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DI Andy Horton #2
The Langstone Harbour Murders
When a woman is found murdered in Langstone Harbour, Andy Horton is assigned to the case. He is only given a week to find the killer before being shunted off the case. With the clock ticking, Horton is soon forced to make a decision that will put his life on the line.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2022
650 people are currently reading
179 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 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 30, 2023
This is the second book in the series and the first one I have read. A lot of personal and professional issues we see DI Andy Horton facing in this book are a direct result of whatever happened in the first book so I guess this series needs to be read in order. The mystery was decent enough and after all the developments and turns the investigation took, in the end it turned out to be a case of a 'crime of passion'.
I listened to the audiobook and had no issues with it. The book was well paced and the narration by Colin Mace was good and kept up with the pacing of the book.
I received an audio Arc of the book by the author and publisher Saga Egmont Audio via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
I listened to the audiobook and had no issues with it. The book was well paced and the narration by Colin Mace was good and kept up with the pacing of the book.
I received an audio Arc of the book by the author and publisher Saga Egmont Audio via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
May 28, 2023
2.25 stars
Despite a decent start, the book started to be pretty dragged and annoying. The lack of investigation and the amount of surprises (that shouldn't have been a surprise if people would have checked the background of the main victim) was too much.
Despite a decent start, the book started to be pretty dragged and annoying. The lack of investigation and the amount of surprises (that shouldn't have been a surprise if people would have checked the background of the main victim) was too much.
April 1, 2022
This is the second book in the series. I quite enjoyed the first, and you need to give a new series a chance, so I was looking forward to seeing how the characters developed. I've given it 2 stars, because it was just about ok, but I don't think I'll be bothering to read any more.
I'm beginning to tire of lead characters who are deeply troubled or dysfunctional -or their bosses who are either so corrupt or so keen to see a crime 'solved' that they will happily see the wrong person charged. I am tired of frankly unbelievable plots where senior detectives, though tied up, still manage to subdue dangerous murderers. Presumably that's down to that Hulk-like strength that goes with the red mist that afflicts these troubled souls?
And it's just a little niggle, but I'm tired of books that haven't been edited or proofread adequately. Here are just a couple of instances - describing something as a 'boom' rather than a 'boon' and repeatedly using the word 'quipped' incorrectly, when it is clearly a retort, not a joke.
On the plus side, this author does not resort to littering every page with foul language.
If you can believe in the far-fetched, then you may enjoy these, but give me the likes of Morse, Linley and Wexford any day!
I'm beginning to tire of lead characters who are deeply troubled or dysfunctional -or their bosses who are either so corrupt or so keen to see a crime 'solved' that they will happily see the wrong person charged. I am tired of frankly unbelievable plots where senior detectives, though tied up, still manage to subdue dangerous murderers. Presumably that's down to that Hulk-like strength that goes with the red mist that afflicts these troubled souls?
And it's just a little niggle, but I'm tired of books that haven't been edited or proofread adequately. Here are just a couple of instances - describing something as a 'boom' rather than a 'boon' and repeatedly using the word 'quipped' incorrectly, when it is clearly a retort, not a joke.
On the plus side, this author does not resort to littering every page with foul language.
If you can believe in the far-fetched, then you may enjoy these, but give me the likes of Morse, Linley and Wexford any day!
March 26, 2022
Who cares?
There was so much fruitless supposition and so many wrong guesses that I really didn't care who murdered whom in this train wreck of a book. And after all that, the actual culprits and the story on the victims are absurd.
There was so much fruitless supposition and so many wrong guesses that I really didn't care who murdered whom in this train wreck of a book. And after all that, the actual culprits and the story on the victims are absurd.
December 29, 2025
The Langstone Harbour Murders by Pauline Rowson is book 2 of the Detective Inspector Andy Horton contemporary mystery series. Originally published as Deadly Waters, the police procedural is set in The Solent, a strait of the English Channel between the coast of Hampshire (mainland UK) and the Isle of Wight.
