Crucian Case

‘The Crucian Case’ is a gripping, intriguing story of a murder investigation revolving around an exclusive fishing club in South Wales, and also delving into darker waters.

Early one misty February morning, a body is discovered floating face-down in the lake, killed by a single knife wound. Was the motive a record fish that reputedly lurks in the lake’s murky depths, or something even darker? Who is the mysterious new pathologist, and can she be trusted? Detective Inspector and poet Tomos Hopkins and his assistant Detective Sergeant John Reilly investigate, on a journey that will take them from the beautiful Welsh countryside into the depths of the South Wales underworld. Hopkins must also deal with a personal crisis which will put both his friendship with Reilly and his relationship with his wife Mair to the test. 

A first novel by Simon McCann, this is intended to be the first in a trilogy involving Hopkins and Reilly. Simon is currently working on the second novel, ‘Here is Iniquity’. Originally from Lancashire, Simon has lived and worked over thirty years in Wales. Before being forced to retire through ill-health, he was a lawyer specialising in major public infrastructure projects, including healthcare systems and equipment, transport, key buildings and IT. Simon was a keen runner and mountain walker (both of which he hopes to return to after recovery), and currently loves fishing, reading, following rugby and football, and the appreciation of fine ales. He is married with three children.