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Inspector Ryga Mysteries #5
Death on Board
1951.
Inspector Alun Ryga surveys the wreckage of the elegant Harley Street drawing room. It's the home of retired dermatologist Sir Bernard Crompton, who's currently sailing his new yacht down the British coast from Scotland - or so he was . . .
Sir Bernard is found dead on board his boat off the coast of Cornwall. The doctor declares he died of natural causes. But why was he wearing a dinner suit with five rocks in his pocket?
Ryga heads to Cornwall to investigate, but the case takes a deadly turn when another body is found in a nearby cove with a gunshot wound to the face. The victim is also wearing a dinner suit with rocks in his pocket . . .
Inspector Alun Ryga surveys the wreckage of the elegant Harley Street drawing room. It's the home of retired dermatologist Sir Bernard Crompton, who's currently sailing his new yacht down the British coast from Scotland - or so he was . . .
Sir Bernard is found dead on board his boat off the coast of Cornwall. The doctor declares he died of natural causes. But why was he wearing a dinner suit with five rocks in his pocket?
Ryga heads to Cornwall to investigate, but the case takes a deadly turn when another body is found in a nearby cove with a gunshot wound to the face. The victim is also wearing a dinner suit with rocks in his pocket . . .
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2024
159 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Rowson
61 books153 followersPauline Rowson is the author of thirty- one crime novels - nineteen featuring DI Andy Horton in the Solent Murder Mystery series; five in Art Marvik mystery thrillers series, six in the 1950s set historical mysteries with Scotland Yard's Inspector Ryga, who is sent out to solve baffling coastal crimes and two standalone thrillers. All her crime novels are set against the backdrop of the ever changing sea.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 27, 2024
It's 1951, and Inspector Ryga is summoned to Cornwall from Scotland Yard. Sir Bernard Crompton, a dermatologist, has been found dead on his new yacht. The local ME has ruled the death natural, but Ryga has questions. Then when another murder is discovered, Ryga begins to uncover information showing what horrible people these two men were. Is solving the case worth it? Is there a situation where the crimes could even be called justified? This atmospheric historical mystery paints a vivid picture of a postwar British seaside town, and shows how Ryga's own experience as a German POW continues to influence him. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
May 26, 2024
This book wasn't my typical genre I read. This mystery was a nice change of pace. It was set after WW2 and an interesting look back at how hard investigations could be without the technology we have today. I did have some issues in the beginning getting into the story. I also had a little trouble believing how the Detective figured out some of the clues. Overall this wasn't a bad story.
June 17, 2024
1951. Retired dermatologist Sir Bernard Crompton's home has been ransacked. When his body is discovered on board his boat in Cornwall DI Ryga is sent to Cornwall to investigate. Then another body is discovered in a cove. Is there a connection.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.
June 1, 2024
Having just put down a science fiction book in which robots take over, the transition to this historical mystery could not have been greater. 🙂
This novel takes the reader back to the year 1951, post-war Britain, when smoking in books was still very much the norm; the fact that the wounds of the war are still fresh; rationing is still going on (ended in 1954 - "a fair share for all") .. and in which DI Ryga had to search for a murderer in Penzance.
There has been a break-in at the home of Sir Bernard Crompton, a retired dermatologist. Much later there is news that his body has been found. Ryga has to go to Penzance to investigate the crime. ....Not much later, a second body is found. Both victims carried 5 stones in their pockets.
I found the murders to be of secondary importance in this story, the main focus here is on the impact both inflicted on their victims.
There is a lot of focus on the characters and how they suffered during the war - it seems everyone has lost someone, and in Penzance they are still trying to make something of their lives. Even Ryga is still plagued by nightmares - he sailed in the merchant marine, after the war he was able to join the police, but the loss and the hardship during those years is something that is etched in his soul, as with the people Ryga meets in his search for the killer.
The pace of the plot is slow, but that's what I love about it. No gun-toting villains, no drugs, no violence. The story develops slowly and does not have the speed of life that we are in now. It reminded me of these classic crime novels that I love to read.
