The Portsmouth Murders - Inspector Andy Horton (1)

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE DETECTIVE SERIES!

Meet Detective Inspector Andy Horton. It’s his second day back in Portsmouth’s CID and things aren’t going well.


Eight months ago, DI Horton’s life fell apart when he was suspended for misconduct. His wife kicked him out and stopped him seeing his daughter.

The young woman who’d accused him went missing and the charges were dropped, but his personal and professional life are still in a mess.

And now it doesn’t look good for a detective under suspicion to be the one to find a dead body. His colleagues don’t want him on the case.

But this murder will challenge Detective Horton in every single way. And when another body turns up with the same cause of death, Horton suspects he might be the next person in the killer’s sights.


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


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "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.


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.