Nancy Business

Nancy Business is adult crime fiction in the tradition of a whodunit/whydunit murder mystery with amateur detectives on the case. It is a sequel to The Nancys which Ngaio Marsh Awards judges described as an “exuberant small-town murder mystery,” and “hilarious and inventive”.

It has been four months since THE NANCYS — a secret amateur detective club made up of TIPPY CHAN (12) and her babysitters, UNCLE PIKE and his boyfriend DEVON — were last together. Now they are back in Riverstone, a two-pub town in South Otago, New Zealand, for the one year anniversary of Tippy’s father’s death. The next morning Riverstone is rocked by an explosion that kills three people and destroys the town hall. A new case is born and the Nancys re-form.

But their investigation raises more questions than it answers. Is the accused bomber really guilty? Is there a second bomber? And if so, does that mean a threat to destroy Riverstone Bridge is real? And is asparagus a colour? Once again, it is up to the Nancys to go against the flow and police advice.

Problems mount with a lack of leads. The accused bomber died in the blast, police have closed the case and the only eyewitness is the town drunk. Then add in a relationship breakup, and Tippy discovering everyone she trusts – including Uncle Pike and Devon – have been lying to her for a year, and the Nancys are broken.

But with no one else on the case, unless the Nancys can re-form and solve the mystery, more people could die.

Can the Nancys get the band back together again? And when everyone is right, does that make you wrong?

Nancy Business is a book about family, love (bombs) and the courage to stand up for the truth, no matter the cost.

Read an except of Nancy Business here on Scribd.

Awards

Finalist,

2022 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel

Available in Paperback and eBook

Join the madcap, wild ride as Tippy and her flamboyant uncles investigate an explosion which rocks Riverstone. It’s the Nancy Drew book your mother would never let you read with bawdy banter, naughty neighbours and a good dose of vodka. Along with the outrageous gold outfits, the book also has a serious heart of gold, focusing on grief, love and family. Rollicking great fun, unlike any other crime book you’ve ever read.

Petronella McGovern, author of Six Minutes

The Nancys was wonderful – this is even better. A book of great heart, humour and originality. I loved it.

Chris Hammer, author of Trust

Murder? Explosives? Home renovations, a soundtrack ripped from the nineties and a dog called Fabulon? Oh hell to the yes, The Nancys are back. Utterly refreshing, deliciously funny and packed full of characters that will break and warm your heart in equal measure, Nancy Business is an absolute delight. Long may the series continue.

Anna Downes, author of The Safe Place

A drama wrapped in a comedy wrapped in a mystery, sprinkled with innuendo and bursting with heart - The Nancys second adventure has everything, and is truly something special.

Sam Coley, author of State Highway One

Started Nancy Business by R.W.R. McDonald at 9pm...midnight thought just to the end of this chapter... finished at 2am. Sharp, exhilarating, moving, loved it...

Renée, author of These Two Hands

Tippy, Uncle Pike and Devon are the smartest, sweetest and sassiest sleuths around. I was giddy with excitement to be back in their company.

Bram Presser, author of The Book of Dirt

Endearing, inventive, and full of wit . . . I love these characters and the setup and slightly darker tone to this sequel was absolutely perfect.

2022 Ngaio Marsh Award Best Novel Judges