There is a lot of room for historical background, such as the concept of the ‘Bevin Boys’ (young men who did substitute service in the mines during the Second World War to keep up coal production - despite their hard life underground they were often seen as cowards and conscientious objectors and looked down upon - )
The world men like Ryga and Logan left behind to fight in was a changed world when they returned, and of course they themselves were changed, - damaged in most cases. This is also the England that still had the death penalty.
But, as this story shows, it is never quite black and white, and there are 'murderers' who simply do not deserve the noose because they feel their act was justified by the untold suffering inflicted on them and their loved ones.
A powerful and emotional account of survival, injustice, grief and how hard life can sometimes be, - and yet life must be lived. I wanted to hug some of them, well not the ones….and I wanted to hug Ryga too. I do hope he finds piece of mind and a wonderful partner to share his life with. I’d love to see him happy again.
Quite an emotionally overwhelming read. Will read other books by this author.
This novel takes the reader back to the year 1951, post-war Britain, when smoking in books was still very much the norm; the fact that the wounds of the war are still fresh; rationing is still going on (ended in 1954 - "a fair share for all") .. and in which DI Ryga had to search for a murderer in Penzance.
There has been a break-in at the home of Sir Bernard Crompton, a retired dermatologist. Much later there is news that his body has been found. Ryga has to go to Penzance to investigate the crime. ....Not much later, a second body is found. Both victims carried 5 stones in their pockets.
I found the murders to be of secondary importance in this story, the main focus here is on the impact both inflicted on their victims.
There is a lot of focus on the characters and how they suffered during the war - it seems everyone has lost someone, and in Penzance they are still trying to make something of their lives. Even Ryga is still plagued by nightmares - he sailed in the merchant marine, after the war he was able to join the police, but the loss and the hardship during those years is something that is etched in his soul, as with the people Ryga meets in his search for the killer.
The pace of the plot is slow, but that's what I love about it. No gun-toting villains, no drugs, no violence. The story develops slowly and does not have the speed of life that we are in now. It reminded me of these classic crime novels that I love to read.
There is a lot of room for historical background, such as the concept of the ‘Bevin Boys’ (young men who did substitute service in the mines during the Second World War to keep up coal production - despite their hard life underground they were often seen as cowards and conscientious objectors and looked down upon - )
The world men like Ryga and Logan left behind to fight in was a changed world when they returned, and of course they themselves were changed, - damaged in most cases. This is also the England that still had the death penalty.
But, as this story shows, it is never quite black and white, and there are 'murderers' who simply do not deserve the noose because they feel their act was justified by the untold suffering inflicted on them and their loved ones.
A powerful and emotional account of survival, injustice, grief and how hard life can sometimes be, - and yet life must be lived. I wanted to hug some of them, well not the ones….and I wanted to hug Ryga too. I do hope he finds piece of mind and a wonderful partner to share his life with. I’d love to see him happy again.
Quite an emotionally overwhelming read. Will read other books by this author.
June 3, 2024
Death on Board is the fifth in the Inspector Ryga series by Pauline Rowson and is the epitome of the perfect Historical Mystery in my view. Not only is there mystery but also coping after World War II which shook the foundations of humanity. The geology and mining connections are riveting as well.
Set in 1951 England, the world is reeling from the post-war's devastating repercussions, including ex-Merchant Navy and POW in Germany, Alun Ryga, who is now a murder inspector. People desperately want to move on but nightmares and grief won't let go. Lives are forever changed and every single character in the novel is affected.
Inspector Ryga travels to Cornwall and teams up with Detective Sergeant Pascoe when Sir Crompton's body is discovered. Significantly, there are five stones in Crompton's pocket. When a second death occurs, the mystery deepens, especially when five stones are found on his person. Ryga questions locals who admit they don't want the murderer discovered. Some people ought to be murdered after all.
