Fiona Erskine

Engineer. Writer. Swimmer.

Book cover showing woman walking through a tropical jungle

Classic 007-style action - a genuine goldmine of a thriller

The Chemical Code

Jaq Silver spicy engineering thriller Book #4

Jaq Silver is back in Brazil and this time she has a single mission—vengeance. When her enemies take what she treasures most, she will do anything to make them pay. A series of betrayals leave her  unsure who to trust.  Jaq becomes increasingly embroiled in a web of international corruption. This is one mission she has to complete alone, but can Jaq be sure she is chasing down the right target? And who is pursuing Jaq?

Book cover showing woman walking through a tropical jungle

Series: Jaq Silver Thrillers

Formats available: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

First published: 29/06/23

Reviews for The Chemical Code

‘A 21st-century reinterpretation of classic 007-style action, villainy, exotic location and pretzel plotting… a genuine goldmine of a thriller.’

Engineering and Technology

‘Erskine’s latest outing for Jaq Silver, an explosives and chemical expert, sees Silver back in Brazil, where the race is on for the country’s vast mineral riches. Jaq is quickly drawn into a vortex of action, danger and exotic locations.’

Financial Times

‘A page-turning rollercoaster. Intelligent, exciting, and so much bang for your buck that it’s scary.’

Jude O'Reilly

‘This book has it all. Phenomenal world-building. Totally original plot. Fascinating and insightful social commentary. Love. Sex. Punch-ups. There’s nothing not to like. Jaq Silver is undoubtedly the best character I’ve met in years.’

Emma Christie




Sunny southern sojourn with friends and family and a stonkingly good book. London looking stunning!


In Houston for the day job, I went back to visit my old house and primary school from when my dad had a sabbatical at Rice University. Fleming park is much smaller than I remember but the fire ants are still there! Highlight was a full Tex-Mex with Theresa and Bhopal expert Kenneth Bloch - plans afoot for a new book.


I swam 24km in 5 days. Hard work?

Try tuna canning, salt drying or sulphur mining...

https://fionaerskine.substack.com/p/sulphur-and-salt


Goodbye #egadiislands and thank you @swimtrek for an amazing week - 24 kilometres with wonderful guides, fellow swimmers and multicoloured fishes!


This week #PhosphateRocks e-book is only £0.99 in UK

Who doesn't love a story about a demolition gone wrong? @raine_clouds_writes @lesleykellyauthor 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phosphate-Rocks-Death-Ten-Objects-ebook/dp/B0CTRRXKNY

PS: The audio book narrated by @rain.goblin is pretty special too


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Still plenty of events to come!😁 More info and ticket links here: 👉 https://www.carolynkirby.com/blank-page-3

How refreshing to read @Megankstack in the @nytimes
‘A zombie regime, humiliated and crushed? Why do I find myself thinking of Russia’s Soviet Union-to-Vladimir Putin trajectory?’

Top cinema visit #1 was the glorious #HAMNET - a reminder of just how good a movie can be

Movie #2 of #3 - Astonishing #Marama . New Zealand horror is not for the faint hearted, but even if (like me) you close your eyes, the brilliant sound will fill in the gaps. Unforgettably…

Thoroughly enjoyed #3 of 3 cinema visits #WutheringHeightsMovie - a book I have always loathed. Over analysis does it no favours, I was swept away by the sound and visuals… and it’s laugh-out loud funny in places which leavens the grinding grimness.

The Salt Oracle by Lorraine Wilson
⁦@raine_clouds⁩ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8128830782

We're looking forward to being part of Carolyn's tour for 'Ravenglass'! Carolyn will be with us @hull_libraries (Central and online), 11th February 📚

Fantastic to hear @Ofmooseandmen features on @BBCBooks - such a great publisher and @RonanHession1 is one of my favourite authors and a great interviewee. (Ghost Mountain fell in the bath - sorry!)

Saturday 10 January 2026. ⁦@TonyKent_Writes⁩ will be in ⁦@wstonesdurham⁩ FREE event. See you there! #RevengeOfOdessa

I have news!
Stellar thanks to @SFcrowsnest for a stirring introduction - to #TheLye and to #agentjarrold for his immense courage. Watch this space…

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