Gumshoe - The Vanowen Case (The Gumshoe Mysteries Book 1)

by Paul Henke

  The rest was history. I gave the police copies of the recordings. Susan Vanowen was released on a judge’s orders a couple of days later while Cheryl was indicted for murder one and attempted murder. Mine. What never came out was the fact that Zelda had phoned Cheryl and told her it would be in her interests to be at the house at a certain time but not before a black Chevrolet was parked out the front. Zelda hadn’t given her my name. Zelda had also told her not to let Vanowen know she was there. Like I figured, curiosity got the better of her and she arrived in time to hear most of what we said. In this case curiosity really did kill the cat.

  On closer questioning it turned out that Cheryl hated Susan. Hated her for the life she had and even hated her for having an affair because of the life she had, if you see what I mean. Cheryl had also convinced herself that Perry Vanowen was as much in love with her as she was with him.

  There was significant publicity about the case where my name featured prominently. Both the Vanowens said a lot of complimentary things about me which was better than all the advertising in the world. We received a dozen enquiries in less than a week.

  We were pretty busy when a month later I received a cheque for $5,000 from Perry Vanowen. A note with it said he and Susan were going to give it another go while at the same time trying for kids of their own. He also wrote that he’d figured out how Cheryl had been there at the right time to listen to us. For which he thanked me.

  Zelda’s face was a picture when I gave her a $1,000 bonus. She’d earned it if only for the phone call she’d made to Cheryl.

  All in all, a happy ending.

  The End

  Also by Paul Henke

  A Million Tears

  A Million Tears is a mighty epic, the first of four books chronicling the life of the Griffiths family.

  This is a tale of love and hate, murder and suicide, poverty and wealth – the story of a family whose devotion for each other helps them to succeed where others fail.

  Dai’s world was confined to the close-knit South Wales mining community where the most exciting event in his 10 years of life was a trip to the market town of Pontypridd. But he has his atlas and he has his dreams.

  ‘A Million Tears’ is the realisation of those dreams. From the hardship and poverty of Wales in 1890 to the optimism and wealth of America, the Griffiths family strive for success. Follow Evan, the head of the family, as he fights his way from coal-miner to businessman to politician. Dai, whose search for adventure takes him to the exotic corruption of the West Indies and Sion, who has to grow up fast to survive the brutality of the west. There’s Uncle James who will stop at nothing to save the family and finally Meg, the rock of the family, the constant in all their lives.

  This is a compelling story of adventure and love, tragedy and survival. A wonderful story by a master story teller.

  The Tears of War and Peace

  The second book in the Tears Series

  It is 1911 and David Griffiths is in Wales, bored and lonely. He travels to London at the behest of their family friend, John Buchanan, to start a new business in banking. There he gets caught up in the suffragette movement and falls in love with Emily. Against the backdrop of women’s fight for votes and the looming First World War, the Griffiths build a vast, sprawling company encompassing banking, aircraft manufacturing, farming and whisky distilling.

  The enmity of a German family follows them tragically throughout this period, leading to murder and revenge. At the end of the war, thanks to a change in the Constitution, Evan is invited to run for President of the United States. The family rally round for the most important battle of Evan’s life.

  With the Brown-shirts running rampage across Germany, David and Sion are soon involved in a battle for survival.

  Sir David Griffiths is a colossus of a figure, striding across the world and through the century, a man of integrity and bravery, passion and dedication. Determined to win, nothing comes before the family.

  The story is as compelling as ever. Historical fact woven into the fictional characters makes a breathtaking tale of adventure.

  Silent Tears by Paul Henke

  The third book in the Tears Series

  Silent Tears is full of passion and adventure. You will be captivated as three generations of the Griffiths family struggle to meet the challenges of their time.

  From the depths of the depression and the rise of fascism to the abdication of Edward VIII and the Spanish Civil War, Henke’s meticulous research brings the period and vibrant characters to life.

  David, powerful and dynamic, at the centre of political intrigue, his love for the family is put to the ultimate test

  . . . Meg, his mother, stalwart and determined, guides the family with humour and devotion . . . and Susan, beautiful and tempestuous, fighting for justice. No sacrifice is too great for those she loves.