I enjoyed the red herrings and local Cornish flavour and hospitality. As I've visited places mentioned in the story it was great fun to visualize the charming villages soaked in atmosphere. The writing is clever, whip smart and poignant with Cornish vernacular and old fashioned values. The era is one of my favourites to read about and police investigation then was much more beguiling than current technology. Inspector Ryga is almost a real person to me, very warm and likeable, introspective and empathetic. Each character is well written, realistically flawed and interesting. Descriptions are lovely and vivid. This novel has soul and substance and gripped my heart tightly. There is something special about this gem of a series. Simply put, I absolutely love it. The evocative writing reminds me of the very best Golden Age authors.
My sincere thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this enchanting novel.
Set in 1951 England, the world is reeling from the post-war's devastating repercussions, including ex-Merchant Navy and POW in Germany, Alun Ryga, who is now a murder inspector. People desperately want to move on but nightmares and grief won't let go. Lives are forever changed and every single character in the novel is affected.
Inspector Ryga travels to Cornwall and teams up with Detective Sergeant Pascoe when Sir Crompton's body is discovered. Significantly, there are five stones in Crompton's pocket. When a second death occurs, the mystery deepens, especially when five stones are found on his person. Ryga questions locals who admit they don't want the murderer discovered. Some people ought to be murdered after all.
I enjoyed the red herrings and local Cornish flavour and hospitality. As I've visited places mentioned in the story it was great fun to visualize the charming villages soaked in atmosphere. The writing is clever, whip smart and poignant with Cornish vernacular and old fashioned values. The era is one of my favourites to read about and police investigation then was much more beguiling than current technology. Inspector Ryga is almost a real person to me, very warm and likeable, introspective and empathetic. Each character is well written, realistically flawed and interesting. Descriptions are lovely and vivid. This novel has soul and substance and gripped my heart tightly. There is something special about this gem of a series. Simply put, I absolutely love it. The evocative writing reminds me of the very best Golden Age authors.
My sincere thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this enchanting novel.
June 17, 2024
Many thanks to Joffe Books for this eARC.
Good Old-Fashioned Police Procedural where All are suspects
‘Ryga surveyed the wreckage of the elegant Harley Street drawing room; whoever had done this had been a soul possessed.’ … From this strong opening line, the reader knows they’re in for a treat.
Though I love the skilful portrayal of the post WWII effects on all the characters, which show in varied ways, and I love police procedural, this book felt like a plodder and due to most of the locals being suspects or known to be lying, it also felt too complex.
Without the technology we’re used to now, back then they had to do things the hard way … that is good old walking and talking and getting to know everyone who could have any involvement or information as best as you can. Also, some of the things the detective concluded seemed to come out of the blue as the steps which led to the reasoning weren’t always shown.
Overall an easy, slow read, which fans of post WWII and historical novels are likely to enjoy. Though this wasn’t one for me, I’m equally sure that readers used to this pace and kind of story telling would enjoy Death on Board.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Good Old-Fashioned Police Procedural where All are suspects
‘Ryga surveyed the wreckage of the elegant Harley Street drawing room; whoever had done this had been a soul possessed.’ … From this strong opening line, the reader knows they’re in for a treat.
Though I love the skilful portrayal of the post WWII effects on all the characters, which show in varied ways, and I love police procedural, this book felt like a plodder and due to most of the locals being suspects or known to be lying, it also felt too complex.
Without the technology we’re used to now, back then they had to do things the hard way … that is good old walking and talking and getting to know everyone who could have any involvement or information as best as you can. Also, some of the things the detective concluded seemed to come out of the blue as the steps which led to the reasoning weren’t always shown.
Overall an easy, slow read, which fans of post WWII and historical novels are likely to enjoy. Though this wasn’t one for me, I’m equally sure that readers used to this pace and kind of story telling would enjoy Death on Board.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
June 6, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy of Death on Board. All opinions and comments are my own.
