Two decades of murder and mystery for crime author Pauline Rowson
Lovely article in the Hayling Herald talking about my crime novels and the latest (number twenty) my mystery novel set in 1950 England introducing Inspector Ryga in DEATH IN THE COVE.
All my crime novels are available in paperback, e book, on Amazon Kindle and Kobo. Also for loan in public libraries.
Some are available in audio book. Download DEATH IN THE COVE narrated by Jonathan Rhodes and published by B7 Media.
The voice behind Inspector Alun Ryga in the 1950 set mystery, DEATH IN THE COVE
Jonathan Rhodes narrates my new 1950 set mystery introducing Inspector Alun Ryga, Death in the Cove. He's perfect for the role. Watch his showreel to see this amazingly talented actor.
The audio book of DEATH IN THE COVE is published by B7 Media. Get the audio book
DEATH IN THE COVE is also available in paperback, as an e book and on Amazon Kindle and Kobo.
The audio book of DEATH IN THE COVE is published by B7 Media. Get the audio book
DEATH IN THE COVE is also available in paperback, as an e book and on Amazon Kindle and Kobo.
A taste of the 1950s - tea and butter with Inspector Ryga in Death in the Cove
Newly promoted to detective inspector, Ryga, from Scotland Yard, is on his first solo investigation outside of London, to solve the mystery of why a man in a pin-striped suit is found murdered in an isolated cove on the Island of Portland in Dorset.
Here is a taste of the 1950s and two snippets of information I had to check while researching and writing the novel.
Tea bags
I had a character putting a teabag into the teapot and thought, hold on, were they in use in 1950? They were in America but didn’t come in general use or sale over here in the UK until 1953.
Butter
I also had to check on rationing because I couldn’t have someone liberally applying butter to a piece of toast or bread when butter was still on ration!Butter was on ration in the UK until 1953.
DEATH IN THE COVE is my twentieth crime novel and the first historical mystery I have written, my other nineteen crime novels are all contemporary with fourteen featuring my rugged and flawed detective, DI Andy Horton; three starring former Royal Marine Commando but damaged Art Marvik, an undercover investigator for the UK’s National Intelligence Marine Squad, and two standalone thrillers.
DEATH IN THE COVE is published in paperback, ebook, Amazon Kindle, Kobo.
It is also available as an audio book published by B7 Media and narrated by Jonathan Rhodes.
Introducing Pauline Rowson's latest fictional sleuth - Scotland Yard's Inspector Alun Ryga in DEATH IN THE COVE
DEATH IN THE COVE is set in 1950 England, a country still reeling from the aftermath of war with austerity and rationing biting hard. Newly promoted to detective inspector, Ryga from Scotland Yard, is on his first solo investigation outside of London, to solve the mystery of why a man in a pin-striped suit is found murdered in an isolated cove on the Island of Portland in Dorset.
The 1950s is a fascinating period where memories of the war are very strong, and the fear of more world conflicts haunt people. Society and policing in the 1950s was vastly different to today, no mobile phones, no dashing about and no computers so it was extremely interesting to research and write.
Scotland Yard were frequently called in to investigate murder cases around the UK so rather than have the novel (and series) rooted in London this meant I could move my detective around the country to help solve crimes. I wanted to feature the sea in my crime novels - my trademark or brand if you like - so I created a character with an intimate knowledge of the sea, a former Merchant Seaman, Inspector Alun Ryga.
From the first I didn't want to make Ryga an action hero like Art Marvik. I also sought to differ him from DI Andy Horton, an instinctive copper with lots of personal baggage, intuitive, rugged and flawed with a deep sense of justice.
Neither did I want someone who had been hailed as a war hero in the traditional sense, but instead a quiet, unseen hero. I chose, therefore, to make him a former German prisoner-of-war. Ryga’s ship had been seized by a German Raider in 1941 as a result of which he had been incarcerated for the rest of the war in MILAG, (Marine Internierten Lager). Here he had to learn how to cope with the uncertainty, fear and deprivations of forced incarceration with no option but to wait, hope and pray that the war would soon be over and the Nazis would be defeated. His experience has made him observant, analytical and reflective. It has also given him insights into his fellow man. He’s witnessed compassion, cruelty, cowardice and heroism, mental breakdown and despair. He’s made a promise to himself that whatever happens after the war he’ll keep an open mind and never judge.
