Pauline Rowson

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About Pauline Rowson
Hello and thank you for visiting my Author Page on Amazon. Delighted to meet you here. I hope you enjoy reading my crime novels and become immersed in the lives of my heroes - the renegade detective Inspector Andy Horton in the contemporary set Solent Murder Mysteries; the thoughtful reflective, 1950s Scotland Yard detective Inspector Ryga; the action man former Royal Marine Commando Art Marvik now an undercover investigator for the UK Police Marine Unit and my troubled protagonists in my mystery thrillers, In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill. I love creating fast-paced, twisting crime novels and I hope you get as much pleasure out of reading them as I do writing them. Always lovely to hear your views. Happy reading.
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Books By Pauline Rowson
Meet DI Andy Horton. He’s a risk-taking Harley-Davidson-riding detective who doesn’t always play by the rules . . . which often lands him in trouble with his bosses.
Please note this was previously published as Shroud of Evil.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton is assigned the case of a missing person: Jasper Kenton, a private investigator.
Kenton was on the trail of a man whose wife thought he was having an affair.
Then Kenton’s naked body is discovered on a stretch of private beach on the Isle of Wight, wrapped in sailcloth.
The autopsy reveals Kenton was shot with a crossbow at close range.
Now Horton is embroiled in an investigation that has major personal ramifications and he has no choice but to withhold vital information.
As Horton struggles to crack the case, he knows it’s only a matter of time before someone discovers he’s kept silent. And if that’s revealed, it will end his career.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An enjoyable fast-paced crime novel in an unusual and evocative setting.” Bobby H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVES
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
DS Barney Cantelli is happily married to Charlotte with five children. Cantelli followed in his maternal grandfather’s footsteps and became a policeman. His brothers and sister took over their father’s ice cream business and cafés in Portsmouth. Cantelli and Horton work well together and Cantelli is, or tries to be, Horton’s steadying influence. Only Cantelli and SP Steve Uckfield know about Horton’s past. But not everything; no one knows that.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare.
Meet DI Andy Horton. He’s a risk-taking Harley-Davidson-riding detective who doesn’t always play by the rules . . . which often lands him in trouble with his bosses.
Please note this was previously published as Death Surge.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton is on a sailing trip to France when he gets the news: Sergeant Cantelli’s nephew, Johnnie Oslow, is missing.
Johnnie was due to take part in the Cowes Week yacht races on the Isle of Wight, but he never turned up.
Horton’s boss isn’t interested. She thinks Johnnie must have gone off with a woman.
But then the charred remains of a body are discovered in a disused tunnel.
Is it Cantelli’s nephew?
The search for a missing person soon becomes a hunt for a ruthless killer. And this killer is just getting started.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn’t put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brilliant read. Love all of Pauline Rowson’s books. If you like a good twist, read this, you won't be able to put it down!” Amazon customer
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.
Meet DI Andy Horton. He’s a risk-taking Harley-Davidson-riding detective who doesn’t always play by the rules . . . which often lands him in trouble with his bosses.
Please note this was previously published as Undercurrent.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton spots a police car outside Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. He’s supposed to be on holiday, but his curiosity gets the better of him and he stops to investigate.
Lying face down and sprawled out in Number One Dock is the lifeless body of naval historian Dr Douglas Spalding.
Superintendent Uckfield is adamant that Spalding took his own life. But Horton’s not so sure. Then another body is found in similar circumstances in the cockpit of a boat moored at Oyster Quays.
Angry at his boss’s inaction, Horton takes matters into his own hands.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn’t put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An enjoyable fast-paced crime novel in an unusual and evocative setting.” Bobby H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brilliant read. Love all of Pauline Rowson’s books. If you like a good twist, read this, you won't be able to put it down!” Amazon customer
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare.
Meet DI Andy Horton in this bestselling mystery.
Please note this was previously published as Deadly Waters.
The head mistress of a Portsmouth school is found brutally murdered on an old structure in the middle of Langstone Harbour. Detective Andy Horton of Portsmouth CID leads the investigation.
A note is found on the victim with the words ‘Have you forgotten ME?’ scrawled on it.
