The Tipner Lake Murders by Pauline Rowson

4 Stars from me

I am dipping my toe into the Solent Murder Mystery Series featuring DI Andy Horton, a set of atmospheric police procedural crime thrillers set against the Portsmouth coastline.

The Tipner Lake Murders sees Horton called to the shore of Tipner Lake, where Roxanne Keay’s body is found. She appears to be a quiet lady who keeps to herself. Having recently been a somewhat nervous and reluctant member of the jury of a smuggling trial… which immediately rings alarm bells.

Horton’s investigation takes him into a dark web of secrets, and the story evolves – slowly – into a layering of twists without over complicating the narrative.

DI Andy Horton was a great and engaging lead. Typically flawed, non-conformist and battling a troubled past gives him depth and added interest, alongside the investigation.

The Portsmouth setting, the docks, the sea, the harbour all create an atmospheric and brooding background to whole thing – I can see why the author chose this location for her series.

I enjoyed my first foray into the books of Pauline Rowson! Recommended for fans of British coastal crime fiction with a classically flawed lead detective.

My thanks to Zooloos Book Tours, the author and Joffe Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Blurb: Old friends. Dark secrets. Vicious murders. Will this be the case that finally breaks Detective Andy Horton? Roxanne Keay is found on the shore of Tipner Lake. Her long dark hair plastered over her grey, lifeless face. Her blue coat open to reveal a stab wound to the chest.

At first glance, the case seems straightforward — a tragic, random act of violence. But DI Andy Horton knows better. Roxanne was on the jury of high-profile trial that week. The trial of Justin Haslegrave, a man accused of smuggling illegal goods.

Days later, Justin is murdered under similar circumstances, and the case takes a chilling turn. Roxanne and Justin knew a deadly secret. One they were willing to take to the grave. And it looks like they weren’t the only ones . . .

As more people connected to the case turn up dead, Horton realises he’s dealing with something — or someone — far more sinister than he could have ever imagined.

THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in a children’s home. Now he lives on board 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.

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.