Step into the misty, suspense-filled world of DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans, where the haunting Lincolnshire Fens set the stage for gripping crime thrillers! Authored by Joy Ellis, this series blends the gritty realism of police procedurals with the cozy charm of small-town mysteries, delivering complex cases and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of dark yet heartwarming detective tales, it’s a journey into a world where every marsh hides a secret.
How DI Rowan Jackman & DS Marie Evans Began
Joy Ellis, a former florist turned crime writer, crafted the DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans series after a life-changing writing workshop in Greece with author Sue Townsend. Inspired by her home in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens, Ellis set out to create a series that captures the region’s eerie beauty and isolation. Launched in 2016 with The Murderer’s Son, the series follows two seasoned detectives whose sharp minds and deep friendship anchor their investigations into the Fens’ darkest crimes.
The Heart of DI Rowan Jackman & DS Marie Evans
The series kicks off with The Murderer’s Son, where Jackman and Evans tackle a confessed killer, Daniel Kinder, whose murky past unravels a chilling mystery. Their Lost Daughters dives into a harrowing case of missing girls, with the Fens’ muddy fields hiding grim secrets. The Patient Man pits the duo against their nemesis, serial killer Alistair Ashcroft, in a tense cat-and-mouse game. Solace House weaves a cold case into a family’s fresh start, unraveling a decades-old murder.
Ellis masterfully balances intricate plots with rich character dynamics, emphasizing Jackman and Evans’ platonic bond—forged by mutual respect and shared losses, like Evans’ husband’s tragic death. Themes of justice, trauma, and community shine through, set against the Fens’ misty marshes, which act as a character themselves. The series’ style merges cozy mystery warmth with the darkness of psychopathic killers, appealing to readers who crave both suspense and emotional depth.
Why DI Rowan Jackman & DS Marie Evans Resonates
The series has carved a niche in crime fiction, with over 8 million books sold globally and a loyal fanbase drawn to its vivid setting and relatable detectives. Its blend of small-town charm and gruesome crimes offers a fresh take, while Ellis’ research, aided by her partner, a retired police officer, ensures authentic police work. The upcoming TV adaptation, The Fens, starring Richard Armitage, signals its growing cultural impact, promising to bring Jackman and Evans to new audiences.
- First Book: The Murderer’s Son (2016)
- Total Books: 10, with an 11th in progress
- Awards: Shortlisted for British Book Awards 2021 (The Patient Man)
- Setting: Lincolnshire Fens, UK
Ready to unravel mysteries with DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans? Grab The Murderer’s Son and dive into this thrilling crime fiction world!