The war also unexpectedly resulted in opening up a new career for Ryga. Encouraged by a fellow prisoner to study, Ryga with the help of his mentor, is able to make the transition from the Merchant Navy to the Thames River Police. Before DEATH IN THE COVE opens Ryga has been involved in two highly successful criminal investigations at the Port of London and as a result has been catapulted into the Metropolitan Police and then into CID in Scotland Yard.
His experience at sea, and as a prisoner-of-war, have made him unique in his approach to solving coastal based crimes. Now he is being called upon to utilize his vast knowledge of the sea on his first solo investigation out of London to discover why a man dressed in a pinstriped suit has been stabbed in the neck and ended up dead on the beach of a small cove on Portland on the Dorset coast.
DEATH IN THE COVE is published in paperback, ebook, Amazon Kindle, Kobo.
It is also available as an audio book published by B7 Media and narrated by Jonathan Rhodes.
Join crime author Pauline Rowson at Lockswood Library, Hampshire on 28 October 2019 at 2pm
via GIPHY
Tickets from District Centre, Centre Way, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 6DX Telephone 0300 555 1387or book online
Listen to an extract from the audio book of the intriguing mystery, DEATH IN THE COVE by Pauline Rowson
Love listening to a good crime story? Then why not share in the adventures of the rugged and flawed DI Andy Horton or former Royal Marine Commando turned undercover investigator, Art Marvik and my latest fictional sleuth, Inspector Alun Ryga in DEATH IN THE COVE now available as an audio book published by B7 Media, the intriguing 1950s set mystery.
England 1950, a country still struggling to come to terms with peace in the grip of austerity and rationing. When the body of a man wearing a pinstriped suit is found in a secluded bay on Portland Island, Dorset, Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alun Ryga is sent to investigate.
All my books are also available in paperback, as an ebook, on Amazon Kindle and Kobo.
England 1950, a country still struggling to come to terms with peace in the grip of austerity and rationing. When the body of a man wearing a pinstriped suit is found in a secluded bay on Portland Island, Dorset, Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alun Ryga is sent to investigate.
All my books are also available in paperback, as an ebook, on Amazon Kindle and Kobo.
Listen to an extract from Death in the Cove
What's on in October 2019 for crime writer Pauline Rowson
The BIG news for October is that my latest crime novel, DEATH IN THE COVE is now on sale and for loan in libraries. It was published in paperback, ebook, Kindle, Kobo and as an audio book on 26 September. It is the first in a 1950 set series featuring Inspector Alun Ryga with number two in the series to be published in 2020.
Whoever would have thought I would have written and had published twenty crime novels and in the space of thirteen years, certainly not me after many years of rejections. My first crime novel TIDE OF DEATH, introduced DI Andy Horton in 2006, this was followed by two stand alone mystery thrillers, In COLD DAYLIGHT and IN FOR THE KILL before DI Andy Horton took off and now has 14 mysteries behind him. I've also written three in the Art Marvik mystery thriller series. Marvik, freshly out of the Royal Marines, embarks on a career as an undercover investigator for the UK's National Intelligence Marine Squad (NIMS).
With DEATH IN THE COVE I have returned to where I started writing, which was historical fiction, none of which have ever been published. I found that while writing those historical novels a crime element kept creeping in, so here I am full circle now enjoying writing historical crime fiction. DEATH IN THE COVE introduces Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alun Ryga who is sent to solve a baffling crime on the south coast of England. In this first mystery it is the case of why a man wearing a pin striped suit has ended up murdered in a secluded bay on the Island of Portland, Dorset.
Throughout October there will be articles on my website about the story behind DEATH IN THE COVE and how 1950s policing and society in Britain differs from today.
14 October 2019 St Anne's Fellowship, Calmore, Southampton 2pm
I'll be talking about how I plot, write and research my crime novels
28 October 2019 Lockswood Library, Locksheath 2pm
Tickets from: District Centre, Centre Way, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 6DX Telephone 0300 555 1387 or you can book online.
I'm sure there will be other things that will crop up in October, which will be announced here. You can also subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be kept up to date with all my latest book news, articles and events.
Whoever would have thought I would have written and had published twenty crime novels and in the space of thirteen years, certainly not me after many years of rejections. My first crime novel TIDE OF DEATH, introduced DI Andy Horton in 2006, this was followed by two stand alone mystery thrillers, In COLD DAYLIGHT and IN FOR THE KILL before DI Andy Horton took off and now has 14 mysteries behind him. I've also written three in the Art Marvik mystery thriller series. Marvik, freshly out of the Royal Marines, embarks on a career as an undercover investigator for the UK's National Intelligence Marine Squad (NIMS).
