Canal Pushers

Johnson & Wilde Mysteries #1

by Andy Griffee

Jack Johnson, newly divorced ex-journalist with a talent for trouble, takes a stranger on board his new narrow boat ... and is soon caught up in a hunt for a serial killer, tangling with organised crime and on the run from the media. New crime thriller series perfect for fans of Dick Francis.

Genres: Crime

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2019

Reviews

[Tony Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the first couple of chapters. I was reminded of the style of John Buchan's '39 steps' in the manner that a chase developed which kept my interest to the very end. I confess to knowing the geography of the story, which enhanced my enjoyment but the thrilling twists and interwoven sub-plots, together with the well developed characters meant that my attention was held irrespective of the story location.
I recommend this book as a thoroughly good read and forecast, indeed hope, that it will be the first of a very successful series - as is suggested by the use of 'Book 1' after the title. The ingredients are all there and I suspect that Jumping Jack Flash will continue to feature.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on the Warwickshire canals, Jack Johnson is a journalist and recently divorced from Deb. He’s renting a narrowboat and if he enjoys life on the water he’ll then buy it. An amateur, he arranges for his friend Will to travel with him until he can handle the boat……but Will lets him down.

Frustrated, he’s having a pint and Nina has overheard his conversation and offers to help…..so he now has a travelling companion.

So the pair set off but when a young homeless man they met is found drowned in the canal the mystery begins. There maybe a serial killer pushing people into the canal and drowning them.

I love the writing style of Andy Griffee, the sense of place is stunning and the descriptions of Jumping Jack Flash and life on the water is just perfect. The relationship between Jack and the quiet but forthright Nina is just a pleasure to read.

With its dark and twisty plot, some seriously chilling chapters from the killers perspective makes this a thoroughly entertaining read from start to finish.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and an eARC of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.

[Pgchuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, especially as I used to live in villages near Droitwich and later Worcester, but it wasn't exactly a page-turner until near the end. The descriptions of life in a narrowboat and on the canals were interesting, and Jack and Nina were excellent characters, but the plot took quite a while to get anywhere.

Still, I think I'll go on to the second in the series.

[Toya (thereadingchemist) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Review to come.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
The first in the Jumping Jack Flash series. The second book in this series was picked as our book club read and I couldn't possibly read the second before the first!

A serial killer on the loose but the murders were very low-key with little violence and graphic description which is currently quite unusual. A good relationship grew between Jack and Nina which I assume will continue on into subsequent books.

An easy crime to be solved and a pleasant day's reading.

[Phil On The Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very English crime novel. Very enjoyable.

[Robert Ronsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that Andy Griffee must have read Enid Blyton's Secret Seven series when he was a boy. Like those crime mysteries, this is a wholesome tale (despite being in part about a serial killer) where the heroes emerge triumphant surrounded by thankful police officers who are chagrined at being outsmarted by amateurs. It even has baddies who live on a remote farm and drive a Land Rover.
This may read as critical but I'm not a regular reader of crime mysteries (as a narrowboat owner I was attracted to the setting of this one ) so I had to re-acquaint myself to the genteel conventions of the genre that have been overturned in its brooding and corrupt cousin 'noir'.
The story rattles along at a good pace and the protagonists clearly have a few more books left in them so that we can follow the progress of their relationship. This one is a page-turner with a satisfactory conclusion.

[Lynne Piza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an exciting, easy read, with plenty of action, fast paced, dark situations, beautiful and incredibly described sceneries and just completely original!

I thoroughly enjoyed the originality of this book, it’s very refreshing to read a crime / murder style book based around boats and canals! It can become incredibly easy to get stuck reading very similar crime novels, with similar murders, the crimes the same and story lines becoming similar but this one is on its own platform completely!

The Main Character Jack has recently come out of a long term marriage and suffered the effects of his divorce financially, with no steady job he cannot afford to rent or buy a house or flat, so he make a rash decision to hire a Narrow boat and live on it for a month and if he likes it he will buy it!

However he has no idea how the boat works and what he’s doing and when left with the boat on his own, he tries to move it and gets in to a sticky situation! An unknown female stranger comes to the rescue and saves the boat and then quickly hurries off!

Jack was in hope that his best friend Will would come and join him on the boat for the first week to figure it out together, which they had planned, but his friend later cancels while Jack is in a pub and the female stranger who earlier saved him overhears and offers to jump on board to help him for the week!

