Shroud of Evil - Inspector Andy Horton, number 11

Shroud of Evil - DI Andy Horton 11 by Pauline Rowson

How far would you go to protect a secret?

For DI Andy Horton there is no choice, but withholding information in a murder investigation could cost him his job

"A compelling protagonist and mounting suspense make the book hard to put down." Publishers Weekly

When Horton of Portsmouth CID is assigned the case of a missing person: Jasper Kenton, a private investigator, the formidable Eunice Swallows, Kenton’s business partner, seems unwilling to give Horton any useful information, and Horton – irritated at being assigned such a low-ranking investigation – suspects the disappearance has a mundane explanation. Either Kenton is with a woman, or he’s stolen from a client and absconded with the money. But when Kenton’s car turns up, and a shocking discovery is made, things turn serious. Immediately, Horton finds himself embroiled in an investigation that has major personal ramifications, and one in which he has no choice but to withhold vital information. As he struggles to crack the case, he knows it is only a question of time before someone discovers he’s kept silent, and when that’s revealed, his part in hindering a major investigation will end his career . . .

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.

Inspector Andy Horton

Inspector Andy Horton is a flawed and rugged cop, instinctive, tough and resilient, but deeply empathetic. A man very much defined by a tormented past, but with hopes for his future. Living on board his small yacht in Southsea Marina since his estrangement from his wife, the sailing detective is a man rarely at peace, unless he is on the sea. When fighting crime he is prepared to take risks and is fearless in his search for justice. He's been raised in children's homes and foster homes after his mother abandoned him as a child. He has a desperate need to belong and yet is always on the outside. Being alone is his greatest fear, yet he is alone.

Compelling, multi-layered, gripping, a great read for mystery lovers.

The DI Andy Horton books in order

Reviews

"A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment." Crime Book Club

"A compelling protagonist and mounting suspense make the book hard to put down." Publishers Weekly

"A swirling cyclone of action leading to a shocking conclusion that will leave readers eager for the next installment in this always-surprising series." Booklist

"I was gripped until the last page of this very well structured and plotted story. This was the best book of hers that I have read so far. Very enjoyable and recommended." Eurocrime

"Yet another brilliant installment in a thoroughly enjoyable, original crime series by a talented British author. Full of twists and turns, colourful characters and hints of disharmony and mistrust between colleagues in the police force."

"A traditional whodunit with modern twists and realistic procedural content, and unlike most of today's authors, she doesn’t flood each chapter with unnecessary violence."

"Her best book so far." Amazon

"Procedural fans who haven’t already read Rowson should be encouraged to do so in the strongest possible terms." Booklist

"Hoping Horton gets the goods on Eames soon so that Rowson can go back to the procedural puzzlers she does so well." Kirkus.