Canal Pushers by Andy Griffee
Published by Orphans Publishing
Publication Date: 2nd May 2019
Thriller
The prime spot of the first review of 2020 goes to local author Andy Griffee and his story of a serial killer on the Midlands canal system.
Book Description:
Could a serial killer be stalking the waterways? Jack Johnson, newly divorced ex-journalist with a talent for trouble, takes a stranger on board his new narrow boat ... and is soon caught up in a hunt for a serial killer, tangling with organised crime and on the run from the media. New crime thriller series perfect for fans of Dick Francis.
My Thoughts:
First of all my thanks to Andy Griffee and the publisher for the review copy of his book Canal Pushers which I have become totally absorbed in this week. All views here are totally unbiased and are my own.
The first thing which hooked me in (pardon the pun) to this book was the fact that I could actually picture the setting of the opening scene with the fisherman set up in the shadows of the canal towpath in Worcester, awaiting his victim. The area is well known to me and I have serious reservations about walking along there in the dark ever again!!
After the shocking events in the dark, we move on to be introduced to our main character Jack Johnson as he hires beautiful narrowboat 'Jumping Jack Flash' with the view to possibly making it his new home if all goes well. Fate it seems has a hand in steering Jack towards the boat with the appropriately named craft. Shortly afterwards, as Jack ponders over a much-needed pint whether he will be able to manage the lengthy boat his prayers are answered in the form of Nina, a mysterious attractive young lady who offers to help him learn how to handle the boat - but there are conditions attached: no personal questions. That suits Jack perfectly, and it's not long before the two strangers set off on their travels with a budding, if slightly strained, friendship between them.
The pace of the book suits the scene perfectly; the gentle chug of the diesel engine as they sail at little more than walking pace along the beautiful Midlands waterways. But as night falls the atmosphere around the canal system changes, the water poses much more of a dark threat among the shadows and within days Nina and Jack are involved with the police and some much less savoury characters. With an ex-wife and her best friend lurking at the end of the phone, and Nina still not prepared to share anything of herself other than her boating skills Jack feels very vulnerable. The need to keep moving albeit at their limited pace seems to be top priority for the pair - but can they keep at least one lock ahead of the danger and stay under the radar?
The descriptions of the waterways and the relaxed pace of life are excellently offset against the underlying tension that their pursuers are not far away at any time. The bad guys are well drawn and Nina's secrets keep Jack sufficiently on his toes as he feels very protective towards her despite not having all the facts to hand.
Not a book I would probably have chosen from the shelves myself as I would have seen it appeal moreso to male readers (sorry to gender assign books - that will teach me!) I could so easily have missed out on this series. I am looking forward to the next instalment, River Rats, which is due out early in 2020 and am keen to recommend the series to any reader who enjoys a good thriller. 4/5 stars
About the Author:
Andy Griffee is the author of Canal Pushers, his debut novel and the first in the series of Jumping Jack Flash crime thrillers which are set on the canals and waterways of the UK. He is a former BBC journalist and media consultant who published Canal Pushers in May 2019 at the age of 57.
Find him on Twitter at @AndyGriffee.
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