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Art Marvik #5
Lethal Storm
A missing comrade. A cryptic note. A conspiracy that will test Art Marvik to the limit.
Meet Art Marvik. A battle-hardened commando with the scars to prove it. He’s used to high-stakes operations. But nothing has prepared him for what awaits in the coastal town of Ballycotton, Ireland . . .
Marvik receives a disturbing call from the Garda. His friend and former comrade, Shaun Strathen, is missing. His yacht’s been found drifting in Ballyandreen Bay. But there’s no sign of Strathen.
A cryptic note is discovered Art, sorry it’s come to this. Look after things for me. Per Mare, Per Terram.
Marvik wastes no time. He heads straight for Ireland, determined to find his friend. His search leads him to a cottage by the sea. A decomposing body is discovered inside.
It’s not Strathen.
If the body isn’t his comrade’s, then who is it? And where the hell is Strathen?
As Marvik digs deeper, the truth begins to unravel, but so do the dangers.
Can Marvik survive this lethal storm long enough to expose a network of criminal masterminds, and save his friend?
Perfect for fans of J.D. Kirk, J.D. Robb, Matt Brolly, Joy Ellis, and Adam Lyndon, Lethal Storm is a pulse-pounding mystery that will leave you breathless.
READERS LOVE ART
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant series!’ Kindle customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved it . . . Highly recommend this series.’ Susie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Pauline Rowson can always be relied upon to write an excellent tale — and this one is no exception! I couldn’t put my Kindle down.’ Guy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you enjoy an exciting crime novel, where you can rush breathlessly alongside the hero as he unravels a complicated mystery while fending off one danger after another, then you should give this one a try. It won’t disappoint.’ Loveagoodbook
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I have absolutely devoured the Marvik series they are fantastic.’ Patricia L.
MEET ART MARVIK
Art Marvik, a former Royal Marine Commando, Special Boat Services Operative, wounded in conflict and invalided out of the marines, is now working undercover for the UK’s Police National Intelligent Marine Unit. Trained in surveillance, reconnaissance and survival skills, equipped to face and handle danger, Art Marvik is a tough, determined man, yet still vulnerable and trying to find his place in civvy life. He's often placed in dangerous situations requiring all his years of training. Recruited by the police to work undercover, Marvik’s job is to go into a case cold, with the minimal of background and information, to ask questions, stir up trouble, provoke a killer into the open, and put his own life on the line if necessary. It always is. Marvik can operate outside the law and often does because the job demands it. He’s not always right though. He makes mistakes. He misjudges people. Sometimes the consequences are shocking and disturbing. But Marvik gets results.
ALSO BY PAULINE ROWSON
THE ART MARVIK MYSTERIES
Book 1: DEADLY WAVES
Book 2: DANGEROUS CARGO
Book 3: LOST VOYAGE
Book 4: FATAL DEPTHS
Book 5: LETHAL STORM
Meet Art Marvik. A battle-hardened commando with the scars to prove it. He’s used to high-stakes operations. But nothing has prepared him for what awaits in the coastal town of Ballycotton, Ireland . . .
Marvik receives a disturbing call from the Garda. His friend and former comrade, Shaun Strathen, is missing. His yacht’s been found drifting in Ballyandreen Bay. But there’s no sign of Strathen.
A cryptic note is discovered Art, sorry it’s come to this. Look after things for me. Per Mare, Per Terram.
Marvik wastes no time. He heads straight for Ireland, determined to find his friend. His search leads him to a cottage by the sea. A decomposing body is discovered inside.
It’s not Strathen.
If the body isn’t his comrade’s, then who is it? And where the hell is Strathen?
As Marvik digs deeper, the truth begins to unravel, but so do the dangers.
Can Marvik survive this lethal storm long enough to expose a network of criminal masterminds, and save his friend?
Perfect for fans of J.D. Kirk, J.D. Robb, Matt Brolly, Joy Ellis, and Adam Lyndon, Lethal Storm is a pulse-pounding mystery that will leave you breathless.