And a wad of money covered in honey, and wrapped in a five pound note is also discovered on her person.
The victim is Jessica Langley, a steely, determined woman who has made enemies on her path to success. But did any of them hate her enough to want her dead?
All the evidence points to a killer who wanted to leave a very particular message.
Horton is in a race against time to piece together the clues and stop the killer. With the clock ticking and Superintendent Uckfield pressing for results, Horton is forced to make a decision that will put his life on the line.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.
Meet Detective Inspector Andy Horton. It’s his second day back in Portsmouth’s CID and things aren’t going well.
Please note this was previously published as Tide of Death.
DI Andy Horton is on his morning run along an isolated stretch of beach when he stumbles across a dead man. Stark naked and bludgeoned to death.
Eight months ago, DI Horton’s life fell apart when he was suspended for misconduct. His wife kicked him out and stopped him seeing his daughter.
The young woman who’d accused him went missing and the charges were dropped, but his personal and professional life are still in a mess.
And now it doesn’t look good for a detective under suspicion to be the one to find a dead body. His colleagues don’t want him on the case.
But this murder will challenge Detective Horton in every single way. And when another body turns up with the same cause of death, Horton suspects he might be the next person in the killer’s sights.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An enjoyable fast-paced crime novel in an unusual and evocative setting.” Bobby H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare.
Please note this was previously published as A Killing Coast.
Suspicious lights at sea, decomposing bodies and an old flame send Horton down a rabbit hole in this captivating crime thriller.
An elderly man obsessively watches the coast from his Victorian house high on the hill above Ventnor. When he observes mysterious lights out at sea, he reports them to the police.
The local police think he’s a bit of a nuisance. And when Horton interviews him he’s inclined to agree. A judgement he may bitterly regret.
Meanwhile a call comes through from Horton’s partner, DS Cantelli. A woman’s decomposing body is pulled out of the sea, wearing a Victorian-style dress. The post-mortem gives them a massive shock.
And when another body is found, Horton thinks he’s got a serial killer on his hands. At this point the last thing he needs is his old girlfriend showing up.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brilliant read. Love all of Pauline Rowson’s books. If you like a good twist, read this, you won't be able to put it down!” Amazon customer
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.
Meet DI Andy Horton in this bestselling mystery.
Please note this was previously published as Dead Man’s Wharf.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton has a lot on his plate.
A celebrity receives threatening phone calls.
A nursing home resident assaulted.
A man found in a pit with several of his fingers severed.
Perry Jackson and his team are filming a new TV series about wrecks in the Solent and staying at the large and luxurious Royal Hotel on Portsmouth’s seafront.
Shortly after they’ve checked in, Jackson receives a series of threatening phone calls telling him to watch his back and you’ve been warned. Horton thinks it’s a publicity stunt to promote the new TV show.
Meanwhile at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, Mrs Kingsway says she’s been assaulted by an intruder, but there’s no sign of a break-in. The staff thinks she’s lost her marbles, but her son wants action from the police.
And now a man in diving gear is found dead in Oldham’s Wharf. Several of his fingers are missing.
The pressure is on. Detective Horton’s deep in a web of intrigue, deception and corruption that stretches back into the past. Can he find his way back and stop a killer?
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare.
Meet DI Andy Horton in this bestselling mystery. The Solent area of Portsmouth might be pretty, but the criminals certainly aren’t.
Please note this was previously published as Footsteps on the Shore.
It’s Friday the thirteenth and Detective Inspector Andy Horton’s luck is about to run out.
His Harley-Davidson is vandalized, a strange symbol etched into the paintwork. Is it some kind of warning?
To make matters worse, Horton’s nit-picking boss, DCI Lorraine Bliss, has returned early from her secondment to HQ.
And a convicted murderer out on licence has gone missing. Luke Felton. Horton recognizes the name from a case he worked as a sergeant.
Now a decomposing corpse washes up in Portsmouth harbour. The bloated body is found lying in the thick slimy mud.
Before Horton can get a grip on either case, his phone rings. He doesn’t recognize the number. A voice on the other end gives him an address: Willow Bank, Shore Road, Portchester.
Horton knows it. The house belongs to a woman he’d met the day before. And now she’s dead. Her body lies in her windswept garden.
Horton’s got a lot on his plate. Can he connect the dots before anyone else dies?
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare.
Meet DI Andy Horton in this bestselling mystery.
Please note this was previously published as The Suffocating Sea.
One foggy December night, Detective Inspector Andy Horton is called to the site of a burning boat on Horsea Marina. He finds a charred body onboard.
The autopsy reveals startling evidence of foul play. The victim was Tom Brundall, a wealthy financier from Guernsey. And Tom had terminal cancer. What made him sail back to his hometown of Portsmouth? And who would kill a dying man?
Horton is determined to find out.
But then another body is found and Horton is forced to confront the past. Not just the victim’s, but the mystery surrounding his own mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Horton is up against a deadly adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out.
Can Horton catch a killer and find out what happened to his mother all those years ago?
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.
Meet DI Andy Horton in this bestselling mystery.
Please note this was previously published as Blood on the Sand.
A cold, grey January morning.
A woman with a gun in her hand.
A corpse on an abandoned golf course.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton is taking a break on the Isle of Wight. But even when he’s on holiday trouble follows him . . .
On an abandoned golf course, Horton finds a distraught, young woman with a gun in her hand, crouching over one of the derelict bunkers.
Then the smell hits him. A dead man lies there. Dressed in walking gear, his body decomposing.
The woman with the gun says she’s his sister.
The local police think she killed her brother, but Horton’s not so sure.
Then Horton’s boat is broken into and another body is found in a barn. The victim stabbed in the back with a pitchfork.
Horton must race against time to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn't put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An enjoyable fast-paced crime novel in an unusual and evocative setting.” Bobby H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare.
Meet DI Andy Horton. He’s a risk-taking Harley-Davidson-riding detective who doesn’t always play by the rules . . . which often lands him in trouble with his bosses.
Please note this was previously published as Death Lies Beneath.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton is at the funeral of ex-con Daryl Woodley. He’s there to keep an eye on the mourners and watch out for a big-time crook, who they suspect was involved in Woodley’s murder.
But it’s a perplexing case. Prior to his death, Woodley was assaulted and spent three days in hospital before discharging himself. His body is found by a dog walker on Farlington marshes, three miles from the hospital. How did he get there?
The funeral surveillance appears to be a bust. But the next morning Horton is called out to another suspicious death.
A woman’s body is found on a yacht wreck, stabbed in the back. She’s wearing a black figure-hugging dress and a wide-brimmed black hat.
Horton recognizes the woman instantly. She was at Woodley’s funeral.
Are the cases linked? Horton is thrown into another complex investigation. As tensions rise, Horton receives a chilling message. It looks like time is running out for our bold detective . . .
This absolutely gripping detective mystery is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:
“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club
“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Once you get to know Andy Horton you'll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Couldn’t put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems.
"For lovers of mysteries without gory details. Brings the atmosphere and era alive."
England 1950, struggling to come to terms with peace in the grip of austerity and rationing. The body of a man in a pinstriped suit is found in a secluded bay on Portland Island, Dorset. Scotland Yard's Inspector Ryga is sent to investigate.
Recently promoted, Ryga, is on his first solo investigation outside of London, and is keen to prove his worth. Ignoring the warnings of the local police inspector, and the Dorset Chief Constable, that his trust in Eva Paisley, a former war photographer who discovered the body, is misjudged, Ryga quickly realises that her observations could provide the breakthrough he needs in a complex murder investigation and the answer to the haunting circumstances that have sent the man in the pinstriped suit to his death.“Ryga studied the face of the dead man with interest. Death no longer had the power to shock him. He’d seen too much of it. That didn’t mean he didn’t feel sorrow, pity, anger or despair, or sometimes all four emotions and in such a swift succession that they became one. This time he felt none of these, only professional curiosity.”
From the author of the fast-paced, gripping DI Andy Horton novels and the action-packed Art Marvik mystery thrillers .
"Pauline Rowson is one of my favourite authors, her books are always well plotted with decent characters who you can identity with" Soulboy
"Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Kept me enthralled to the final chapter." Julia
Start reading today and escape into a gripping 1950s mystery
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