The Chale Bay Murders - Inspector Andy Horton (7)

MEET DI ANDY HORTON IN THE CHALE BAY MURDERS

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 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 is without doubt one of the most absorbing books I have read in a long time. In fact the complete series has been well crafted and I thoroughly recommend the seven books to any avid crime series readers."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Another difficult case for Detective Inspector Andy Horton brilliantly written by Pauline Rowson. As well as the main plot we are taken further along the twisted roads of his mother's disappearance 30 years ago and the recent estrangement from his wife and daughter." Rod V.

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

'Meticulous police work leads Horton to a particularly callous and ruthless killer as well as theft and blackmail…includes a few unexpected twists.” Publishers Weekly

'Multilayered, twisted, and complex...a surprising conclusion and a satisfying read.' Booklist

'If you like police procedurals with a twist, plenty of red herrings, and a strong sense of location, you'll like these.' Mysteries in Paradise (Australia)

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. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.

ALSO BY PAULINE ROWSON

THE SOLENT MURDER MYSTERIES

Book 1: THE PORTSMOUTH MURDERS

Book 2: THE LANGSTONE HARBOUR MURDERS

Book 3: THE HORSEA MARINA MURDERS

Book 4: THE ROYAL HOTEL MURDERS

Book 5: THE ISLE OF WIGHT MURDERS

Book 6: THE PORTCHESTER CASTLE MURDERS

Book 7: THE CHALE BAY MURDERS

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the sea in the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight on the South Coast of England. Pauline Rowson has been hailed as "redefining the genre of the police drama”. Her cops are tough yet fallible.