< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY A CAPPUCCINO WITH… Beneath the stillness of Lincolnshire’s landscapes, author Jack Cartwright has uncovered a world of crime, secrets and suspense. Best known for his Wild Fens, Deadly Wolds and DCI Cook series, he explores vivid and dark rural settings within our county’s rich landscape. With over 50 novels to his name, including 23 as Jack Cartwright, his twisty plots and unforgettable characters have earned him bestseller status. We caught up with him to discuss his journey, his favourite writing ingredients and what’s coming next. Before crime writing, what did life look like for you and how did you end up writing full-time? Before writing as Jack Cartwright, I was writing action thrillers under a different pen name while living in Dubai. At the time, I was Head of IT and Facilities for an architecture company. We moved back to the UK in 2019, and after about a year of getting to know the county, Jack Cartwright was born. My writing journey started as a bucket list item. I had always wanted to write a book, and I had always wanted a degree. So, I did both at the same time. I have never once used that degree certificate, but I enjoyed the writing so much I gave up work and here I am, 50- something novels later. You became a USA Today bestselling author in 2021 and an Amazon best- selling author shortly after. How did those moments feel? Under the Jack Cartwright name, I have Unearthing crime in the quiet places A Q&A with Jack Cartwright LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 71 A CAPPUCCINO WITH… written 23 books and 22 of them have received Amazon’s bestselling tag in their genre. I would like to think I have built up enough of a following that there’s some excitement when a new book drops, but it’s never something I take for granted. It’s nice to see those accolades and they tickle the ego, but in the day-to-day reality of being an author, they don’t change much. The USA Today recognition was lovely, of course, but the focus is always on the next book, the next idea, the next character. What drew you specifically to crime fiction as a genre? It’s what I watch. If I were to walk into a bookstore, a crime novel is what I would buy… and maybe a bar of chocolate if they have any on the counter! People often say, ‘write what you know.’ I disagree! I know about IT, bricklaying, photography, music, gardening, cars…the list goes on. The trick is weaving what you know into a genre that excites you. Crime fiction excites me. You use your life experience to shape characters that feel real and relatable, characters both you and the reader want to spend time with. In your view, what are the key ingredients of a gripping crime fiction novel? Characters and twists. That’s it. The plot is just the canvas on which to paint your characters. If you’ve got a rich palette of characters, like the ones you meet in real life, the twists will come naturally. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your writing is; if the reader doesn’t care about your characters, they’ll close the book. And if your characters are as flat and dull as a vegan barbecue, well, good luck finding a twist that works. Your books are deeply rooted in Lincolnshire. What makes the Fens and Wolds such effective crime settings? A sense of wonder. I frequently find spots across Lincolnshire (other counties are available!) that fill me with a sense of intrigue. If I stumble across a remote farmhouse, I immediately start asking myself questions. Who lived there? What happened? Why is it derelict? Add some rich characters who might thrive in those settings, and it doesn’t take long for ideas to take root. You now have three separate series under your belt. How do Wild Fens, Deadly Wolds and the DCI Cook novels differ for you - and your readers? They all have a different energy, much like the landscapes they’re set in. Stand in the Fens, and you see miles of open, windswept farmland. The Wild Fens books reflect that openness - wild and free. The stories are littered with humour and grit alike. They bask in light, and they lurk in the shade with a romantic thread running quietly beneath the crime. The Deadly Wolds books are more constrained. They strike deep into the reader’s heart. They still experience light and shade, but the emotions run deeper, and the stories explore themes many readers relate to but don’t necessarily voice. The DCI Cook series is something else entirely - a slow-burn. They are bonus books, and each one is inspired by a Dickens novel. I love that sense of age and hardship and how the characters intertwine. That’s what I try to encapsulate. What can readers expect from you next? More Wild Fens, another Deadly Wolds, and maybe something new. Who knows? I haven’t quite decided yet. But whatever it is, the journey will be fun for me, and hopefully for the readers too. Jack Cartwright’s latest novel Secrets from the Grave, is available now at Amazon. Explore the full series at www.jackcartwrightbooks.com or follow him on social media. 72 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY SUDOKU competition Closing date for entries is: 20th DECEMBER 2025 To enter just email the numbers that appear in the purple squares to: competitions@blmgroup.co.uk Win a £20 voucher to spend with any of our advertisers in this issue. Last month’s solution Lincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead... Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20 Family are not going to make things easy so it’s important you stand your ground. After all, you’re entitled to your opinion. Socially, you’ll be in top form. Accept all those invitations because there are some important introductions coming your way. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21 Life is always a mystery. A blast from the past will make you wonder if reconciling with an old flame is really such a good idea. Think twice before making that all important commitment. Gemini May 22 - June 21 Financially, you’ve probably bitten off more than you can chew and will be looking for ways of clawing back some money because you need to pay your bills. A new admirer is about to make you an offer you’ll find difficult to refuse. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23 A lifetime dream or ambition is about to be realised. Blitz the house, throw out the rubbish, rid yourself of everything that is useless and utterly unnecessary because you have tons of new stuff heading your way. Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 Someone you are very close to will give you the moral support that you need to get over a particularly bumpy hurdle. You are about to turn one of the most important corners of your life. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 Your presence, work or name will be in the spotlight. Suddenly, you are on everyone’s dinner party list of favourite guests, but you may prefer to stay at home or spend time with tried and trusted friends instead. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 As we are now entering silly season, the festive period, your daft yet sensational sense of humour and incredible wit will be needed in order to get you through entertaining family and other friends who normally drive you up the wall. Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 Secrets and lies are never far away from family gatherings. You can’t abide hypocrite or drama queens at any price. Someone you’ve deleted off your Christmas card list proves persistent, but you are having none of it. Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 You may be invited to a number of festive celebrations - however, you may prefer to stay at home because you don’t like being everyone else’s taxi service. Those days are now long gone and if that makes you unpopular, you really couldn’t care less. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 As a top class party animal everyone will be looking to you to organise some sort of office party, or a gathering of the clans among neighbours and friends as a run up to Christmas. Right now, nothing is too much trouble. Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 A close friend or relative who has deeply upset you in the past may attempt to make amends. As much as you realise that this is now the season of good cheer and all that, you are also very aware of the fact that leopards do not change their spots. Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20 A romantic meal for two will turn out to be one of the most wonderful evenings of your entire life. Something new will start to blossom. Make the most of this happy situation. You have a lot to look forward to that is positive and productive. A2U3G 592473186 674821539 813965472 258396741 349217658 761584293 426738915 135649827 987152364 426387591 375912684 819654723 162439875 743528916 958176432 294763158 631895247 587241369classified To advertise your services call Angela Cooper at Lincolnshire Today on 01472 310310 British Classics Heritage Motors Parts 1948 to date Retail Trade Export Special Projects Restorations Manufacturing Modifications Country Workshops Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EZ Classic Landrovers Tel/Fax 01775 750223 www.british4x4centre.co.uk Motors Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd The best photography is about much more than taking a picture. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, preserving a memory. Sometimes it’s about looking at things a little bit differently. Tel: 07974 695626 www.stuartwildephotography.com guide fo essentia The il tobe oom Gr and theBrid m d WEDDINGS/ NET.Y t LINC . WWW COLNSHIRETODAY If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit: Weddings To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 73 Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby Photography Is this how work makes you feel on a Monday morning? We’re looking for those with a zest for life to join Lincolnshire Today’s sales team! You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to work here but it helps… Contact Angie Cooper on 01472 310310 © stock.adobe.com/indomercy© stock.adobe.com/DreamLab Swan in a million! In a “swan in a million” mission, Lincolnshire Police were recently called to assist in a rescue somewhat outside of their regular purview, after a swan crash landed on the A15 near Lincoln. The road was temporarily closed to allow volunteers from the Yorkshire Swan and Wildlife Rescue Hospital to retrieve the young bird, which has since made a full recovery and been released “without charge” back into the wild. In an update, the force shared: “Swan in a million! Two Lincolnshire Police officers recently stepped in to help out a young swan that had crash landed on the A15 just outside of Lincoln. Our officers bravely stuck their necks out to temporarily close the road to allow for volunteers from the Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue Hospital to come and take the stranded cygnet to their wildlife sanctuary (no handcuffs required.) The young swan has since made a full recovery and has been released without charge.” Own a piece of Sir Isaac Newton’s home Fancy owning a piece of Sir Isaac Newton’s home? Well, now you can as a result of conservation works! Born at Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham in 1642, it is claimed that watching an apple falling from a tree at the property led to the scientist’s theory of gravity. Now taken care of by the National Trust, the house is currently undergoing work to replace the second of the cellar windows, with pieces of cut-away stone available to buy in the manor’s shop. With Christmas around the corner, it could certainly be a unique gift for science or history lovers! watercooler 74 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net Have we missed anything? Send your rib-ticklers to t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk By the Carrot competitors A Lincolnshire village has named the winner of a special competition that would leave rabbits drooling — the longest carrot in Stubton! The charming tradition sees the village host an annual event for local growers and residents, with this year’s winning vegetable measuring an impressive 720mm from tip to top. The winner, Mike, is said to have simply sowed, watered and ignored the carrot, showing sometimes less is more. According to the Guinness World Records, the longest carrot ever grown was over six meters, but Stubton’s 720mm carrot remains a remarkable local achievement! © stock.adobe.com/Sanda © stock.adobe.com/Digital CreatorByyourside then,nowand inthefuture Learn about our free Will Writing Service at ambucopter.org.uk/will Ourfirsthelicopter,1994 LNAACT REG CHARITY 1017501 Wefundedtwocardiacmonitorsfor ourNeonatalUnitthankstogiftsinwills Helpfundlife-savingequipment forseriouslyillchildren RememberUnitedLincolnshireHospitals Charityinyourwillandgivehope. www.ulhcharity.org.uk/wills RegisteredCharityNo:1058065COMING 2026 AS PART OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT MANDATE UNDER NEW ‘SIMPLER RECYCLING’ LEGISLATION (ENVIRONMENT ACT 2021), FROM 2026 ALL LINCOLNSHIRE HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SEPARATE THEIR FOOD WASTE FROM THEIR RESIDUAL WASTE. RIGHT THING, RIGHT BIN DID YOU KNOW Just one recycled banana skin can generate enough energy to charge your phone twice! Keep up to date with launch info, collection tips, and more: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/foodwaste or follow us on: Cost Efficient Save Energy Act on ClimateNext >