Tom Fletcher has left the police force, and its cold outside.
Working as a private investigator in Cambridge, Tom is dragged back into his own troubled family history by an enigmatic message from his missing father. Somehow, he seems to be connected to the disappearance and murder of a young physics student, who was working in a hostess bar.
As a massive storm tracks across Europe and begins to batter the low-lying fen country, so Toms inquiries begin to spiral into ever deeper and darker conspiracies. How is a high-tech American company involved in an officially-suppressed story from the Second World War? Where is the long-disused USAF base that seems to be the key to a centuries-old mystery, and who were the haunting, haunted sisters who played such a part in a drama that is still reaching out to claim Tom Fletcher?
Working as a private investigator in Cambridge, Tom is dragged back into his own troubled family history by an enigmatic message from his missing father. Somehow, he seems to be connected to the disappearance and murder of a young physics student, who was working in a hostess bar.
As a massive storm tracks across Europe and begins to batter the low-lying fen country, so Toms inquiries begin to spiral into ever deeper and darker conspiracies. How is a high-tech American company involved in an officially-suppressed story from the Second World War? Where is the long-disused USAF base that seems to be the key to a centuries-old mystery, and who were the haunting, haunted sisters who played such a part in a drama that is still reaching out to claim Tom Fletcher?
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Reviews
Richly imaginative...could just possibly turn Tom Fletcher into another Morse
'Intricately woven ...thrilling climax...The 'Hardy-esque' link between atmospheric conditions and the progression of the story brilliantly enhances the tension in the book as it races towards its end...Not only is the central storyline well-written and gripping, it is cleverly intertwined with a separate account of old English witch trials...The book enticingly drip-feeds small, tasty morsels of the second tale before suddenly switching back to its main focus. The ending is also excellent and has the added bonus of a delightfully unexpected twist...extremely enjoyable...an ideal book to lose oneself in.'
A terrific climax...A breadth to the story that is captivating, as well as some finely drawn characters and lovely language, but the star must be the fantastic landscape
'Intelligent and well-written examination of prejudice and paranoia, misogyny, jealousy and fear'
The reader ends up in a rather emotional state...becoming increasingly agitated as the book enticingly drip-feeds small, tasty morsels of the second tale before suddenly switching back to its main focus. The ending is also excellent and has the added bonus of a delightfully unexpected twist. STEEL WITCHES is an extremely enjoyable book.
The undoubted strengths of this book are Lennon's storytelling and his ability to ramp up the atmosphere...a truly tense ending...If you're a fan of Jim Kelly, you should give Lennon's books a try...an unusual and exciting slant
A writer to watch
Multi-layered and deeply satisfying . . . an engaging series character with a genuine emotional life
A great read that mixes politics, historical pageantry, resentment and revenge in a seemingly quiet Cambridge village. Highly recommended
A strong series debut . . . evocative . . . a sharp plot which canters towards an explosive finish
More than an echo of The Wicker Man...entirely believable - this strange village in the middle of one of the UK's bleakest regions...A thoroughly gripping page-turner. Lennon marries the unusual Russian angle very slickly with the remote village and its odd traditions...If you're a fan of Jim Kelly's Fenland series, you shouldn't miss CORN DOLLS. It's a fabulous first novel.
A new author and a new character . . . both have great promise . . . well worth following
'PI Tom Fletcher of the highly atmospheric CORN DOLLS returns in another Cambridgeshire tale...a great character'