New Inspector Ryga Mystery to be published in 2026

A brand new Inspector Ryga, 1951 set mystery, DEATH ON THE PIER, number six in the historical crime fiction series, is to be published by Joffe Books in summer 2026

The Detective Inspector Alun Ryga mystery series is set in the early 1950s, England, with the first DEATH IN THE COVE being on the Royal Island of Portland, Dorset; the second, DEATH IN THE HARBOUR set in Newhaven, East Sussex; number three, DEATH IN THE HARBOUR in the fishing port of Brixham, Devon; the fourth, DEATH IN THE DUNES at Dungeness, Kent and number five, DEATH ON BOARD in Cornwall.

The new Inspector Ryga mystery, number six, DEATH ON THE PIER is set in Southend-on-Sea, Essex in July 1951.

Ryga is ex Merchant Navy and a former German prisoner-of-war. His ship was seized by a German Raider in 1941 as a result of which he was incarcerated for the rest of the war in MILAG, (Marine Internierten Lager). Here he learned how to cope with the uncertainty, fear and deprivations of forced incarceration with no option but to wait, hope and pray that the war would soon be over and the Nazis would be defeated.

His experience has made him observant, analytical and reflective. It has also given him insights into his fellow man. He’s witnessed compassion, cruelty, cowardice and heroism, mental breakdown and despair. He’s made a promise to himself that whatever happens after the war he’ll keep an open mind and never judge. His experience at sea, and as a prisoner-of-war, have made him unique in his approach to solving coastal based crimes.

Inspector Ryga is part of Scotland Yard's Murder Squad who is sent out at a moment's notice to solve complex murder cases.

"Inspector Ryga is an engaging lead character, shaped by his war-time experiences to be a sensitive, astute detective.The interesting setting of post-war Britain is soaked in atmosphere and I loved the complex, twisting plot. Historical crime-writing at its very best." Amazon

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