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DS Nolan Cormac #1
The Scarecrow
Detective Sergeant Nolan Cormac has come home — demoted yet determined to rebuild his career in the Windover murder squad. Officially, he’s here for a fresh start. Unofficially, he’s hunting for the woman who vanished from his life five years ago… and who might be tangled in something deadly.
When a burned-out car reveals a corpse in the boot — an informant from Cormac’s past — the case hits uncomfortably close to home. Things get worse when a second body is found crucified on a hillside, posed like a scarecrow, pointing towards stately Milburn Manor.
Is a drug war brewing in Windover? What does Milburn Manor hide? And why does every thread seem to lead back to Cormac’s missing ex, Heather — a woman who lied about everything, including being a police officer?
As bodies stack up and secrets unravel, Cormac must work alongside a rookie detective constable and a grizzled DCI, under the control of a young, ambitious Superintendent. But it seems trust is a dangerous thing in Windover — and uncovering the truth could prove to be fatal.
The Scarecrow is gripping police procedural with twists, betrayals, and a case that cuts too close.
When a burned-out car reveals a corpse in the boot — an informant from Cormac’s past — the case hits uncomfortably close to home. Things get worse when a second body is found crucified on a hillside, posed like a scarecrow, pointing towards stately Milburn Manor.
Is a drug war brewing in Windover? What does Milburn Manor hide? And why does every thread seem to lead back to Cormac’s missing ex, Heather — a woman who lied about everything, including being a police officer?
As bodies stack up and secrets unravel, Cormac must work alongside a rookie detective constable and a grizzled DCI, under the control of a young, ambitious Superintendent. But it seems trust is a dangerous thing in Windover — and uncovering the truth could prove to be fatal.
The Scarecrow is gripping police procedural with twists, betrayals, and a case that cuts too close.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2025
About the author
P.F. Ford
59 books247 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 28, 2026
3.5* Suspend disbelief a bit and this isn't too bad a read. Reminiscent of Norman Norman tales.
This book jumps a fair bit from the 4th novella in this series. Nolan has been under investigation by 'internal affairs'/UK equivalent, has been cleared but has been demoted as a scapegoat. According to him. And, the female boss, Chalmers, I think, who took over from DCI James, apparently turned into a psychopath, although nothing is given in evidence or remotely touched on. I think the tale takes place some 20 years after the novella ends, and Cormac is on his early 40s.
So the crime/s and baddie/s in this book, especially with the supposed senior UK political connection need to be taken with a pinch of salt. A rather big one. It's happening in rural UK and a police force composed Cormac, his boss DI Carver and DS Aconna/'O'Connor' - whose name is used as a reason for a slightly didactic lesson in diversity and inclusion - are the ones tasked in taking these miscreants down and putting a stop to this crime infiltrating the UK - trying not to Spoiler here. They need far more help. The tale hinted at a politician with a seedy past being protected by the Assistant Chief Constable and the PM. And an ex-wife with an NDA and a big financial settlement and silencing. And the equivalent of a Power of Attorney allegedly given to a 14yo by said politician. Methinks research wasn't properly done where the latter is concerned, artistic and author's license or not.
It's a bit murky trying to tie Cormac's past and present together. It's also quite flimsy and it screams the obvious distasteful crime although none of these police minds put two and two together. Sigh. I think because this has been self-pubbed, maybe friends and family have beta'd and fed back non-critically. I get that. But it doesn't do readers or the author any favours. It is proofed and there aren't any typos, but you do have to suspend disbelief to finish it.
This book jumps a fair bit from the 4th novella in this series. Nolan has been under investigation by 'internal affairs'/UK equivalent, has been cleared but has been demoted as a scapegoat. According to him. And, the female boss, Chalmers, I think, who took over from DCI James, apparently turned into a psychopath, although nothing is given in evidence or remotely touched on. I think the tale takes place some 20 years after the novella ends, and Cormac is on his early 40s.