As Sir Walter Scott so eloquently said, “O What a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!” And as Death on Board, the latest Inspector Ryga historical mystery by Pauline Rowson demonstrates, deception, murder and, later, revenge go hand in hand, to hide crimes and right grievous wrongs.
What ties the dead doctor found on his boat and the other dead man found soon after? For there are clues there’s a connection. What follows is a complex tale of lies, blackmail, cover-ups, and even earlier deaths.
We also have a seaside setting (Ryga spends time on the dead man’s boat), and this brings on nightmares and flashbacks of his time as a POW during WWII. Readers know this horrific time has never left the inspector, and likely never will. The investigation is really affecting him. Author Pauline Rowson is adept at getting the reader involved in putting the case aside and concentrating on the people on the pages, and especially Ryga; he’s one of those fictional persons you like to read about -- and care about, too.
As we near the end, you will want to pay attention, because the plot starts to involving telegrams and dates and telephone calls and…you get the picture. The author has no intention of making it easy for us. And that ending -- there will be justice for some, but not for all. Ryga is never, ever going to be able to tell the whole truth.
Death on Board comes complete with a great setting and well-drawn characters. Inspector Alun Ryga, much as he may dislike it at times, knows that he has a job to do. And in Death on Board, he gets on with it. A great addition to the series.
As Sir Walter Scott so eloquently said, “O What a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!” And as Death on Board, the latest Inspector Ryga historical mystery by Pauline Rowson demonstrates, deception, murder and, later, revenge go hand in hand, to hide crimes and right grievous wrongs.
What ties the dead doctor found on his boat and the other dead man found soon after? For there are clues there’s a connection. What follows is a complex tale of lies, blackmail, cover-ups, and even earlier deaths.
We also have a seaside setting (Ryga spends time on the dead man’s boat), and this brings on nightmares and flashbacks of his time as a POW during WWII. Readers know this horrific time has never left the inspector, and likely never will. The investigation is really affecting him. Author Pauline Rowson is adept at getting the reader involved in putting the case aside and concentrating on the people on the pages, and especially Ryga; he’s one of those fictional persons you like to read about -- and care about, too.
As we near the end, you will want to pay attention, because the plot starts to involving telegrams and dates and telephone calls and…you get the picture. The author has no intention of making it easy for us. And that ending -- there will be justice for some, but not for all. Ryga is never, ever going to be able to tell the whole truth.
Death on Board comes complete with a great setting and well-drawn characters. Inspector Alun Ryga, much as he may dislike it at times, knows that he has a job to do. And in Death on Board, he gets on with it. A great addition to the series.
June 2, 2024
Snarled tangle to unravel by the sea🌊🛥
3.5🌟stars
I'll preface my comments by admitting historical mysteries are not one of my go-to genres. I actually liked the post WWII era in Britain when this story unfolds, with continued rationing, economic uncertainty and emotional scars from the war coloring their world.
I just found the story a slow one and complex, with victims that are revealed to be villains and killers that gained more of my sympathy for the cruel treatment they and their loved ones had endured. The overall moodset was gray with the lead detective's own purgatory of wartime memories adding to the somber mood. The lack of modern forensic tools and investigative procedures made the case come together more slowly than the contemporary mysteries I am used to reading. That said, they also meant the police had to be more imaginative and determined to network with the public and turn over every stone to achieve their goals.
Like with many novels that constantly refer to numerous geographic locations a map would have been helpful.
Death on Board definitely had me constantly guessing, especially about the motive and the logistics. I can see its appeal for other readers but I can't really say I ended up a fan or would definitely seek out more stories from the series.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3.5🌟stars
I'll preface my comments by admitting historical mysteries are not one of my go-to genres. I actually liked the post WWII era in Britain when this story unfolds, with continued rationing, economic uncertainty and emotional scars from the war coloring their world.
