Silent Embers: A gripping Scottish crime thriller of murder, secrets and revenge, BRAND NEW for 2026

Some fires never truly go out.

They just wait for the right moment to burn again.

On a busy Halloween night in Fife, a woman is murdered in plain sight – her body left in a shallow grave and a theatrical dress left hanging above her - preserved, positioned and meant to be seen.

Five years earlier, a dress just like it was worn by a young actress named Nancy, who died in a devastating Bonfire Night fire that tore through a local theatre. DCI Liam Brodie knows the dress is a message... but for who?

His investigation soon leads him to the heavy blast doors of a nuclear bunker. Deep underground, where two broken men guard the memory of Nancy - the woman they lost. But they aren't the only ones with secrets...

While suspicion falls on those closest to the victim, the real killer is watching, waiting, and preparing his final act. The stage is set. The fuse is lit. In the countdown to Bonfire Night, Brodie must discover who is pulling the strings before the final curtain falls in blood.

Praise for John Carson:

'Excellent! Fast paced and hard hitting with a sharp edge of quick wit.' Bestselling thriller author Diane Saxon

'Broken Bones is a cracking start to a brand new series. Flawed characters, twists and turns galore and a brutal mystery that had me guessing until the end.' Bestselling crime author Wes Markin

'A twisty, tartan-clad cracker laced with dark humour.' Bestselling crime author Ross Greenwood

'Always a five star for John Carson. His books just keep getting better and better.' Reader Review

'Another great book from this highly recommend author. Hard to put down any of his books they keep you gripped from the beginning to the end.' Reader Review

'OUTSTANDING!' Reader Review

'A brilliant new series from one of my favourite authors!' Reader Review

'Lots of humour and normality as well as intrigue and right at the end, the final, and most stunning twist.' Reader Review