What made you create the Art Marvik mystery thriller series

What made you create the Art Marvik mystery thrillers and how do they differ from your other crime novels?

I wanted to write something slightly different to my detective based crime novels i.e. the DI Andy Horton contemporary set series or my Inspector Ryga 1950s set historical series, something between a mystery and a thriller, with more action and a character who could push the boundaries but was nevertheless on the right side of the law.

I like heroes who also have flaws, and the mystery thrillers had to have the hallmarks of my brand – a troubled hero, the sea, boats, interesting and diverse characters and lots of action along with plots that make you scratch your head and think, as well as keep you turning the pagges!  I decided that my main character, Art Marvik, was to be a battle-hardened former Royal Marine Commando, Special Boat Services Operative, with the scars to prove it. 

He's tough, highly trained, fearless and intelligent and fit. But he has great empathy with those who have been cruelly used, and a strong sense of justice.   Injuries inflicted while in combat have forced him to leave the marines and seek a new life in Civvy Street. He thought he’d be able to adjust and carve out a new career for himself on the sea, but his first job (before book one in the series opens) as a private maritime security operative goes very wrong when the luxury motor cruiser he was travelling on, and had been detailed to guard, gets attacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean, and Marvik finds himself with a bullet in his shoulder, and the boat’s owner dead. He’d failed on his first mission in civilian life, and DEADLY WAVES (1) opens with him reeling from it.

Marvik’s not sure what lies ahead for him, but when his former marine comrade, Shaun Strathen, enlists his help to find a missing computer scientist, and a former girlfriend of Marvik’s goes missing after visiting him in his remote Isle of Wight cottage, Marvik find his himself sucked into a dangerous mission.  Soon he's recruited to work undercover for the UK's Police National Intelligence Squad by Detective Chief Superintendent Crowder. This takes Marvik into dangerous and deadly waters as he seeks to find lethal killers.

There are five in the Art Marvik mystery series and perhaps these comments from reviewers and readers sum up what the Marvik mystery thrillers are like and how they differ in style from DI Andy Horton and Inspector Ryga novels.

 "I really like his character and the way he digs into the tasks he's set."

"Couldn't put them down. Its all SO very believable. I can't wait to read more adventures of Art and Shaun. Highly recommend this series."

"Pauline Rowson has built another lovely series of books. All have such believable characters and great yarns. Great reading in every one."

"Interesting characters, full of mystery and intrigue. Art Marvik is a tough determined man, placed in situations requiring all the years of being a marine commando."

"I have absolutely devoured the Marvik series they are fantastic. Lots of depth to the plots, fast moving making you wonder what direction it's heading next."

"I worked in this world and am delighted that the author has captured the chaos and confusion of the shadow lands! This is as good as Greene and Le Carre. Well done." 

"Pauline Rowson is the master of twisted plots . A real rollercoaster ride. I read it well into the night. More please."

"‘If you enjoy an exciting crime novel, where you can rush breathlessly alongside the hero as he unravels a complicated mystery while fending off one danger after another, then you should give this one a try. It won’t disappoint." 

I hope you enjoy Marvik's adventures.