Masterfully crafted by Diana Jackson, ‘Murder Now and Then: 1919 to 2019 Murder Mystery’ defies any single genre to embroil readers in a mysterious farmhouse murder in the year 2019. While there is no immediate apparent motive, all clues begin to point toward another unsolved case that first opened one hundred years previously. In an intricate and suspense-laden style that has become her hallmark, Jackson unravels a century of unanswered questions.
Some have coined it a thriller, while others class it as a murder mystery. But there’s nothing conventional about Diana Jackson’s new novel. At a time when readers and critics are calling for a shake-up to the crime fiction landscape, Jackson steps up to the plate with gusto.
‘Murder Now and Then: 1919 to 2019 Murder Mystery’ plots its course through one hundred years of unsolved murder – as a new dead body opens up (and could be about to shed new light on) a case that was thought to be unsolvable.
Synopsis:
It is 2019 when cow’s milk themselves and computers are the farmer’s friend, or at least they should be. Joanna Thomas, a less than conventional farmer’s wife is accused of murdering her husband, but with no motive or murder weapon uncovered, the likelihood of a speedy conviction is diminishing, much to the dismay of the, soon to retire, Inspector Norton.
His officers try to placate him whilst uncovering a series of most strange coincidences, all compelling them towards an unsolved murder back in 1919. From no obvious suspects they now have several seemingly unlikely candidates, none with totally believable alibis.
While puzzling over the complexity of this strange case DS Tony Brown and DC Cathy Peterson take a trip to Jersey, but losing their lead they return just as the case turns decidedly sinister. Could an unsolved murder in Haynes, Bedfordshire back in 1919 really have a bearing on this case?
“While this may appear to be thoroughbred fiction, it isn’t,” explains Jackson. “The narrative actually takes its cues from the true unsolved murder of a girl called Nelly Rault at Haynes Park army camp. Her story was so fascinating that I wanted to bring it to a modern audience, albeit with some fictional twists thrown in.”
Continuing, “The plot is so diverse that it’s tough to pigeon-hole it into a single genre. There’s naturally a thick murder mystery undercurrent, with a character-led format that allows readers to cut to the core of everyone on the story and piece it together logically. It is incredibly thrilling, and feedback to date has been fantastic!”
Readers agree, leaving a slew of positive reviews. Jennalee Paige comments, “There is much detail put into each character that they each fully develop while you get to know them. This book will make you feel like you are the detective while you enjoy all the surprises and twists as the story unfolds. A highly recommended book with a great ending!”
T.M.E. Walsh adds, “This novel is more character driven than a lot of murder mysteries that are around. If you like Agatha Christie or watching ‘Midsomer Murders’, then this book is for you.”
Sylvia writes, “Highly entertaining and could not put it down after the first few chapters. Thoroughly enjoyed the novel plot and getting to know the main characters. Look forward to another murder mystery by this author.”
Readers’ Favourite recently awarded the novel a five-star review. They commented, “It has a very well developed plot and is something very different, very clever. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be watching for more from Diana Jackson.”
‘Murder Now and Then: 1919 to 2019 Murder Mystery’, from Eventispress, is available now: http://amzn.to/1HV6W7P.
For more information, visit the author’s official website: http://www.dianamaryjackson.co.uk.
About the Author:
Living in the heart of Bedfordshire, UK, Diana Jackson is fortunate to be able to take a break from teaching English and business studies this year to write full time.
She has published two novels in The Riduna Series, historical fiction set in the Victorian era through to the early 20th century. She was originally moved to write ‘Riduna’ by her love of the island of Alderney and its fascinating history and then she developed an unusual interest in the history of early flying boats when working on her second novel ‘Ancasta Guide me Swiftly Home’.
Whilst researching for the third in her series, to take us to the 1930’s, Diana has worked on several very different projects. Her most recent novel, venturing into the genre of crime, is ‘Murder, Now and Then,’ which was inspired by an unsolved murder back in 1919 in the heart of Mid Bedfordshire. This murder mystery weaves the intriguing events of 1919 with a murder set in 2019. Murder revisited!
Diana has also compiled a delightful memoir of a 103 year old character called Norman Campbell. His chosen title, ‘The Life and Demise of Norman Campbell’ is available on Amazon too.
Diana has two blogs, www.dianamj.wordpress.com, where you can read about the background to Diana’s writing and from May 2014 you can also follow her personal adventures, a year of discovery and other true stories, on www.selectionsofreflections.wordpress.com/