BUT with that come conditions which include him not asking ANY personal questions about her!

Jack is happy to oblige as he appreciates the help and she is a beautiful woman and they set off!

Along the way a death happens by drowning in the Canal, and it happens to be a homeless guy who jack spent a little time with! He starts to help the police with the enquiry and becomes particularly invested in the poor guys death!

This leads him to some HUGELY dangerous places where he makes some silly decisions, that put both him and his lady friend called Nina at risk!

It comes out in the newspaper that Nina has actually been reported as a missing person and has run away from a horrific event which has happened in her life, and Jack battles with himself and decides how best to deal with this!

Also at the same time their is a murderous fisherman on the loose, killing people in canals who wants to become famous!

Jack and Nina find themselves in quite a few dangerous situations over the length of their 2 week journey! And you’ll have to read to find out what happens and how the story unfolds!

I really feel for Jack, after his recent divorce from his wife, not knowing where to go or what to do, after meeting Nina and discovering what she’s been through he does anything he can to protect her!

Nina has had a really hard time and I can’t blame her for running away and needing some time on her own, however after nosey friends and the press and journalists get involved they make it very tough for Nina to get what she needs from her trip!

I spent the whole book hoping for a romance and really wanting the 2 to find happiness with each other!

I can’t wait to read book number 2! I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the canals they traveled down, it’s one of those that has really made me want to take a holiday on a canal boat and experience what they did (without the dramas).

The Author has done an amazing job of creating an exciting, and dark storyline which takes you on a real adventure! I really couldn’t guess what was going to happen in this book which I always enjoy!

Overall, a perfect read if you love a crime / murder / thriller and I would like to give this book 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ! I really cannot wait to get started on River Rats!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to a new crime thriller series and sets up the main characters beautifully. I really enjoyed the story as it unfolded and there are several threads within the narrative which leave you guessing. Nina is a mystery to be solved in herself. The central character of Jack is a sympathetic protagonist who you are happy to follow through the story.

As the canal boat wends its way through the maze of canals near Birmingham. the story unfolds at a steady pace and its setting off the beaten track gives the characters a vulnerability. The contrast between the comfortable, slow moving life of the river is such a contrast to the crimes which are being investigated. There is plenty of scope in this series and I look forward to seeing how Jack and Nina meet up next.

In short: crime stalks the canals.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Catrinamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect page turner which kept me absolutely gripped. I'd strongly recommend "Canal Pushers" as the ideal holiday read. The main characters are well drawn as their lives unexpectedly collide: a recently divorced, middle aged ex journo (Jack) with younger woman (Nina) showing him the ways of the canals while escaping her past. Midlands waterways and pubs feature heavily - even if you don't know Wootton Wawen, Stratford and Birmingham as I do, you'll enjoy the atmospheric sense of place. Thanks to an italicised parallel view of that world, the reader is separately introduced to a darkness far removed from the wine and whiskeys enjoyed on board "Jumping Jack Flash", Jack and Nina's home. Threatening and unstinting as the fisherman's voice is, the thrill of the novel lies in wondering just when, how and indeed if Jack and Nina will actually come face to face with him given there are so many other surprises along their canal journey. A first novel from Andy Griffee - thank goodness the second has already been written! Can't wait.

[Mike Cronk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once started Canal Pushers was difficult to put down. As the story lines start coming together a reader is left wondering how it will all end. More deaths, the baddies getting their comeuppance, romance? Satisfyingly, the ending answers your questions, but leaves you wanting to read more. I’m looking forward to River Rats.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiring a narrowboat with a view to buy after a trial period does not sound a dangerous thing to do, or even something worthy of publicity, but when Jack Johnson gets divorced and finds himself unemployed, it seems to be a safe option. Cruising around at four miles an hour, he believes, will give him time to consider if he wants to find a permanent mooring and go back to work as a journalist. This book, however, is a thriller, which is quite difficult to achieve when one of the main characters is a long and impressive narrowboat called “Jumping Jack Flash” which anchors the action to the side of a canal. This is the first in a series, and it soon becomes clear that more can happen on Britain’s canal system than could be imagined. This book deals with the canals around and through Stratford on Avon and the contrasting waterways of Birmingham. Jack and his new friend Nina discover many things about each other and themselves after spending a few days in each other’s company, but there are many surprises throughout this well written and entertaining novel.I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable book.

