Fiona Erskine

Engineer. Writer. Swimmer.

News & events

At last…

Posted on September 18, 2025 in Jaq Silver

Three months after I recovered my rights from Oneworld, I’m delighted to confirm that the Jaq Silver quartet is now available again in full – in ebook and print (under the Snickered Mole Imprint) and audiobook (renewed with WF Howes).

Thanks to the super talented Mark Swann at kid-ethic I have some beautiful new covers.

…with some tremendous cover quotes.

The Chemical Detective

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPECSAVERS DEBUT CRIME NOVEL AWARD, 2020

While working on avalanche control, Jaq Silver stumbles across a problem batch of explosives. After raising a complaint, her evidence disappears. She is warned, threatened, accused of professional incompetence and attacked.  Arrested on a murder charge, she escapes from police custody and races from the Julian Alps of Slovenia to the ghostly ruins of Chernobyl. Can she uncover the truth before her time runs out?

Just the right blend of suspense and tensionForbes
Glows with wit and dangerRoss Armstrong
Fiona Erskine is an engineer and in Jaq Silver, who shares her profession, she has created a wonderful antidote to all the resentful, floppy victims of much domestic noir…Her adventures are eye-popping and excitingLiterary Review
An audacious, female-led thriller which took the disposable women of the James Bond franchise and flipped the concept entirely on its headChemistry World

The Chemical Reaction

SHORTLISTED FOR THE STAUNCH PRIZE

Dr Jaqueline Silver reluctantly accepts a contract in China, but the factory she was sent to visit vanishes overnight along with a former student. Jaq makes a road trip from the Shaolin Temple – home of Kung Fu – to the rare earth mines of Jiangxi. She outwits corrupt police and duplicitous industrialists, only to come face to face with death near the Banqiao hydroelectric dam.

No one else writes with the knowledge and bio of Erskine – Literary Review

Never a dull moment, this is a whip-smart, action packed, intriguing read. Highly recommended. –
Mystery People

Unique and entertaining…just the right blend of suspense and mystery, explosions and gorgeous male strippers, theft of multi-million dollar artworks and five-star dining… – Forbes

The Chemical Cocktail

A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST SUMMER BOOK

When her mother dies, Jaq Silver inherits an old strong-box packed with secrets. Traveling from Portugal to Brazil, Jaq discovers she is not the only one with an interest in the family legacy. Racing against the clock, with threats to her life increasing on all sides, Jaq must use her scientific know-how to save what matters most.

A fast-paced roller-coaster ride. Erskine writes with flair and confidence – Adam LeBor, Financial Times
An action-packed adventure perfect for any thriller-lover ready for a modern heroine to blow their socks off – Tegan Smith, Bay Magazine
A splendidly energetic thriller…a terrific read – NJ Cooper, Literary Review

The Chemical Code

Freight train surfing across Brazil, Jaq Silver has a single mission—vengeance. When her enemies take what she treasures most, she will do anything to make them pay. But can Jaq be sure she is chasing down the right target? And who is pursuing Jaq?

007-style action and exotic locations – a goldmine of a thriller – Nick Smith, E&T Magazine

Phenomenal world-building. Totally original plot. Fascinating and insightful social commentary. Love. Sex. Punch-ups. There’s nothing not to like – Emma Christie

A page-turning rollercoaster. Intelligent and exciting –  Jude O’Reilly

Action, danger and exotic locations – Financial Times

Let me know what you think!

 

 


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


A quarter of my sales this month were overseas for the very first time!

Massive thanks to all those fine Canadians for topping the list. Say Hi if you see this.

https://fionaerskine.com/


On my way to Harrogate today

https://open.substack.com/pub/fionaerskine/p/harrogate

Say hello if you'll be there


What makes the perfect handbag and how much is it worth?

https://fionaerskine.substack.com/p/the-perfect-handbag


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

Novelist Carolyn Kirby discusses the apparently radical shift in men’s fashions during the late 18th century and the invention of the ‘masculine’ style that still dominates menswear. https://historiamag.com/invent-masculine-fashion/ via @HistoriaHWA

I have news. Exciting news...
https://fionaerskine.com/news-item/exciting-news/

Have you had a look at the brilliant Ravenglass by Carolyn Kirby yet?

Following a gender fluid character making their way in 1700s Whitehaven, this emotional and beautifully written globe trotting adventure is available with 25% off this Christmas!
https://share.google/AvrhJUHaVtFa9TVnK

Happiness is a train journey with a seat and a good book #lner #thesaltoracle

Excellent post - thank you @GalleyBeggars @GonzaloCGarcia

Ongoing serialisation of
#PhosphateRocks continues as the mystery deepens
Chapter 27: Broken Sunglasses - Features - The Chemical Engineer - https://goo.gl/alerts/EVCA3x #GoogleAlerts @IChemE

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