So the crime/s and baddie/s in this book, especially with the supposed senior UK political connection need to be taken with a pinch of salt. A rather big one. It's happening in rural UK and a police force composed Cormac, his boss DI Carver and DS Aconna/'O'Connor' - whose name is used as a reason for a slightly didactic lesson in diversity and inclusion - are the ones tasked in taking these miscreants down and putting a stop to this crime infiltrating the UK - trying not to Spoiler here. They need far more help. The tale hinted at a politician with a seedy past being protected by the Assistant Chief Constable and the PM. And an ex-wife with an NDA and a big financial settlement and silencing. And the equivalent of a Power of Attorney allegedly given to a 14yo by said politician. Methinks research wasn't properly done where the latter is concerned, artistic and author's license or not.
It's a bit murky trying to tie Cormac's past and present together. It's also quite flimsy and it screams the obvious distasteful crime although none of these police minds put two and two together. Sigh. I think because this has been self-pubbed, maybe friends and family have beta'd and fed back non-critically. I get that. But it doesn't do readers or the author any favours. It is proofed and there aren't any typos, but you do have to suspend disbelief to finish it.
October 18, 2025
I do love Peter’s books, and I was delighted to see he had a new series out.
Nolan Cormac has returned to his former force in Windover after leaving under a cloud. He’s also looking for a woman who left him 5 years ago, and whom he thinks could be in trouble.
Then a murder takes place, someone he knows from his past, and a mobile phone with only his number is hidden under the body. Obviously this doesn’t look good, but then another body is found on a hillside, made to look like a scarecrow pointing to Millburn Manor.
What follows is a fabulous read, with poor Colmac not knowing who he can trust, who’s plotting what, why is everyone covering up what’s happened and the love of his life is not who she says she is.
I felt for him because he was well and truly suckered in by people with more money than sense and who could afford to make their misdemeanours disappear.
As the truth emerges everyone is grovelling to the toffs as their secrets need to stay that way.
I do hope Peter continues with this series, especially after what happens at the end, id love to see it continue.
Nolan Cormac has returned to his former force in Windover after leaving under a cloud. He’s also looking for a woman who left him 5 years ago, and whom he thinks could be in trouble.
Then a murder takes place, someone he knows from his past, and a mobile phone with only his number is hidden under the body. Obviously this doesn’t look good, but then another body is found on a hillside, made to look like a scarecrow pointing to Millburn Manor.
What follows is a fabulous read, with poor Colmac not knowing who he can trust, who’s plotting what, why is everyone covering up what’s happened and the love of his life is not who she says she is.
I felt for him because he was well and truly suckered in by people with more money than sense and who could afford to make their misdemeanours disappear.
As the truth emerges everyone is grovelling to the toffs as their secrets need to stay that way.
I do hope Peter continues with this series, especially after what happens at the end, id love to see it continue.
November 16, 2025
A very good story featuring a complex character
Well here we have it. The first full book featuring Peter Fords new character Nolan Cormac who was introduced in the "In The Beginning" novella. This story takes place some years after that novella. After leaving the police Cormac has rejoined and returned to his original posting. His superiors are suspicious that he has an ulterior motive for returning and they do not fully trust him. He clearly has some secrets in his past. He is soon plunged into the investigation of a gruesome murder that is quickly followed by another.
This is a very well well written book with lots of twists and turns and surprises, and an unexpected ending. I hope there will be a follow-up book.
Well here we have it. The first full book featuring Peter Fords new character Nolan Cormac who was introduced in the "In The Beginning" novella. This story takes place some years after that novella. After leaving the police Cormac has rejoined and returned to his original posting. His superiors are suspicious that he has an ulterior motive for returning and they do not fully trust him. He clearly has some secrets in his past. He is soon plunged into the investigation of a gruesome murder that is quickly followed by another.
This is a very well well written book with lots of twists and turns and surprises, and an unexpected ending. I hope there will be a follow-up book.