I just found the story a slow one and complex, with victims that are revealed to be villains and killers that gained more of my sympathy for the cruel treatment they and their loved ones had endured. The overall moodset was gray with the lead detective's own purgatory of wartime memories adding to the somber mood. The lack of modern forensic tools and investigative procedures made the case come together more slowly than the contemporary mysteries I am used to reading. That said, they also meant the police had to be more imaginative and determined to network with the public and turn over every stone to achieve their goals.
Like with many novels that constantly refer to numerous geographic locations a map would have been helpful.
Death on Board definitely had me constantly guessing, especially about the motive and the logistics. I can see its appeal for other readers but I can't really say I ended up a fan or would definitely seek out more stories from the series.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 24, 2024
DEATH ON BOARD by Pauline Rowson is the fifth book in the Inspector Ryga Mysteries series and its an easy cosy read.
It's 1951, and Inspector Alun Ryga is summoned to Cornwall from Scotland Yard and asked to go and survey the wreckage of the elegant Harley Street drawing room. It's the home of retired dermatologist Sir Bernard Crompton, who's currently sailing his new yacht down the British coast from Scotland - or so he was . . .
Sir Bernard is found dead on board his boat off the coast of Cornwall and the doctor declares he died of natural causes. But why was he wearing a dinner suit with five rocks in his pocket?
WWooooooooo
Inspector Alun Ryga now heads to Cornwall to investigate, but the case takes a deadly turn when another body is found in a nearby cove with a gunshot wound to the face.
This victim is also wearing a dinner suit with rocks in his pocket . . . .
Is there a connection?
My mind boggles.........
Great quick holiday read.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC.
It's 1951, and Inspector Alun Ryga is summoned to Cornwall from Scotland Yard and asked to go and survey the wreckage of the elegant Harley Street drawing room. It's the home of retired dermatologist Sir Bernard Crompton, who's currently sailing his new yacht down the British coast from Scotland - or so he was . . .
Sir Bernard is found dead on board his boat off the coast of Cornwall and the doctor declares he died of natural causes. But why was he wearing a dinner suit with five rocks in his pocket?
WWooooooooo
Inspector Alun Ryga now heads to Cornwall to investigate, but the case takes a deadly turn when another body is found in a nearby cove with a gunshot wound to the face.
This victim is also wearing a dinner suit with rocks in his pocket . . . .
Is there a connection?
My mind boggles.........
Great quick holiday read.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC.
May 20, 2024
This enjoyable post-WWII police procedural is one I’d recommend to any lover of good British mysteries. Despite being #5 in the series, it does fairly well as a stand-alone if, like me, you hadn’t read the previous books. While Inspector Ryga muses some on past cases and on people in his life, it’s not to the extent that a new reader feels lost. My one criticism would be that at times the pace dragged a bit.
Still dealing with the consequences of his time spent in a German prison camp during the war, Ryga’s mettle is tested in numerous ways when a case takes him from his office at Scotland Yard to coastal Cornwall. Two deaths, one suspicious and the other clearly murder, are tied together in ways Ryga at first cannot seem to link, but when it all begins to unravel he is faced with not only the trauma of his war, but a moral dilemma: is killing ever justified?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Still dealing with the consequences of his time spent in a German prison camp during the war, Ryga’s mettle is tested in numerous ways when a case takes him from his office at Scotland Yard to coastal Cornwall. Two deaths, one suspicious and the other clearly murder, are tied together in ways Ryga at first cannot seem to link, but when it all begins to unravel he is faced with not only the trauma of his war, but a moral dilemma: is killing ever justified?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 4, 2024
An Interesting Read
When Sir Bernard Crompton is found dead on his yacht, dressed in a dinner suit, it was thought he died of natural causes, but then another body is found , but this was definitely not a natural death, he had been shot in the face, although it was later found he was already dead before the shooting, and he was also wearing a dinner suit. Inspector Alun Ryga is sent down to Cornwall to investigate. Inspector Ryga is spoilt for choice, there are so many suspects and he has to eliminate them one by one. This book is set in 1951, so investigations are handled very differently to what they would be today which makes the book an interesting read. I have given the book 4 stars, as although I enjoyed it I did get a bit confused from time to time, although that may say more about me than the book. It is a good series though and I look forward to the next one.
