotive Manufactory.
The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition – The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors’ latest creation – their precious Premium Engine – but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction.
Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons’ chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock.
Inspired by the true events of the Rainhill Trials.
GRACIE FAIRSHAW AND THE MISSING REEL (Book 3 in Gracie Fairshaw mystery series)
(March, 2024, Uclan Publishing)
Seaside mystery set in Winter Gardens and the Regent Cinema, Blackpool, 1936.
Lights, camera, action!
A new movie being filmed in Blackpool is a real scoop for trainee reporter Gracie Fairshaw. When she’s invited to interview the star, Sally Sunshine, Gracie uncovers a plot as exciting as the one being filmed. Someone has stolen a vital film reel - and then a vicious attack is attempted on Sally! In a world of body-doubles, stunts, costumes and makeup, not everything is what it seems. Gracie must go behind the scenes and work out which of the cast and crew can’t be trusted, before the shoot comes to a thrilling climax at the town's cinema. . .
Book cover by Jenny Czerwonka
GRACIE FAIRSHAW AND THE TROUBLE AT THE TOWER (Book 2 in Gracie Fairshaw mystery series)
(October 2021, Uclan Publishing)
Seaside mystery set in Blackpool Tower, Christmas, 1935.
The stage is set for a thrilling mystery!
Gracie Fairshaw is delighted to get a sneak preview of the Children's Ballet's Christmas spectacular. But when the curtain rises, things go horribly wrong for the young dancers. Accidents, pranks and a poison pen letter make Gracie wonder if someone is trying to spoil the show. Can Gracie and her friends stop the saboteur before their final act?
Book cover by Jenny Czerwonka
KINTANA AND THE CAPTAIN'S CURSE
(July 2021, Uclan Publishing)
A pirate treasure hunt set on Nosy Boraha, Madagascar, 1733. (Standalone adventure)
Ahoy there! The Nine Sails is casting off for Madagascar. So, all aboard for a treasure hunt you'll never forget!
Kintana has grown up listening to stories of life at sea from her pa, an ex-pirate turned pet shop owner. So when a tall ship - The Nine Sails - berths at Pirate Island she eagerly joins the motley crew as a cabin boy - even though her main duty will be to look after the pirate's pets.
But someone on board is determined to disrupt the voyage, could the dreaded captain's curse be to blame? Or it it the lure of buried treasure that will draw the ship back to her island home?
One thing is for sure, Kintana is about to discover that sometimes adventure is found closer to home.
The book cover design and all illustrations created by Jenny Czerwonka.
GRACIE FAIRSHAW AND THE MYSTERIOUS GUEST (Book 1 in Gracie Fairshaw mystery series.)
(July 2020, Uclan Publishing)
A seaside mystery set in Blackpool, 1935.
Strange things are afoot at The Majestic … Check yourself in for a mystery beside the seaside.
Gracie Fairshaw and her family have barely moved into The Majestic, a Blackpool boarding house, when her Ma mysteriously vanishes.
Gracie teams up with her younger brother George, siblings Violet and Tom, and maid Phyllis. They must work out why one of the guests – a conman conjurer – has made Ma disappear … Can they get her safely home as the clock ticks down to the 1935 Illuminations Switch-on?
The book cover design and all illustrations created by Jenny Czerwonka.