Dwight & Conrad Casefiles
by
Dealing with death is never easy. Not when it comes unexpectedly and claims a friend.
A phone call in the early hours. A snowy trek up the M1. And Jack finds himself in Holton Wick, far from Gareth and the boys, alone with his memories and the shock and grief of losing a man he regarded as a friend and mentor.
The quiet village might look like an ideal place of retirement for a former spy, but like all villages, it has hidden currents. Far from simply ensuring that Jon's papers and records are safe, Jack is drawn into solving Jon's murder.
Accepting loss is hard. But accepting the true reason for Jon's death may be the hardest task of all.
***
Mouse Hunt is one of a series of mystery / suspense short stories and novellas set in the Power of Zero universe and featuring its cast of characters. These stories are exclusively available from the author's websitel
- 1 To Be Read list
- 2 Read lists
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 2
Romantic Content: 3
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Bisexual, Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 36-45
Tropes: Hurt / Comfort, Lone Wolf
Word Count: 26000
Setting: English village
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Same Universe / Various Characters
Jackie Keswick brings readers a new spin-off from “The Power of Zero” series”. The first novella is “Mouse Hunt” from the “Dwight & Conrad Casefiles”.
Jack Horwood is well settled in with Gareth Flynn and the boys: Daniel and Nico. But there’s always something that takes Jack back to the beginning.
He get’s an early morning call from Alex Marston, who needs his help with the death of a long time friend of Rio’s. Jack actually met Jonathan Briggs at the age of fourteen and stayed in contact with him.
Even though Gareth knows Jack is going to leave, he’s still concerned about Jacks safety. Alex Marston has made some questionable decisions in the past that put Jack in danger. Trust had been broken.
Staying in Jon’s house is hard for Jack. He often reminiscences about times gone by. He still has a job to do trying to find any documentation on antiquated technology and coming up empty handed. Even fifty years of diaries, Jack needs a much needed break and decides to spend some time in the small village of Holton Wick. But he finds it not to be a friendly place. His stay get’s very strange when things are left on the doorstep to Jon’s house and he starts to hear strange noises.
At least for Jack he get’s another much needed break, as Gareth and the boys come for a visit, since he’s not too far away. Of course, with Daniel and Nico anything could happen and several discoveries are made.
“Mouse Hunt” is a suspenseful, puzzling and heart breaking novella. It’s also a sad story of loss, anger and mental health. The novella is an easy, quick read that packs a variety of emotions from Jack, Gareth and especially Daniel and Nico. It also gives more of an in-depth look into who Jonathan Briggs, was and how much he meant to Rio and Jack. Jackie Keswick also brings the readers some beautifully written words with the letter that Jon leaves for Jack. There’s discoveries and a surprise by the name of Bagpuss!
The novella does have a few new interesting characters: Aviva, owner of the Yarn Looters, Det. Supt. Peter Wynant and Mrs. Rowntree. And of course, there’s Aidan to always help out with the boys.
Jackie Keswick still brings all the deep heartfelt feelings between Jack and Gareth that were expressed from the very first book “House Hunt” from “The Power of Zero” series. As far as this new series, I declare it will surely be a hit. Don’t fret, Jackie Keswick has several novellas lined up for “Dwight & Conrad Casefiles”, the next one will be “Grand Union Hunt”, coming soon!