READERS LOVE ART
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant series!’ Kindle customer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved it . . . Highly recommend this series.’ Susie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Pauline Rowson can always be relied upon to write an excellent tale — and this one is no exception! I couldn’t put my Kindle down.’ Guy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you enjoy an exciting crime novel, where you can rush breathlessly alongside the hero as he unravels a complicated mystery while fending off one danger after another, then you should give this one a try. It won’t disappoint.’ Loveagoodbook
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I have absolutely devoured the Marvik series they are fantastic.’ Patricia L.
MEET ART MARVIK
Art Marvik, a former Royal Marine Commando, Special Boat Services Operative, wounded in conflict and invalided out of the marines, is now working undercover for the UK’s Police National Intelligent Marine Unit. Trained in surveillance, reconnaissance and survival skills, equipped to face and handle danger, Art Marvik is a tough, determined man, yet still vulnerable and trying to find his place in civvy life. He's often placed in dangerous situations requiring all his years of training. Recruited by the police to work undercover, Marvik’s job is to go into a case cold, with the minimal of background and information, to ask questions, stir up trouble, provoke a killer into the open, and put his own life on the line if necessary. It always is. Marvik can operate outside the law and often does because the job demands it. He’s not always right though. He makes mistakes. He misjudges people. Sometimes the consequences are shocking and disturbing. But Marvik gets results.
ALSO BY PAULINE ROWSON
THE ART MARVIK MYSTERIES
Book 1: DEADLY WAVES
Book 2: DANGEROUS CARGO
Book 3: LOST VOYAGE
Book 4: FATAL DEPTHS
Book 5: LETHAL STORM
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
About the author
Pauline Rowson
65 books170 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 1, 2025
Lethal Storm is a powerful mystery story where experienced ex Royal Marines, Art Marvik and his best friend Shaun Strathen, get involved in a net of conspiracy led by greed, power, and total lack of respect for others. The story is set in the Isle of Wight and London, and the writer makes beautiful descriptions of the environment, the weather, people, houses, the sea. Marvik and Strathen will be heartbroken by finding the man responsible for keeping them alive after they suffered injuries in battle, dead, and will work relentlessly till they find the motive for his death and who did it. Although part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 6, 2025
📚Lethal Storm
✍🏻Pauline Rowson
Blurb:
A missing comrade. A cryptic note. A conspiracy that will test Art Marvik to the limit.
Meet Art Marvik. A battle-hardened commando with the scars to prove it. He’s used to high-stakes operations. But nothing has prepared him for what awaits in the coastal town of Ballycotton, Ireland . . .
Marvik receives a disturbing call from the Garda. His friend and former comrade, Shaun Strathen, is missing. His yacht’s been found drifting in Ballyandreen Bay. But there’s no sign of Strathen.
A cryptic note is discovered Art, sorry it’s come to this. Look after things for me. Per Mare, Per Terram.
Marvik wastes no time. He heads straight for Ireland, determined to find his friend. His search leads him to a cottage by the sea. A decomposing body is discovered inside.
It’s not Strathen.
If the body isn’t his comrade’s, then who is it? And where the hell is Strathen?
As Marvik digs deeper, the truth begins to unravel, but so do the dangers.
Can Marvik survive this lethal storm long enough to expose a network of criminal masterminds, and save his friend?
My Thoughts:
This is an excellent and multi-layered thriller!
We meet Art an ex-SBS operative who refuses to accept his close friend and colleague Strathen’s alleged suicide at sea.
Art’s relentless pursuit of the truth quickly unveils a conspiracy of mysterious deaths, heinous crimes and multiple deceptions, injecting the story with intense atmospheric tension.
The narrative is abundant with characters that have depth and layers, and I was rooting for Art and Strathen in their quest for justice.
