Shannon Now
There are five books in that part of the series. The Shannon Now series came about in an unusual way. My elder daughter was re-reading the original Shannon Then books – has always been a fan – and said that there needed to be more books in the series – Shannon was such a good character that he needed more ‘airtime’, more exposure. And, so, we wrote Blue on Blue, the start of Shannon Now series, together. New life blood injected. I defy anyone to tell me which of us had written which chapters, which plot threads.
And so there were four more books added to the series. Just my own work from that point, although each book passed to my daughter for scrutiny.
Footnote: For new readers I would suggest starting with Blue on Blue, the first of the Shannon Now series, then working your way through that series, then going back to Due Diligence where it all started.
Blue on Blue – the first in the current series. Blue on Blue means the police against the police. Shannon now is now a forensic account – fraud detective defines him better – and is called to defend a police officer who is accused of fraud. In his quest for evidence, violence is aimed at him and escalates. Someone wants him to stop digging. As if that was going to put Shannon off!
Shannon’s Law – Shannon is called to examine the books of two law firms prior to them merging. Who gets what share? Well, it’s not the head of one of the firms – Shannon finds him dead in a locked room. A classic whodunit.
Shannon’s Gamble – Shannon is engaged by the gambling arm of a huge conglomerate. It’s losing money, which is nigh on impossible for a gambling house. Some of the casinos are making the usual profits, others are much higher than would be expected. Shannon has a theory. Before he can prove it, the head of the gaming sector is murdered and a bomb goes off outside their offices. Shannon has been targeted. As always, follow the money. Oh, and there’s a mad axeman!
Shannon’s Rebirth – Shannon is hired to look at the books of an advertising agency to make sure everything is kosher in advance of selling some shares. Shannon and Walker, his significant other, attend the annual fete that the agency gives for staff and clients. It has everything, stalls, rides, bouncy castles and a ghost train. From which a client emerges with a knife through his heart.
​Here's a nice review of Shannon’s Rebirth.
‘In 1998, I bought a copy of Hannibal at the St. Louis airport in Missouri. The cashier at the bookstore said, “When I got to the last pages of this book, my jaw was nearly on the floor. You aren’t going to believe it.” I thought, Yes, I will. I’ve been reading crime novels since I was seven years old. I’ve seen it all. Then, when I got to the book’s last pages, I was in shock. She was right. That hasn’t happened to me since 1998. Until now, the wedding scene in Shannon’s Rebirth.’ Jodi C.
