The Royal Hotel Murders - Inspector Andy Horton (4)

Meet DI Andy Horton in this bestselling mystery.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Great protagonist and lots of odd turns and fantastic ending. I hope to read many more books from this author." Terry G.

(Please note this was previously published as Dead Man’s Wharf.)

Detective Inspector Andy Horton has a lot on his plate.

A celebrity receives threatening phone calls.

A nursing home resident assaulted.

A man found in a pit with several of his fingers severed.

Perry Jackson and his team are filming a new TV series about wrecks in the Solent and staying at the large and luxurious Royal Hotel on Portsmouth’s seafront.

Shortly after they’ve checked in, Jackson receives a series of threatening phone calls telling him to watch his back and you’ve been warned. Horton thinks it’s a publicity stunt to promote the new TV show.

Meanwhile at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, Mrs Kingsway says she’s been assaulted by an intruder, but there’s no sign of a break-in. The staff thinks she’s lost her marbles, but her son wants action from the police.

And now a man in diving gear is found dead in Oldham’s Wharf. Several of his fingers are missing.

The pressure is on. Detective Horton’s deep in a web of intrigue, deception and corruption that stretches back into the past. Can he find his way back and stop a killer?

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.

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