When Sir Bernard Crompton is found dead on his yacht, dressed in a dinner suit, it was thought he died of natural causes, but then another body is found , but this was definitely not a natural death, he had been shot in the face, although it was later found he was already dead before the shooting, and he was also wearing a dinner suit. Inspector Alun Ryga is sent down to Cornwall to investigate. Inspector Ryga is spoilt for choice, there are so many suspects and he has to eliminate them one by one. This book is set in 1951, so investigations are handled very differently to what they would be today which makes the book an interesting read. I have given the book 4 stars, as although I enjoyed it I did get a bit confused from time to time, although that may say more about me than the book. It is a good series though and I look forward to the next one.
May 31, 2024
Set in the 1950s, Inspector Ryga of Scotland Yard is sent to Cornwall after a prominent Harley Street specialist is found dead on board his yacht. Teaming up with the local Sargeant, they are both convinced there is more to the death than the natural causes certified by the local doctor. Then a second body is found, this time there is no doubt it is murder, Ryga is certain the two deaths are linked. Enquires stretch from Cornwall to London and up the coast the boat travelled.
Well written and full of twists. This is the first of these books I have read, and although it is the fifth in the series, reads as a standalone.
Well written and full of twists. This is the first of these books I have read, and although it is the fifth in the series, reads as a standalone.
May 14, 2024
The local was in a great hurry to have the first murder declared "natural causes". There was no such nonsense with the second. Veteran of The Great War Inspector Ryga is seconded to Cornwall from Scotland Yard and finds more than anyone expected. Excellent police work in this extremely twisty novel of deviousness.
Nobody has chastised me yet for giving a biased review because I really love this author's work!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
unpleasant-victims, unputdownable
Nobody has chastised me yet for giving a biased review because I really love this author's work!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
unpleasant-victims, unputdownable
May 19, 2024
"Well, it had become not so much tough - Jory could deal with that - but pointless, which was far worse."
Wow, SO good. I have a few Pauline Rowson books on my Kindle, and I'm so pleased I took my first dip into her catalog with #deathonboard. Inspector Ryga reminded me of so many conflicted sleuths, with his compassion, brilliance and melancholy. Everyone has motive, means and opportunity. By the conclusion, Ryga is even sadder about the human condition.
P.S. thanks to #netgalley and @joffebooks for the ARC.
Wow, SO good. I have a few Pauline Rowson books on my Kindle, and I'm so pleased I took my first dip into her catalog with #deathonboard. Inspector Ryga reminded me of so many conflicted sleuths, with his compassion, brilliance and melancholy. Everyone has motive, means and opportunity. By the conclusion, Ryga is even sadder about the human condition.
P.S. thanks to #netgalley and @joffebooks for the ARC.
June 6, 2024
This is a great holiday read as it's mostly set in Cornwall during the fifties. It's a good old fashioned murder mystery with lots of clues, red herrings and surprises. Sir Bernard Crompton is found dead on board his ship "The Patricia Bee" and another body is also found nearby. Both are dressed in evening wear and their homes have been ransacked.
I loved that it brings back memories of a different era, such as maps, typewriter, camera film. Policing is so different at this time. The author has done her research and I found it enjoyable, entertaining and extremely interesting.
I loved that it brings back memories of a different era, such as maps, typewriter, camera film. Policing is so different at this time. The author has done her research and I found it enjoyable, entertaining and extremely interesting.
June 4, 2024
Wow this one really was a tangle to unravel with deception, murder and revenge. There are plenty of people with reason to have committed the crime and all seem connected to each other causing a complex tale for Ryga to make sense of. Lots of provoking facts about soldiers returning from the war with more than just physical wounds as well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily..