This book begins, however, with a description of a lone fisherman, sitting beside a lock and waiting. He has no bait on his hook, however, as what he wants to catch is much larger and more challenging than anything expected from the water way. When a drunken man appears unsteadily on the towpath, he uses his tackle to push the man into the water, and forces him under the water with a large net.

The scene moves to Jack picking up the keys to a sixty four foot narrowboat, and beginning to realise that it will take a bit of starting, steering and negotiating, let alone getting through locks. When he realises that he cannot even close the door he is very grateful to receive an offer of advice from a younger woman who seems to want to remain independent of further conversation. When Jack’s friend Will lets him down, he is happy to take help from the quiet young woman who calls herself Nina. They have not gone far before they encounter a young man who calls himself Sam and who is begging for money and food. Nina and Jack allow Sam to come onto the barge to get cleaned up with his small dog Eddie, and they send him on his way with a small amount of cash. When Sam’s drowned body is found in the canal the following day, Jack and Nina adopt the dog and make further inquiries into what happened to Sam. Their investigations mean that Jack discovers that Sam may well have been involved in something much bigger and illegal that put him at risk, and frightens Jack when he searches for more evidence. To add to the situation, Nina turns out to have a huge problem that has led to her reluctance to talk about herself. Can Jack and Nina hide themselves, Eddie and a narrowboat from all their potential pursuers in the centre of England?

This is a book which has an excellent plot combined with realistic and interesting characters. There is some humour in the dialogue between the interesting characters, and a lot of realism. I thought the setting was very interesting and the canal side life was warmly described. This is a well written thriller with a lot of suspense and some well drawn characters. I found this an excellent beginning to the series and I would be keen to read more books from this author.

[R Davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's an earnestness of a first time author that shines through this mystery book and it is clear the author has done his research, and those spells of the book are generally where he's at his strongest, conveying a sense of place.

In other places though the excess research gives way to the wrong details, if I can say it like that. There are descriptions and little details of overdoing mundane elements that remind me of writing a dissertation and desperately wanting to cram in all the research I'd been studying, reluctant not to waste that effort. Less is more as the saying goes.

Character wise it's hard not to think that there's too much er fantasy 'projection' going on with the character of Jack Johnson, and dialogue wise, whilst the casual conversations are all fine when it moves into the more dramatic encounters, it's unfortunately either a bit cliched or really quite poor - encounters with journalists in the book make for particularly grim reading, in terms of a lack of plausibility.

It's definitely the caser that bad dialogue stands out in neon lights more than bad plotting etc, which is a shame, as there were elements of the book that were entertaining, life on the canal is a different take. The murder method of choice is distinct, certainly - though again the baddie is completely underdeveloped, a few brief chapters from their perspective aside, which lets the book down.

All that criticism said, it flew by swiftly enough, and there's plenty to build on for subsequent novels. An ear for dialogue and more developed characters is needed though.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new crime series is exciting, especially when it's full of rich characterisation and originality. Jack Johnson is newly divorced and still reeling from the emotional and financial implications. Living on a narrowboat is not his first choice, but at least it's cheap and will give him a place to live and work.

A freelance journalist he has a keen eye for crime, which comes in useful in this series. A complete novice at boating his serendipitous meeting with Nina leads to an unusual but mutually beneficial friendship. Nina has secrets which reveal themselves as the story progresses.

There is a sinister point of view that adds a noir element and draws the intrepid couple into a dangerous investigation. Jack and Nina are complex, relatable protagonists.

The suspenseful plot is well written. The setting is authentic and full of vivid imagery, in stark contrast to the dark crimes committed.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canal Pushers is a really good book set on England's Canals. Jack Johnson and Nina Wilde meet and end up travelling the canals together, during this time they come up against a canal serial killer who is committing acts of murder and a group of drug farmers. With both of these parties threatening them, they make a quiet escape with their canal boat up the canals, keeping a step ahead of the hunters. On the way we get to know Jack and Nina's personal histories. And Jack and Nina slowly learn to appreciate each other.
Those reading this review should not be put off by my long period of reading this. I have a habit of being distracted by other books and hobby's. I am also not a reader who likes to rush through novels, I wanted to enjoy the book.
This novel is a very good story and I'm about to download the second book in the series from Amazon, which confirms that I have enjoyed this one.

[Carolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Johnson, newly divorced and currently unemployed journalist, is considering buying a canal boat as his new abode. The divorce settlement doesn't allow for much more. He rents the Jumping Jack for a month to test if it will make a suitable home and on his first morning discovers it can be quite tricky to steer the 64-foot, 18 tonne hulk. Nina is fleeing from a personal tragedy and offers to help Jack get the skills needed to traverse locks and tunnels. A chance encounter with a homeless man sets off a chain of events as they become entangled in the investigation of his death by drowning. I must admit I'll look at the boats on the canal when I walk along the local towpath to work with a slightly different view from now on. Lovely characters, I look forward to the next in the series.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read and fine debut novel. Scarcely a word is wasted as the author sketches out the main characters and their lives, ensuring the reader is hungry to know more, building the tension as their story unfolds, both the personal and the dramatic. The sense of place is palpable, each lock, each pub, each meal described in such a way that the reader is no longer on an aircraft above the Sahara, but right there in the pub with Jack and Nina, perhaps on an adjoining table, perhaps sharing a beer... One can’t help wondering how much of the author is Jack and how much of Jack, the author. Can’t wait to read the next novel!

[Sue Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local Interest.

Having lived in around the town's and villages named throughout the book my interest was kept alive by the descriptions of the many places the characters travelled through on the canals. Seeing them all in my minds eye as the author described each one and their history, all well known to me. The story was a well written, sinister seriel murder saga with the characters eventually being hunted by the murderer and drug peddlars they had upset along the way. Jack and Nina meeting as strangers were warm characters, their stories intermingling throughout, creating a concern they and their adopted dog Eddie would be kept safe through it all.

[Gina Creegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comfortable read, builds like an old style mystery like Agatha Christie style but will very modern themes. Has you gripped after a few chapters and you really want to know which twists are coming next.
I can normally guess the turns that thrillers take but this gave me a few surprises! I won’t say to avoid spoilers!!!
Lovely descriptions of canal life and scenery which reminds the expat how beautiful English countryside can be.

[Judy O'Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a good read, which surprised me as l had heard a talk by the author, which didn't really inspire me with his presentation.
However l was pulled me into the story, although slightly exaggerated in parts but none the less readable and enjoyable.
The very best part was the climax which took place in the village l had lived in , having walked my dog many times along the tow path it was so easy to envisage the action taking place in Oddingley . I was almost there!!!

[Claire Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nostalgic read due to its Stratford, Birmingham and Worcestershire settings and I loved reading about Midland canal areas, pubs and tourist attractions that I have been to many times. It was an interesting premise based on real-life rumours of a serial killer in the canals and waterways of Greater Manchester, only fictionalised in the Midlands area for the book. A must read for mystery fans of the Midlands.

[graham haygreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not normally write or infact read reviews. I find choosing the right book for me, as I believe, to be preferable. I live on a narrow boat and this book kept my interest throughout. Recognising places and the general feeling of boat living. Thanks for the book and I am just beginning the second in the series, hopefully of the same quality's.....

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrowboats!

This book is about my most favorite thing---the canals of the UK and narrowboats. Besides that it was a very entertaining read and I plan to read the next books in the series.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting was well described. I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Jack and Nina. I also enjoyed the two different mysteries, the deaths in the canals and the criminal activities at the farm. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

[Dave Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to love canals to enjoy this book but if you do it just adds even more. Locations you may know, Narrowboating references and much more.

Great Story, Great characters, Great locations.

can't wait to read the next one

[Helen Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut novel the author has wrote a really good crime thriller. The magical lure of the long boats along a canal. Well written full of history and great suspense. highly recommend

[john mccafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canals:

I enjoyed this book very much, I've given it 4 stars because it wasn't long enough. This review is taking longer to write.

[Maxine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

keeps you intrigued right up to the end.

Loved this book. I live on a narrowboat and it kept me intrigued all the way to the end. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Gillian Hannah-Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters set in area of country I know well. Interesting inter connecting plots. Easy reading, will definitely read further two books in the series.

[Stella Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Fast moving, even for 4mph! Really enjoyed meeting Jack and Nina - and Eddie. Looking forward to their next adventure.