The Learning Curve of Pain

When part-time fixer Chance Yang is enlisted to investigate a pair of suspicious deaths, the trails lead him from the sunny shores of Spain to the posh boroughs of London.

Responding to the wishes of a dying man, Chance is called to Spain to find answers to a decades-old mystery surrounding the death of a young governess. Allegedly, Emma Milken died of tuberculosis, but her brother, Lewis, suspects foul-play and seeks answers in his final days. But, as Chance searches for the truth, he can only hope his investigation will bring closure rather than vengeance.

As life leads Chance back to London, he encounters Detective Nigel Weatherby of the Metropolitan Police. Referred by his flamboyant former boss, Felipe Kazama, the Detective is searching for answers into what should be an open-and shut-case of murder. But ominous evidence discovered in the victim's backyard hints at the possible involvement of the deceased's influential neighbours and their adopted daughter, who was once a child soldier - meaning that finding answers isn't as simple as it seems.

To discover the truth, Chance must go undercover to infiltrate the lives of a wealthy and powerful family as he searches for answers that may be best left buried. Undeterred by the death threats he receives, the fixer must unravel the twisting mystery as lies begin to crumble. But, can Chance use his unique skills and cunning to unveil the grisly secrets in the leafy London borough?

What critics and readers have to say

"The final act provides a shocking character turn and a memorable denouement." – Kirkus Reviews

"A pretty interesting, classic set up that holds promise for an intriguing yarn and some deft detective work." – IndieReader

"Will the secrets remain hidden? By all means possible, the truth is what stands out the most. In the leafy London borough, the search for answers is only one step toward uncovering the mystery, though let it not deceive you." – Readers' Favorite

"A mystery within a mystery." – Amazon

"I do recommend this book to those who love a good slow burning mystery." – Amazon

About the Author

I'm Shawe Ruckus, a writer of stories that others dare not write, where legendary creatures and cold cases take centre stage. I am also a member of the 'Space Mafia', aka the International Space University, and a former student of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in London, where Agatha Christie learnt how to poison.