One August day in 2017, Christina Davies receives a life-changing message about her supposedly long-dead husband Cador. The Native American sender of that message claims to be in possession of documents and items that Cador has left to his son Jonny. One of these items turns out to be an unknown Gainsborough painting worth millions, and it hides a map with directions to a secret hideaway full of fabulous treasures. This map sets Jonny, Christina and her friends on a dangerous quest that will change their lives forever. But the painting is claimed by ‘other parties’ who want it because it clarifies ownership of land in Boston Massachusetts; ownership granted by King George II for services rendered by a direct relative of Jonny Davies – the pirate Captain Robert Davies. The land is also claimed by a Boston religious community that has become rich off the back of its ownership. But over the centuries their accountants have morphed into a Mafia-linked community holding company that is using the money to fund global criminal aspirations. The secrets of the painting could destroy their plans. The authors have framed a cast of characters that builds and sustains the story through a well-conceived developed plot. Deep emotional and sexual attachments are formed as their adrenalin-fuelled 14-day journey encounters murder, kidnap, drug running and extreme violence – all addressed head-on by the authors. Their detailed and dynamic writing style drives the plot at a frantic pace, drawing the reader into a breath-taking story packed with desperate chases on foot, speed boats, cars, the London Underground and horseback.
The authors are Jane Culley and Brian Taylor. After a career heading up the Marketing Departments of several major automotive businesses, Brian moved into market research and journalism speaking at automotive conferences throughout Europe and in the USA. He is also a published author and commentator on motor sport. Co-author Jane Culley provided much of the research for his special automotive industry reports. Before that she had a varied career path, including time spent as a private investigator, a sexual health worker, finding housing solutions for young people and working in a drop-in for young people with various problems. Their combined career paths enable them to draw on various aspects of life. This is their first novel.