With DEATH IN THE COVE I have returned to where I started writing, which was historical fiction, none of which have ever been published. I found that while writing those historical novels a crime element kept creeping in, so here I am full circle now enjoying writing historical crime fiction. DEATH IN THE COVE introduces Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alun Ryga who is sent to solve a baffling crime on the south coast of England. In this first mystery it is the case of why a man wearing a pin striped suit has ended up murdered in a secluded bay on the Island of Portland, Dorset.
Throughout October there will be articles on my website about the story behind DEATH IN THE COVE and how 1950s policing and society in Britain differs from today.
DEATH IN THE COVE is also available as an audio book published by B7 media and narrated by Jonathan Rhodes
My talks in October
Also in October I will be putting the finishing touches to Inspector Ryga number two and giving two talks, one of which is at Lockswood Library, Locksheath, Hampshire. See details below.
14 October 2019 St Anne's Fellowship, Calmore, Southampton 2pm
I'll be talking about how I plot, write and research my crime novels
28 October 2019 Lockswood Library, Locksheath 2pm
Tickets from: District Centre, Centre Way, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 6DX Telephone 0300 555 1387 or you can book online.
I'm sure there will be other things that will crop up in October, which will be announced here. You can also subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be kept up to date with all my latest book news, articles and events.
Pauline Rowson to talk about her crime novels and crime writing at Lockswood Library, Hampshire
I will be meeting readers and giving a talk at Lockswood Library, Locksheath Hampshire on Monday 28 October 2019. I'll be talking about the secrets of successful crime writing and explaining how I plot, research and write my crime novels set on the South Coast of England including the inspiration behind my latest mystery novel set in 1950, DEATH IN THE COVE, introducing Inspector Alun Ryga.
I'm the author of twenty crime novels, fourteen featuring the rugged and flawed Portsmouth detective, Inspector Andy Horton; three in the mystery thriller series featuring Art Marvik, the former Royal Marine Commando now an undercover investigator for the UK's National Intelligence Marine Squad (NIMS), two standalone thrillers, the award winning, IN COLD DAYLIGHT and IN FOR THE KILL and the new 1950 set mystery DEATH IN THE COVE.
My books are published in the UK, Commonwealth and the USA where they are also available on loan from libraries.
The latest DI Andy Horton crime novel, DEAD PASSAGE, was published in October 2018 in paperback and as an e book, on Amazon Kindle and on Kobo.
DEATH IN THE COVE is available in paperback, e book, on Amazon Kindle, on Kobo.
DEATH IN THE COVE is also available as an audio book published by B7 Media and narrated by Jonathan Rhodes.
Download the audio book DEATH IN THE COVE
I'm the author of twenty crime novels, fourteen featuring the rugged and flawed Portsmouth detective, Inspector Andy Horton; three in the mystery thriller series featuring Art Marvik, the former Royal Marine Commando now an undercover investigator for the UK's National Intelligence Marine Squad (NIMS), two standalone thrillers, the award winning, IN COLD DAYLIGHT and IN FOR THE KILL and the new 1950 set mystery DEATH IN THE COVE.
My books are published in the UK, Commonwealth and the USA where they are also available on loan from libraries.
Tickets
I will be at Lockswood Library Monday 28 October 2019. Tickets from District Centre, Centre Way, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 6DX Telephone 0300 555 1387 or book online
The latest DI Andy Horton crime novel, DEAD PASSAGE, was published in October 2018 in paperback and as an e book, on Amazon Kindle and on Kobo.
DEATH IN THE COVE is available in paperback, e book, on Amazon Kindle, on Kobo.
DEATH IN THE COVE is also available as an audio book published by B7 Media and narrated by Jonathan Rhodes.
Download the audio book DEATH IN THE COVE
Death in the Cove - Sundays in Inspector Ryga’s world in 1950
Today Sunday is a day of leisure and fun unless you happen to be working in the retail, hospitality, food and catering industries or the emergency and health services. Generally though you can eat, drink and be merrily entertained and you can shop until you drop (or until the shops close unless you are shopping on line then you can carry on regardless). But in 1950 in Inspector Ryga's world Sundays were very different.
