Kathy Shuker
Hannah Dechansay and Nathan Bright are art restorers and warring colleagues whose work takes them far and wide. Trouble follows them around but when there’s a mystery to solve, they’re good at that...
Set in the early nineteen nineties, each Dechansay Bright mystery is a stand-alone story.
Book 1 - A Crack in the VarnishBook 2 - By a Hand UnknownBook 3 - The Angel Downstairs
Faded folk-rock musician Jake Neale owns a house by the sea. He shares it with his new wife, old band-mates, his mother and his housekeeper; even his son occasionally deigns to stay there. It’s a fine place with generous sloping grounds down to a private beach. But if ambition, jealousy and resentment live too close together, you’re going to get trouble. Add a dash of passion and it’s an explosive cocktail. So when a body is found in a locked room, clearly someone’s emotions have finally got the better of them.
Staying at the house to restore some damaged paintings, Nathan and Hannah become reluctantly involved in the investigation. They have unravelled mysteries before, but never one like this.
Click on the book cover to read the first chapter.
‘Every time I start reading one of Kathy Shuker's books I am suddenly taken aback and I remember how well she writes… Her prose is clear, confident and effortless... I’m a big fan, I have read all her books.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Shuker fascinates with her detailed grasp of the art restoration world, and in this chapter, her exploration of the music scene with its ups and downs is also expertly depicted… Another wonderful, twisty read from an expert mystery writer.’ Amazon reviewer
‘The shifting relationship of the two art restorers, Hannah and Nathan, thrown together by work and navigating their on/off romance, is dealt with sensitively by the author.... When an unexplained death occurs, and the police become involved, it's time for our two amateur sleuths to resurrect their proven skills, undercover of course.
A good book to tuck in the holiday bag or to curl up with on a cold day by the fire.’ Amazon reviewer
‘Engrossing and multi-layered mystery. Once again Kathy teases us with an eclectic mix of potential suspects and keeps us guessing to the end. Not just an enjoyable and engaging read but a detailed insight into the intricacies of art restoration.’ Amazon reviewer
My books are sometimes chosen to be read by book clubs and I’m thrilled to know that people are engaging with my stories and characters. It’s also interesting for me to hear your impressions and to see my characters through your eyes. If you have decided to read The Silence Before Thunder and would like more information about it, do get in touch. If your club is local to me, I should be happy to come and discuss it with you at a meeting if you would like; alternatively, we may be able to hook up on Skype.
I have prepared a list of questions you may choose to consider after reading The Silence Before Thunder. Click here to download a copy for your club.
The House at Dart's End is available as an ebook from most major retailers and as a paperback from Amazon and by order from most bookshops worldwide.
My books are sometimes chosen to be read by book clubs and I’m thrilled to know that people are engaging with my stories and characters. It’s also interesting for me to hear your impressions and to see my characters through your eyes. If you decide to read The House at Dart's End and would like more information about it, do get in touch.
I have prepared a list of questions you may choose to consider after reading The House at Dart's End. Click here to download a copy for your club. Be aware that the questions may contain spoilers!