Despite numerous red herrings, the pace builds quickly and I was turning the pages into the wee small hours until I reached an ending that was tied up as neatly as a boat to dock in a marina. A truly gripping read,
Thanks NetGalley, Joffe Books crime thriller, mystery and suspense and Author Pauline Rowson for the advanced copy of "Lethal Storm" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#JoffeBooksCrimeThrillerMysteryandsuspense
#LethalStorm
#PaulineRowson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Pauline Rowson
Blurb:
A missing comrade. A cryptic note. A conspiracy that will test Art Marvik to the limit.
Meet Art Marvik. A battle-hardened commando with the scars to prove it. He’s used to high-stakes operations. But nothing has prepared him for what awaits in the coastal town of Ballycotton, Ireland . . .
Marvik receives a disturbing call from the Garda. His friend and former comrade, Shaun Strathen, is missing. His yacht’s been found drifting in Ballyandreen Bay. But there’s no sign of Strathen.
A cryptic note is discovered Art, sorry it’s come to this. Look after things for me. Per Mare, Per Terram.
Marvik wastes no time. He heads straight for Ireland, determined to find his friend. His search leads him to a cottage by the sea. A decomposing body is discovered inside.
It’s not Strathen.
If the body isn’t his comrade’s, then who is it? And where the hell is Strathen?
As Marvik digs deeper, the truth begins to unravel, but so do the dangers.
Can Marvik survive this lethal storm long enough to expose a network of criminal masterminds, and save his friend?
My Thoughts:
This is an excellent and multi-layered thriller!
We meet Art an ex-SBS operative who refuses to accept his close friend and colleague Strathen’s alleged suicide at sea.
Art’s relentless pursuit of the truth quickly unveils a conspiracy of mysterious deaths, heinous crimes and multiple deceptions, injecting the story with intense atmospheric tension.
The narrative is abundant with characters that have depth and layers, and I was rooting for Art and Strathen in their quest for justice.
Despite numerous red herrings, the pace builds quickly and I was turning the pages into the wee small hours until I reached an ending that was tied up as neatly as a boat to dock in a marina. A truly gripping read,
Thanks NetGalley, Joffe Books crime thriller, mystery and suspense and Author Pauline Rowson for the advanced copy of "Lethal Storm" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#JoffeBooksCrimeThrillerMysteryandsuspense
#LethalStorm
#PaulineRowson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 23, 2025
*this book is part of a series, but I read as a standalone*
This was such a brilliant mystery novel! It didn’t feel like a stereotypical crime/mystery which I loved, and I honestly had no idea where the book was going the entire way through.
Although I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series, I felt an immediate liking towards the MC Marvik, and felt that enough of his backstory was given throughout to not feel like I’d missed too much. I really enjoyed seeing how he interacted with the various characters in the book, and getting to know him as a character!
This is definitely more of a complex mystery, which is the only reason I didn’t give this 5* (as there were a few times I had to go back and re read what had been said) - but to clarify, this is 100% a me problem, and for anyone else that isn’t confused easily this likely wouldn’t be an issue😅🤣
Although my TBR could probably encircle the world 3 times over, I may just have to go back and read the others from this series!
This was such a brilliant mystery novel! It didn’t feel like a stereotypical crime/mystery which I loved, and I honestly had no idea where the book was going the entire way through.
Although I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series, I felt an immediate liking towards the MC Marvik, and felt that enough of his backstory was given throughout to not feel like I’d missed too much. I really enjoyed seeing how he interacted with the various characters in the book, and getting to know him as a character!
This is definitely more of a complex mystery, which is the only reason I didn’t give this 5* (as there were a few times I had to go back and re read what had been said) - but to clarify, this is 100% a me problem, and for anyone else that isn’t confused easily this likely wouldn’t be an issue😅🤣
Although my TBR could probably encircle the world 3 times over, I may just have to go back and read the others from this series!
November 22, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This crime thriller is the fifth book in the Art Marvik mysteries series. A friend of Marvik’s goes missing, and it's believed that he committed suicide, but Marvik is certain that something else is going on. Where will his investigation lead?
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, so I didn't know anything about Marvik before I started reading. That didn't matter though, as I took an immediate liking to him. From the beginning, he struck me as a loyal friend, and as the book progressed, I enjoyed seeing him interact with the other characters.
I felt the story progressed at an enjoyable pace; it kept me guessing, but I didn't feel like everything was happening at once. It seemed a little bit darker than a cosy mystery, but it was entertaining and light enough to read in one sitting.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This crime thriller is the fifth book in the Art Marvik mysteries series. A friend of Marvik’s goes missing, and it's believed that he committed suicide, but Marvik is certain that something else is going on. Where will his investigation lead?
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, so I didn't know anything about Marvik before I started reading. That didn't matter though, as I took an immediate liking to him. From the beginning, he struck me as a loyal friend, and as the book progressed, I enjoyed seeing him interact with the other characters.
I felt the story progressed at an enjoyable pace; it kept me guessing, but I didn't feel like everything was happening at once. It seemed a little bit darker than a cosy mystery, but it was entertaining and light enough to read in one sitting.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
November 27, 2025
This is the fifth book in the Art Marvik series, and it’s a gripping, high-octane thriller. The setting of the sea adds to the intensity and danger of this story and I was fully immersed.
Art Marvik’s close friend and former comrade, Shaun Strathen, is missing. A suicide note found on Strathen’s yacht suggests tragedy, but Marvik refuses to accept it. His relentless pursuit of the truth plunges him into a deadly conspiracy involving smuggling, human trafficking, and illicit weapons.
The pacing was spot on with twists that keep you guessing until the final chapters. The author clearly does their research and knows what they are writing. A perfect combination of action and mystery.
Art Marvik’s close friend and former comrade, Shaun Strathen, is missing. A suicide note found on Strathen’s yacht suggests tragedy, but Marvik refuses to accept it. His relentless pursuit of the truth plunges him into a deadly conspiracy involving smuggling, human trafficking, and illicit weapons.
The pacing was spot on with twists that keep you guessing until the final chapters. The author clearly does their research and knows what they are writing. A perfect combination of action and mystery.
November 15, 2025
This book weaves a tale of blackmail, family secrets, cover ups and twists and turns as each new character and crime are discovered by Marvik and Strathen. I always enjoy a book authored by Pauline Rowson She gives the reader the details needed to picture the scenes of each chapter. This book provides a unique mystery from the very first page and did not let go of the never ending intrigue and action until the last page. As with all of these author’s books, I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
November 21, 2025
Intriguing! First Rate Mystery!
A thrill ride of a novel. Fast-paced, highly entertaining with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. Just when you think you've figured it all out, another piece of the puzzle is revealed, more convoluted than the previous one. This author moves the characters and plot around like a master chess player, with finesse, strategy, and always making the game more complex. This excellent mystery kept me engaged from the first page until the last. But I would expect nothing less than a brilliant and remarkable read.
A thrill ride of a novel. Fast-paced, highly entertaining with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. Just when you think you've figured it all out, another piece of the puzzle is revealed, more convoluted than the previous one. This author moves the characters and plot around like a master chess player, with finesse, strategy, and always making the game more complex. This excellent mystery kept me engaged from the first page until the last. But I would expect nothing less than a brilliant and remarkable read.
November 25, 2025
Lethal Storm by Pauline Rowson is the 5th book in the Art Marvik Mysteries series and was a gripping British crime thriller full of twists throughout and it was a lovely cosy easy read. I ended up reading it in one sitting like all of Pauline's books I have read. I love the way she writes especially as she is from my home town Portsmouth. All her books have been a joy to read and this one was no different.
If you have not read the the other four books don't worry as it was a great standalone book.
If you have not read the the other four books don't worry as it was a great standalone book.
June 14, 2026
As always an excellent story from Pauline Rowson continuing the adventures of former marine Art Marvik Packed with information Art sets out to find why his closest friend and colleague has taken his own life after travelling to Ireland. There is no body, just a typed suicide note. Is it genuine or not?
The story soon takes Art back to friends he hasn't seen for a while including a very special lady and is full of intrigue, mystery. conspiracy and a very clever adversary who likes to watch his victims suffer.
The story soon takes Art back to friends he hasn't seen for a while including a very special lady and is full of intrigue, mystery. conspiracy and a very clever adversary who likes to watch his victims suffer.
November 24, 2025
Lethal Storm by Pauline Rowson
🌟🌟🌟🌟
A fast paced thriller that I read in 1 sitting.
Marvik investigates the suspected suicide of his ex marine friend Shaun. All is not as it seems
A boat is found, but no body
The story is set in the costal village of Ballycotton. Everyone Marvik meets has an opinion and a back story. They all link back in a fabulous thriller
Although this book is part of a series, it haven't read the others, but it didn’t deter from being a fabulous book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
A fast paced thriller that I read in 1 sitting.
Marvik investigates the suspected suicide of his ex marine friend Shaun. All is not as it seems
A boat is found, but no body
The story is set in the costal village of Ballycotton. Everyone Marvik meets has an opinion and a back story. They all link back in a fabulous thriller
Although this book is part of a series, it haven't read the others, but it didn’t deter from being a fabulous book!
November 26, 2025
Lethal Storm by Pauline Rowson.
Art Marvik mysteries series book 5.
This was a really good read. Although I haven't read the first 4 books I was still able to read this book. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I liked the writing style and the story. I liked Marvik straight away. He was my favourite character. It was a gripping read. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. This is a new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author. Recommend.
Art Marvik mysteries series book 5.
This was a really good read. Although I haven't read the first 4 books I was still able to read this book. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I liked the writing style and the story. I liked Marvik straight away. He was my favourite character. It was a gripping read. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. This is a new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author. Recommend.
November 26, 2025
Another new series to me and this is book 5, it was a thrilling read with lots of suspense.
Art Marvik is really interesting character, a scarred ex forces man on a mission, the plot of the story unfolds as you read and it was a story that was hard to put down.
I’ve read others books from Pauline Rowson she had a few series that are a must read and this series is another I need to add, in fact I’ve downloaded the first 4 to read.
A complex and action filled read, I loved it!
Art Marvik is really interesting character, a scarred ex forces man on a mission, the plot of the story unfolds as you read and it was a story that was hard to put down.
I’ve read others books from Pauline Rowson she had a few series that are a must read and this series is another I need to add, in fact I’ve downloaded the first 4 to read.
A complex and action filled read, I loved it!
November 18, 2025
This was an enjoyable read that I read over two sittings. The writing was engaging and hooked me in right from the start. The story line was well paced and full of tension, intirgue, mystery and suspense which I think was definitely helped by the setting which I loved. The book kept me guessing all the way through and I was on the edge of my seat at times.
The characters were well developed and I found Marvik such an interesting character to follow.
I really enjoyed it, I think this is my first book by this author but it won't be my last.
The characters were well developed and I found Marvik such an interesting character to follow.
I really enjoyed it, I think this is my first book by this author but it won't be my last.
November 25, 2025
I really like this series featuring Art Marvik. I did guess one of the perpetrators quite early on, the second one followed quite soon after, but the third one, well I never saw that coming. There are lots of twists to the plot that really keep you guessing and turning the pages.
November 25, 2025
Art Marvik at his best and another cracking yarn. Starting in Ireland Art has to discover if his friends has really taken his own life or not. Coming up against formidable obstacles he eventually works out who is responsible. Looking forward to No. 6.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
January 14, 2026
This book is gripping lots of danger, conspiracy and drama. The twists and turns keep you guessing till the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2026
A bit convoluted
I like the Marvik, series, but I found I got bogged down and bored with this plot. It all got too complicated and a bit of a drag to read some of it. I found myself skipping pages because they were too convoluted and made heavy reading.
I like the Marvik, series, but I found I got bogged down and bored with this plot. It all got too complicated and a bit of a drag to read some of it. I found myself skipping pages because they were too convoluted and made heavy reading.
December 21, 2025
Another great book. Read all five back to back. Great characters locations, full of twists and turns. Another unstoppable read. Great work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews