Gripping mystery crime novels and thrillers, full of twists and turns

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 I’m always eager to begin writing a new crime novel so I don't wait until I have a complete outline before starting. I don't even wait until I have conducted all my research and I certainly have no idea at the beginning who the killer is and why. I usually work up an outline of the first three chapters and some character profiles, especially the victim, but I by no means have all the information about this person, that comes as I write, and as I begin to flesh out the plot. I conduct some research. This could be on the means of murder, the police and forensic procedures, and the background historical information, which might be relevant to my proposed story line, particularly so with the Art Marvik mystery thrillers which have their roots steeped in the past. I will also conduct some historical research in respect of my 1950s set Inspector Ryga mysteries. In addition, as these are set around various locations in England, I will need to research those places as

 The inspiration for THE COWES WEEK MURDERS (formerly published as Death Surge) number 10 in the DI Andy Horton Solent Murder Mystery Series came like all the other novels in the series featuring my flawed and rugged Portsmouth detective from the location. It is locations that inspire me and with the Horton series, set against the powerfully evocative British marine landscape of the Solent on the South Coast of England, there is always a good place to put a body. I also chose to set THE COWES WEEK MURDERS around the annual international sailing regatta of Cowes Week, which takes place in the Solent off the small coastal town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight in the first week of August each year, except for 2020 when it, like every other event, was cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.  In 2021 Cowes Week took place between 31 July and 7 August and in 2022 from 29 July to 5 August. Read more

 August sees the publication of the next book in the DI Andy Horton Solent Murder Mysteries, book 12 on 14 August. Meanwhile book no. 11 is out now. THE BOATHOUSE MURDERS This was originally published as Shroud of Evil.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The stories are great as are the characters and kept me engrossed from start to finish." M. D. Green Aamazon Also in August I'll be entertaining members of Hayling Island U3A, so I will be on home ground. And of course I will be writing... READ MORE

Meet DI Andy Horton. He’s a risk-taking Harley-Davidson-riding, sailing detective who doesn’t always play by the rules . . . which often lands him in trouble with his bosses.

  I'm delighted to announce that the next instalment in DI Andy Horton's tumultuous life, and a new criminal investigation, has been released in Kindle and paperback, with book number 11 in the Solent Murder Mystery series, published by Joffe Books. THE BOATHOUSE MURDERS sees Detective Inspector Andy Horton embroiled in an investigation that has major personal ramifications and he has no choice but to withhold vital information.  As he struggles to crack the case, he knows it’s only a matter of time before someone discovers he’s kept silent. And if that’s revealed, it will end his career. READ MORE