June 5, 2024
Good but seems a trifle convoluted
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this but it really does seem a bit convoluted. And certain people may possibly get away with murder, because the victims are not nice. Surely a policeman should be above that? Oh I know they are human, like the rest of us, but if everyone got away with killing someone because they weren't nice where would we be?
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this but it really does seem a bit convoluted. And certain people may possibly get away with murder, because the victims are not nice. Surely a policeman should be above that? Oh I know they are human, like the rest of us, but if everyone got away with killing someone because they weren't nice where would we be?
June 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this murder mystery. A real page turner and, unusually, I did not see the end coming! The detective hero(?) was a very believable person. The historic details accurate and formed an ideal background for the story. The threads of the suspects wove together in a real way. I won't say more so as not to give the game away! But, read and enjoy.
June 9, 2024
Moving detective story
I was so glad to find this book and read it too quickly. Now there is a long wait for the next one! This is a moving story, and compassionate as the detective is torn between duty and feelings. Well worth the read!
I was so glad to find this book and read it too quickly. Now there is a long wait for the next one! This is a moving story, and compassionate as the detective is torn between duty and feelings. Well worth the read!
June 9, 2024
excellent
Good mystery. Lots of twists and turns. Interesting characters gripping with complicated issues. I liked Inspector Ryga, a good man wrestling with his own demons and committed to doing the right thing in a complex situation.
Good mystery. Lots of twists and turns. Interesting characters gripping with complicated issues. I liked Inspector Ryga, a good man wrestling with his own demons and committed to doing the right thing in a complex situation.
September 3, 2024
I d not write reviews on imaginary keyboards but I liked this book. Very readable and kept my attention. I felt sorry that any one got caught
I can't read what the fine print says except that it wants more words before I can submit this thing
I can't read what the fine print says except that it wants more words before I can submit this thing
January 24, 2025
Excellent
Another thrilling instalment from Pauline Rowson with Inspector Ryga, in this one he is dealing with two murders from crimes committed during the war and he must use all his skills to get to the bottom of it.
Another thrilling instalment from Pauline Rowson with Inspector Ryga, in this one he is dealing with two murders from crimes committed during the war and he must use all his skills to get to the bottom of it.
June 7, 2024
Excellent. But so very sad
June 10, 2024
Great book, was such an interesting read. Loved the description in this book, really helped me visualise. Excellent storyline.
August 30, 2024
Exciting novel
Exciting novel. Very good characters. Very good plot. Keeps you reading. Looking for next clues. Look forward for more from Pauline.
Exciting novel. Very good characters. Very good plot. Keeps you reading. Looking for next clues. Look forward for more from Pauline.
February 14, 2025
Hope she is writing some more of theses.
May 27, 2024
Although this is the fifth in the series, it works well as a standalone. Ryga is investigating the death of a retired prominant physician which the locals are quick to close as death by natural causes. Ryga is not convinced however and when a second man is murdered, his work gets more difficult.
Ryga is a very likeable character. His experiences during the war have shaped him and I really like his easygoing manner while also being quite astute and perceptive. The backdrop to this story is a few years after the war and the author portrays a very vivid picture of what life was like in that era. A very satisfying read.
Ryga is a very likeable character. His experiences during the war have shaped him and I really like his easygoing manner while also being quite astute and perceptive. The backdrop to this story is a few years after the war and the author portrays a very vivid picture of what life was like in that era. A very satisfying read.
August 20, 2024
Another excellent outing for DI Ryga. Hope there will be more in this series.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 2, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I genuinely enjoyed it. Scotland Yard detective Ryga is very likeable. He has an easygoing nature and doesn’t badger or harass other characters into giving hi the information he seeks. He has a slow, methodical way about him that feels very relaxed but not oppressively so. As he slowly unearths who his victims are and kind of people they are, his compassionate nature shows how hard it will be for him to find the truth. We really see some good and ugly characters in this book and we see what great lengths some people will go to to protect others. I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series and learning more about Detective Ryga.
*I received a free ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a free ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.*
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