November 19, 2025
I came across The Scarecrow through a discussion thread in a Glasgow book club I’m part of, and I’m really glad I did. I’ve already purchased the book on Amazon, and it turned out to be a fast, gripping police procedural with great tension and plenty of twists.
Nolan Cormac is a flawed but compelling lead, and the case — especially the scarecrow-style murder kept me turning the pages. The mix of personal stakes, hidden secrets, and a murder squad full of conflicting personalities makes the story even more engaging.
A strong, atmospheric start to the series. What a great book.
Nolan Cormac is a flawed but compelling lead, and the case — especially the scarecrow-style murder kept me turning the pages. The mix of personal stakes, hidden secrets, and a murder squad full of conflicting personalities makes the story even more engaging.
A strong, atmospheric start to the series. What a great book.
November 19, 2025
I discovered The Scarecrow through the discussion thread posted on our club, and I’m genuinely impressed. This was my first time reading P.F. Ford, and the blend of atmosphere, tension, and emotional depth really stood out. Windover feels alive on the page, and Nolan Cormac’s personal struggles give the story a strong human core. Sharp pacing, smart twists, and a haunting mystery make this an easy recommendation for anyone who loves intelligent crime fiction.
November 19, 2025
I went into The Scarecrow not knowing what to expect, and I ended up finishing it in a single sitting. The story is gritty without being excessive, and Nolan Cormac is the kind of flawed, determined detective you can’t help rooting for. The way Ford ties personal history into the investigation makes the book especially gripping. A tense, well-written crime thriller that I highly recommend.
November 19, 2025
Thanks to the Glasgow Book Club, I picked up The Scarecrow and I’m glad I didn’t miss it. The atmosphere in Windover is incredibly vivid, and the mystery surrounding the burned-out car and crucifixion scene kept me hooked. What truly elevated the book for me was the emotional complexity behind Nolan’s storyline. A compelling, thoughtful read for fans of dark police procedurals.
November 19, 2025
My first introduction to P.F. Ford came through The Scarecrow, and it exceeded every expectation. The writing is sharp, the characters feel real, and the mystery unfolds with just the right amount of tension. Nolan’s past merging with the present investigation gives the story real emotional weight. A standout thriller that crime fiction readers shouldn’t overlook.
January 31, 2026
Intriguing and Enjoyable to Read
In this mystery corner transfers to his original police department where he began his career. Former associates from his previous job keep turning up and some are murdered. I found it a read that was hard to put down and with a surprising ending. I highly recommend it.
In this mystery corner transfers to his original police department where he began his career. Former associates from his previous job keep turning up and some are murdered. I found it a read that was hard to put down and with a surprising ending. I highly recommend it.
January 31, 2026
I just love this writer's books! I have read many of his books and have loved every one of them. His characters are believable and the stories are believable too. This is the latest one, I've read and again a great book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 18, 2025
Good read
Very good book looking forward. To next one but miss Norman and co hope their is more of him to come
Very good book looking forward. To next one but miss Norman and co hope their is more of him to come
October 21, 2025
Love these new characters
Will enjoy the next one too-at least I hope there is a next one. Not quite the ending I would have wanted but a good one anyway.
Will enjoy the next one too-at least I hope there is a next one. Not quite the ending I would have wanted but a good one anyway.
October 28, 2025
Wonderful story
I have read everything by this author and every book gets better and better! This book will hopefully be a start of a new series!
I have read everything by this author and every book gets better and better! This book will hopefully be a start of a new series!
November 12, 2025
New character
Hmmm. New character, new series. Not what I expected. Not sure I even like him. Don't expect a satisfying ending.
Hmmm. New character, new series. Not what I expected. Not sure I even like him. Don't expect a satisfying ending.
Read
November 20, 2025Not the quality of this author that I am used to (having read all his other books) and no real resolution to the plot.
Read
January 11, 2026Very good, enjoyable read. Have read a lot of P.F.Ford books and have enjoyed them
April 11, 2026
Enjoyed the ups and downs of Nolan Cormac’s life as well as the complex investigations
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews