Writing a crime series and keeping it fresh
Writing a crime series and keeping each novel fresh is always a challenge for crime writers. There are fifteen in the DI Andy Horton series , four Art Marvik mystery thrillers and three in my 1950s set Inspector Ryga mystery series.
All my crime novels are set against the backdrop of the sea with the DI Andy Horton Solent Murder Mysteries set in Portsmouth and on the Isle of Wight. In each novel there is a new mystery to solve. I do of course have my regular cast of characters but there are new ones to create with each crime novel.
In this article I'm looking specifically at the Inspector Andy Horton crime novels.

So how does a writer keep the series fresh and the central character of interest to readers?
Readers buy my books because they enjoy the style, the setting and reading about the same characters, but the challenge is how to keep faithful to my readers and make each novel fresh and different? The main character's backstory and ongoing personal strife
For me creating a central character with a back story, which can be progressed with each new novel, is one way of introducing a fresh element. DI Andy Horton has the continuing mission, along with all the accompanying internal strife, of trying to discover why his mother (Jennifer) abandoned him at the age of ten, where she went and what subsequently happened to her. 
Then there is the question of Horton’s father. Who is he? Where is he? Is he still alive? Along with this there is Horton’s continuing struggle to gain regular access to his daughter, Emma, from an antagonistic former wife.
While these elements must not be allowed to dominate the novel (and not all of them are in every novel) they keep the reader wondering what might happen and allow the development of subplots and other sides of Horton’s character to be revealed.
The main character’s personal life does, to some extent, have an impact on the plots, but each novel contains a new murder mystery to be solved and that mystery is resolved at the end of each book.
Interaction with different characters within the police teams
DI Andy Horton is based in Portsmouth CID with an abrasive alpha female boss, DCI Lorraine Bliss, who is introduced in novel three - THE HORSEA MARINA MURDERS. DCI Bliss is a by-the-book copper while Andy is more instinctive and a risk taker, as a result the two of them will never see eye to eye. Along with the CID team of DCI Bliss, DI Andy Horton, Sergeant Cantelli and DC Walters there is also the Major Crime Team which deals with the homicide cases under the leadership of coarse and ambitious Detective Superintendent Steve Uckfield, so Andy is often working alongside the Major Crime Team which again gives the murder mystery investigation new dimensions. I also introduce officers seconded from other units, which in turn alters the chemistry between the characters and the ensuing dialogue.
The Setting
Setting is another key element in the Horton series and can help to keep the series fresh. All my crime novels are marine based, i.e. they are set against the backdrop of the ever changing sea. In the Solent there is plenty of contrast and action ranging from small fishing boats to ferries; gigantic container ships and cargo ships; leisure sailors and Royal Navy vessels both British and foreign; cargo boats, canoes, windsurfers, kite surfers and more. The weather too is highly variable and with that comes the changes in the patterns, movement and colour of the sea and Horton spends a good deal of time on and around the sea crossing on the ferries and with the police marine unit. This all helps to create variety, conflict and action in the novels and keep the stories fresh. Added to this is the fact that Horton lives on board his small sailing yacht, so he can always up sticks and travel – on holiday, or for a day out sailing… and who knows what might happen? He may even discover a body! (THE ISLE OF WIGHT MURDERS).
I enjoy writing a series and seeing the characters' lives unfold, and I hope my readers enjoy reading about DI Andy Horton, his struggles, successes and failures.
Pauline Rowson's gripping, entertaining crime novels full of twists and turns
If you enjoy reading gripping, fast-paced crime novels full of twists and turns, compelling and multi-layered with great characters and stories that keep you guessing right to the end then Pauline Rowson's crime novels are right up your street.
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POSTED BY: PAULINE ROWSON
SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2018 @ 2:30:04 BST
SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2018 @ 2:30:04 BST