Many shops, cafes and restaurants, including fish and chip shops, were closed. If they were permitted to open then it was only until ten o’clock in the morning, unless a special provision had been made by the local authority. Even if they were able to open for longer hours most shops were closed by mid-day.
Depending on where you lived and your background children were not permitted to play outside on a Sunday and by outside I mean the street rather than a garden. Recreation grounds were closed and best Sunday clothes were donned for Church and Sunday school, which often meant morning and afternoon and sometimes even evening attendance.
The main meal would be between mid-day and two p.m., a tradition that is still loosely in operation today for many. But with bacon and meat on the ration until 1951 in Inspector Ryga’s world in DEATH IN THE COVE set in September 1950 it would have been in limited supply unless obtained on the black market.
Licensing laws in the 1950s were very similar to those during and after the First World War. Opening hours for licensed premises were generally restricted to luncheon 12:00 to 14:40, and supper 18:30 to 22:30. But many pubs closed at 22.00 except in summer time when some might have extended their opening times to 22.30. Sunday closing was usually 14.00 and 22.00.
Sunday was a day of religion, rest and relaxation for many. Of family time, of gardening, tending the allotment, walking out with the family, wife/husband, lover, or perhaps a drive in the country for those able to afford a car.
This is just a flavour of the 1950s for Inspector Ryga in DEATH IN THE COVE. What were your Sundays like in the 1950s?
Introducing Inspector Alun Ryga of Scotland Yard
Shopping time
Many shops, cafes and restaurants, including fish and chip shops, were closed. If they were permitted to open then it was only until ten o’clock in the morning, unless a special provision had been made by the local authority. Even if they were able to open for longer hours most shops were closed by mid-day.
Play time and church time
Depending on where you lived and your background children were not permitted to play outside on a Sunday and by outside I mean the street rather than a garden. Recreation grounds were closed and best Sunday clothes were donned for Church and Sunday school, which often meant morning and afternoon and sometimes even evening attendance.
Meal time
The main meal would be between mid-day and two p.m., a tradition that is still loosely in operation today for many. But with bacon and meat on the ration until 1951 in Inspector Ryga’s world in DEATH IN THE COVE set in September 1950 it would have been in limited supply unless obtained on the black market.
Drinking time
Licensing laws in the 1950s were very similar to those during and after the First World War. Opening hours for licensed premises were generally restricted to luncheon 12:00 to 14:40, and supper 18:30 to 22:30. But many pubs closed at 22.00 except in summer time when some might have extended their opening times to 22.30. Sunday closing was usually 14.00 and 22.00.
Religion, rest and relaxation
Sunday was a day of religion, rest and relaxation for many. Of family time, of gardening, tending the allotment, walking out with the family, wife/husband, lover, or perhaps a drive in the country for those able to afford a car.
This is just a flavour of the 1950s for Inspector Ryga in DEATH IN THE COVE. What were your Sundays like in the 1950s?
England 1950, a country still struggling to come to terms with peace in the grip of austerity and rationing.
When the body of a man dressed in a pinstriped suit is discovered
by war photographer, Eva Paisley, in a secluded bay on Portland Island,
Dorset, Inspector Alun Ryga of Scotland Yard is sent to investigate.
Recently promoted, the thoughtful, observant Ryga, is on his first solo
investigation outside of London, and is keen to prove his worth.
Ignoring the warnings of the local police inspector, and the Dorset
Chief Constable, that his trust in Eva Paisley is misjudged, Ryga
quickly realises that her observations could provide the breakthrough he
needs in a complex murder investigation and the answer to the haunting
circumstances that have sent the man in the pinstriped suit to his
death.
Published in paperback, as an ebook, on Amazon Kindle, Kobo.
Also available as an audio book narrated by Jonathan Rhodes. Download the audio book.
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Pauline Rowson will be talking about her crime novels and crime writing at Lockswood Library
Tickets from District Centre, Centre Way, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 6DX Telephone 0300 555 1387 or book online
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Fancy being transported back to 1940 and solving a dastardly crime in the vein of Agatha Christie's, Miss Marple or Poirot well now&#... -
DEAD PASSAGE is number fourteen in the DI Andy Horton series of crime novels and like the others in the series it is set on Horton’s CID pa... -
A talk and the performance of my 1940's set murder mystery play, MURDER AT THE PELICAN CLUB is on the cards for November along with the ...