  Packed with excitement, Silent Tears is a masterpiece. A novel that vibrates with sheer narrative power and relentlessly builds the emotional pressure until it explodes in a firestorm of passion and high-octane adventure. A spellbinding epic.

  Tears Until Dawn

  The fourth book in the Tears Series

  Never before have the events of the Second World War been captured so vividly. Paul Henke transports his readers straight to this turbulent period of history. From Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, through to the final invasion, you feel you are actually there, breathing alongside his remarkable characters. This is a tale of betrayal; betrayal of Prisoners of War as they struggle to survive - and betrayal of a nation by its King.

  This compelling story of a family at war is told through the eyes of Sir David Griffiths. At the height of his political power he will do whatever it takes to protect those he loves. But will it be enough?

  His daughter Susan, the beautiful and tempestuous pilot, is tested to the limits of her endurance. Cousin Alex’s skill in the air is legend – but can he conquer his demons on the ground? And young Richard, defying his family yet desperately needing their help if he is to survive the horrors that await him.

  Tears Until Dawn is a rare blend of truth and fiction - a story you will not want to end. Henke dazzles the reader with passion and adventure in this novel of epic proportions.

  Shadow of a Tear

  The fifth and final book of the Tears Series

  September 1945. The war in Europe is over. It is a time of hope, as people rebuild their lives and look to the future. With the shadow of communism steadily growing, fear grips the western world. Although Sir David Griffiths had decided to take a back seat in world politics, he is drawn into fighting a web of crime and espionage in order to protect his family. His daughter, Susan, aspires to be a Member of Parliament; his son, Richard, works with MI6 and with time his POW mental scars begin to heal.

  As the Cold War rages and conflicts erupt around the world, the next generation of the Griffiths family fight in their different ways for their beliefs and ideals. And behind them as always – Sir David; stubborn, determined and ruthless with those who dare to harm his loved ones.

  The book is an emotional roller-coaster. Intriguing, fast-paced and full of historic fact - it is a joy to read.

  Debacle by Paul Henke

  A Nick Hunter Adventure

  Following a summit meeting in Paris an alliance of interested countries form an elite fighting force to combat terrorism throughout the world. Based in Britain and under the command of a British General, the team is made up of Western, Russian and other non-aligned countries’ special forces.

  Without warning the terrorists strike. A group of bankers, politicians and industrialists are taken prisoner off the coast of Scotland and the new, untried force is sent to search for them.

  The Scene of Action Commander is Nick Hunter, Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy, an underwater mine and bomb clearance expert with experience in clandestine operations.

  This is non-stop adventure from beginning to end. A riveting story told by a master story teller. You are guaranteed no
t to want to put it down!

  Fact is mixed with fiction which will cause you to wonder, how true is this story? Did it really happen?

  Mayhem by Paul Henke

  A Nick Hunter Adventure

  Israel faces imminent destruction, nuclear Armageddon. A series of kidnaps, bombings and senseless murders have left her isolated from her allies and threatened by enemies of old. Unknown to all but a few, the situation has been orchestrated by multi-millionaire Zionist, Samuel Dayan. His vision of a Greater Israel will be carved from the charred ruins of the Middle East.

  But Dayan is up against the international anti-terrorist organisation, TIFAT, and our hero Nick Hunter. To the age-old struggle of Good against Evil, author Paul Henke adds state-of-the-art communications technology and computerised warfare. In a desperate race against time, Hunter and his team of hand-picked specialists deploy satellite intelligence and high-tech weaponry to track Dayan to his lair.

  The plot twists and turns in a series of setbacks, betrayals and mind-blowing developments. Myriad minor characters deserve story-lines of their own.

  Relentlessly building the tension, Henke strips his hero Hunter of all resources but those within himself – knowledge born of experience and the inability to give up. Hunter simply must not fail.

  Chaos by Paul Henke

  A Nick Hunter Adventure

  Ambitious Alleysia Raduyev has inherited the family business – the largest crime cartel in Georgia. Operating on the classic theory of supply and demand, she caters for her customers every desire – narcotics, arms, prostitution, forced labour. Her payroll has extended to include lawmakers and law enforcers. No one is safe from her tyranny and oppression.

