Out now

An engrossing suspenseful yarn… Very enjoyable as usual” Alastair Mabbott, Herald Book Reviewer

Compelling characters ensure a plot moving on skates through plausible twists and tangles Stuart Hannibus, writer and reviewer

Another amazing page turning adventure One Man in the Middle

Les Cowan has found a rich seam of crime fiction Scots Magazine

Benefit of the Doubt

... is a love story, a quest, a puzzle, a challenge, a dilemma and a journey of self discovery and restoration. What happens when life doesn't follow the script? In the midst of confusion can there be a benefit in having a doubt?  On the road to recovery does life still deserve the benefit of the doubt?

  • ... truly a breath of fresh air from the hard-man-style detective novels, yet the undercurrents it creates are just as threatening. Masterful LIVING ORKNEY MAGAZINE

  • A fast paced and gripping tale set in Edinburgh and Spain SCOTS MAGAZINE (Sept '18: the best of new Scottish crime fact and fiction)

  • Well written and thoroughly enjoyable in every twist and turn of the story. David Hidalgo is a great character and I expect to see more of him. 9.7 ONE MAN IN THE MIDDLE BLOG

All that Glitters

Tati, a young Belarussian girl, follows her dream to the Scottish capital where the dream suddenly becomes a nightmare. A chance conversation presents David Hidalgo with something that doesn't add up. Things are going to get a whole lot darker before the light dawns for either of them.

  • A unique combination of spiritual journey and fast-paced crime. Very mature writing: an outstanding achievement RON FERGUSON, AUTHOR AND COLUMNIST

  • This is suspense at its best. There’s a real freshness in the writing, that doesn’t just stimulate the mind, but manages to captivate and harness the soul. LIVING ORKNEY MAGAZINE NOV 2018 (see NEWS for more).

  • Loved this second book even more than the first! Topical subject, believable characters, exciting plot. Couldn't put it down, can't ask for more in a book! AMAZON REVIEW

Sins of the Fathers

Disgraced former priest Ramón is finally released from prison, but instead of feeling guilt and remorse he is bent on revenge against those who testified against him. Most are easy to find but Andrea has moved to Edinburgh. As she slowly realises her past has terrifyingly become her present, David Hidalgo again finds himself in the middle of a problem he wasn't looking for. Can he halt Ramón's revenge or will there be further casualties?

  • In David Hidalgo, Les Cowan has a unique take on the crime busting religious protagonist … he has crafted a clever, twisted game of cat and mouse – where you’re never quite sure who is the cat and who is the mouse. GORDON BROWN AUTHOR OF DARKEST THOUGHTS

  • A dark insight into a dangerous and wounded soul … crime fiction with a spiritual twist. FIONA VEITCH SMITH AUTHOR OF THE CAIRO BRIEF

  • … strongly recommended to all crime thriller fans … very easy to get into and follow Bookread2day

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers joins the family as the latest in the acclaimed David Hidalgo series - “crime / thriller with a spiritual twist”

Newly married, David Hidalgo is reconnecting with friends and congregation … but something’s wrong. The sons of downstairs neighbours, Ali and Ayeesha, are missing and it looks as though they're planning a terror attack in Spain. To make matters worse, your daughter, Samira, has a Christian boyfriend and now wants to convert.

Once again David Hidalgo finds himself in the middle of an unexpected crisis. Can he help a confused girl, unsure of her identity? Can he find the boys and prevent a tragedy?

Les Cowan is daring in engaging with controversial and complex themes that are patiently rooted in the familiar and recognisable. This makes the story is not just exciting but credible and engaging.

GJ Martin, author of the Orcadian Trilogy

A powerful exploration of how ordinary people can get caught up in extremism. Blood Brothers is a truly thrilling novel with a profound insight into family love and religious hate.

Fiona Veitch Smith author of the Poppy Denby Investigates series