Pauline Rowson talks to Soundings on how the location inspired her for the latest audio book Death Surge

Soundings have published the audio book of Inspector Andy Horton crime novel, DEATH SURGE, by Pauline Rowson, number ten in the series (13), narrated by Gordon Griffin.


In this interview I talk to Soundings about the setting for Death Surge and how it inspired my plot.

"A high quality puzzle… a devious plot.  Death Surge is a taut and exciting investigation into a disappearance which turns into a murder hunt….all very enjoyable." David Marshall

Setting is important in both your series. Do you already have a plot in mind when out researching, or can location inspire the narrative?

 Location is definitely my inspiration. I’m always walking the coastal paths close to where I live on the South Coast of England looking for a good place to put a body! A fictional one that is. I can't pass a boatyard, beach or bay without thinking there must be a dead body or a skeleton there somewhere that will spark the idea for a new crime novel.

One such location instigated the idea for Death Surge, the tunnels at the Hilsea Lines, in Portsmouth. The Hilsea Lines are a line of fortifications which were built to protect the northern approach to Portsmouth from attack in 1544. They were rebuilt in the 18th and 19th century when there was a renewed threat of a French invasion, which never happened. They belonged to the army, providing barracks, ammunition stores and a series of tunnels beneath the earth mounds, before becoming derelict and overgrown until designated a conservation area with now a series of nature trails around the moat and the creek which once made Portsmouth an island before the two road bridges and motorway were constructed.

The Hilsea Lines, Portsmouth

Another location that is featured in Death Surge is Fort Gilkicker, Gosport overlooking the Solent, an ancient monument that is to be developed into exclusive houses and apartments. The fort had originally been built in 1871 to protect Portsmouth harbour and to defend the deep-water anchorage at Stokes Bay. It was abandoned by the military years ago and left to rot by the council; surrounded by a wire fence, out of bounds to the public but inside it are the derelict barracks and ammunition stores. The builders have yet to move in.

 Fort Gilkicker

 The sea has always held a fascination for me and once the sea is in your blood it never leaves you. It seemed only natural for me to turn to it for inspiration for my crime novels. From the setting and (usually a body in the DI Andy Horton crime novels) springs the basic ideas for the plot which is further developed and fleshed out, along with the characters, as the novel progresses.

From the Hilsea Lines featured in DI Andy Horton crime novel, Death Surge

Where to buy Pauline Rowson's crime audio books

Order Pauline Rowson's unabridged audio books from local booksellers, with the exception of Waterstones. Alternatively you can order direct from the publisher via their website or by telephone on 01865 250333.Also available on Audible via Amazon and for loan in public libraries.

Death Surge is published in paperback, e book, on Amazon Kindle, on Kobo and as an unabridged audio book narrated by Gordon Griffin.

Death Surge audio book, paperback and e book

 Where to buy

Pauline Rowson's books USA

Pauline Rowson's books UK

From your local bookshop

Also available as an ebook and on Amazon Kindle, Kobo and for loan from UK, USA, Irish and Commonwealth libraries