‘A very readable debut thriller with a feisty and likeable heroine.’

The Chemical Detective
SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPECSAVERS DEBUT CRIME NOVEL AWARD, 2020
Fiona ErskineSHORTLISTED FOR THE SPECSAVERS DEBUT CRIME NOVEL AWARD, 2020
‘Just the right blend of suspense and tension.’ Forbes, Editors’ Pick
‘Action, intrigue and a stonkingly modern heroine. It’s a blast.’ Sunday Times Crime Club
Dr Jaq Silver. Skier, scientist, international jet-setter, explosives expert. She blows things up to keep people safe.
Working on avalanche control in Slovenia, Jaq stumbles across a problem with a consignment of explosives. After raising a complaint with the supplier, a multinational chemical company, her evidence disappears and she is framed for murder. Jaq must find the key to the mystery.
But can she uncover the truth before her time runs out?
Reviews
'Action, intrigue and a stonkingly modern heroine. It's a blast.'
'Just the right blend of suspense and tension... I recommend this original and compelling debut novel for fans of mysteries and thrillers, as well as for those looking for a credible female protagonist in a genre dominated by male superheroes. Already, I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series.'
'Explosive science, strong women, and snowy landscapes, all within a gripping, smart, fast-paced read.'
'Imagine the love child of Jack Reacher and Nancy Drew...a delicious cocktail of dating and detonations. Call it Mills and Boom.'
'an audacious, female-led thriller which took the disposable women of the James Bond franchise and flipped the concept entirely on its head.'
'Fiona Erskine is an engineer, and in Jaq Silver, who shares her profession, she has created a wonderful antidote to all the resentful, floppy victims of much domestic noir... Her adventures are eye-popping and exciting.'
'A fantastic read!'
'Erskine weaves her tale of suspense into a first-class thriller, the drama escalates with terrifying authenticity. A must-read for engineers.'
'Explosive to the very last page.'
'Absolutely devoured this on the flight across to the UK for #BloodyScotland. A stunning, cinematic debut that's going to land on the 2019 thriller scene like a half-kilo of silver fulminate.*
*stuff that goes bang'
‘Intricate, seductive and thrilling. Erskine’s writing glows with wit and danger. And can’t help reminding you, with every page turned, of how close we all are to detonation.’