  Power base secured, Alleysia moves on to her next objective – the formation of a super crime cartel, whose actions will result in global chaos. As a deterrent to those who would oppose her, she chooses the ultimate weapon

  – three nuclear warheads.

  Desperate to prevent a new, anarchic world order, the West declares World war III against the cartels and their terror organisations. As violence escalates, the now battle-hardened troops of TIFAT are pitched against their toughest adversary yet.

  Spearheading the battle is Lt. Cdr. Nick Hunter, the fearless explosives and diving specialist seconded to The International Force Against Terrorism.

  The latest TIFAT novel is a clarion call to the Western world as it comes to grips with the realities of modern terrorism.

  The Seventh Circle by Paul Henke

  JUSTICE! When Richard Griffiths’ world is turned upside down he expects the justice system to take action. But the powers that be have another agenda and Richard finds himself embroiled in the sinister world of terrorists and international politics. Justice is denied him. He has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. His thoughts and actions consume him as his quest for justice turns to a deep rooted desire for revenge.

  But soon the hunter becomes the hunted. The consequences quickly spiral out of control. As action leaps from Europe to the Middle East and then the USA, the pace never slackens.

  Breaking free of the circle of hatred and retribution will take all Richard’s courage and determination. Will it be enough?

  This is Henke at his page-turning best – thought provoking and action packed.

  Acclaim for Paul Henke

  AMILLION TEARS

  ‘The summer’s best holiday read . . .’ Scottish and Universal Newspapers

  ‘An unquenchable thirst for daring and creativity . . .’ The Sunday Times

  ‘As a literary publicist we receive over 50 books a week to evaluate – we knew instantly that A Million Tears was a classic.’ Tony Cowell, PressGroup UK

  ‘Henke has written a gripping story . . .’ Corgi Books

  ‘I smelt the coal dust in Wales and felt the dust in my eyes as I fought alongside Evan.’ Dr Peter Claydon

  ‘Henke tells interesting and exciting stories. He doesn’t use bad language and writes good English. A joy to read.’ The Sun

  The Tears of War and Peace

  ‘Henke isn’t just talented, but versatile too. His books are very convincing. As good as Stephen King, Wilbur Smith, Tom Clancy and Bernard Cornwell.’ Burton Mail

  ‘Read them and weep.’ The Stirling Observer

  ‘He’s one of the best new writers we’ve had in ten years.’ The Burton Trader

  ‘A family saga with non-stop adventure from beginning to end.’ Tony Cowell, PressGroup UK

  Debacle

  ‘A gritty political thriller . . .’ The Times

  ‘A rip-roaring thriller from the world of terrorism and espionage.’ The Wee County News

  ‘The readers will be hard-pressed to distinguish fact from fiction in Paul Henke’s latest blockbuster.’ The Press and Journal

  ‘A political thriller that combines international terrorism, the military and high finance. A roller-coaster of a thrilling ride.’ The Sunday Post

  ‘Has that absolute tang of authenticity – a rattling good yarn.’ Chris Serle, BBC Radio

  ‘Non-stop action from beginning to end.’ BBC Radio Manchester

  ‘A political thriller that rivals Tom Clancy.’ The Stirling Observer

  ‘Move over Tom Clancy. Henke has turned his own amazing real-life experiences into blockbuster novels.’ The Sun

  Mayhem

  ‘A non-stop action adventure set in Scotland and the Middle East.’ The Edinburgh Evening News

  ‘A fast moving tale of terror and destruction set amidst the charred ruins of the Middle East. An international force exists to fight terrorism. Terrific realism.’ The Stirling Observer

  ‘The hero, Nick Hunter, embarks on a non-stop rollercoaster adventure from the Scottish Highlands to the Middle East. Henke is being hailed as the next Wilbur Smith.’ The Aberdeen Press and Journal

  ‘Mayhem is a classic airport thriller. It’s a veritable page turner and a cracking read.’The Milngavie & Bearsden Herald

  ‘A cracking good yarn. Non-stop action from beginning to end.’ Central FM radio

  ‘Fiction becomes fact in Paul Henke’s action thrillers. A superb read.’ The Northern Echo