DI Andy Horton was completely cleared of the rape charge, many months ago. Yet bias against him lingers. Steve Upfield had promised Horton if he was promoted to lead the Major Crimes unit, he would appoint Horton to be his top DI. Just as Horton begins a murder investigation, Upfield reneges on his promise. In one week Horton will be replaced; he vows to solve the crime himself, to prove he is the better detective.
Not only does he face bias at work, but Horton's wife left him when he was (falsely) charged with rape. All these months, she hasn't allowed him to see their daughter. He'd hoped they could start over, but she wants a divorce.
Horton's sergeant Barney Cantelli remains a steadfast, true friend as well as a skilled detective. Together they conduct interviews to trace the actions of the murder victim and her acquaintances. Several times they must double back and re-interview after they hear conflicting stories, and after another murder. Upfield wants a closed case with an easy answer; Horton and Cantelli want the truth.
The case was far more complicated than it seemed at first; Horton's frequent "niggling sense" that something wasn't quite right was spot-on. In a nearly fatal surprise confrontation, Horton solves the murders. Just in time to get full credit...right before the cocksure rival detective is promoted.
DI Andy Horton was completely cleared of the rape charge, many months ago. Yet bias against him lingers. Steve Upfield had promised Horton if he was promoted to lead the Major Crimes unit, he would appoint Horton to be his top DI. Just as Horton begins a murder investigation, Upfield reneges on his promise. In one week Horton will be replaced; he vows to solve the crime himself, to prove he is the better detective.
Not only does he face bias at work, but Horton's wife left him when he was (falsely) charged with rape. All these months, she hasn't allowed him to see their daughter. He'd hoped they could start over, but she wants a divorce.
Horton's sergeant Barney Cantelli remains a steadfast, true friend as well as a skilled detective. Together they conduct interviews to trace the actions of the murder victim and her acquaintances. Several times they must double back and re-interview after they hear conflicting stories, and after another murder. Upfield wants a closed case with an easy answer; Horton and Cantelli want the truth.
The case was far more complicated than it seemed at first; Horton's frequent "niggling sense" that something wasn't quite right was spot-on. In a nearly fatal surprise confrontation, Horton solves the murders. Just in time to get full credit...right before the cocksure rival detective is promoted.
July 12, 2025
3.75 stars.
March 7, 2022
A good writer but too many possible villains in the mix.
November 7, 2022
Confusing
Sense straight forward until the developments in the murders occurred. Had problems remembering who was who. Otherwise not a bad story.
Sense straight forward until the developments in the murders occurred. Had problems remembering who was who. Otherwise not a bad story.
April 9, 2023
The story starts with the principal police officers, DI Andy Horton and BS Barney Cantelli, just completing a miserable night-time stake out on a gang of antique thieves, where they drew a blank. Preparing to end shift Horton gets a call that a body has been spotted on the sunken Mulberry Harbour. (These were pre-formed concrete harbour pieces that were used during the 1944 Normandy Landings, with a damaged one left in situ in Langstone Harbour.) Sleep not an option for Horton and Cantelli as they are immediately thrust into this case. For Horton the stakes are ramped up due to him being overlooked for a new position. Horton assumed that when his former friend Steve Upfield got the job of heading up the Major Crimes team, he would get the job of his number two. Upfield has other plans though and a different DI has the job and will join in a week. This works to spur Horton on, making him determined to solve the case before the new man comes in.
The plot centres on this murder, it turns out the victim was a well-respected Headmistress of a local school. In her knickers is found a roll of money which is smeared in honey, a clear nod to Edward Lear’s poem/nursery rhyme ‘The Owl and the Pussycat.’ This combined with the Mulberry Harbour (‘Here we go round the Mulberry Bush’) and the twenty-year vintage immediately had me thinking oh no a serial killer who taunts the police with killings set to nursery rhymes, but thankfully this is much more subtle and sensible. Suspects are obvious but digging into dark pasts is needed before the pieces come together.
The novel is very much centred on DI Andy Horton, a complex, troubled man with significant baggage. Quite suitably for the investigation he lives on a boat, However this is no romantic idyll but necessity as he was kicked out of the family home by wife Kathryn after he was, wrongly, accused of rape in an earlier case. Horton is trying to rebuild a shattered life and career, desperate to see his daughter he still harbours hope of a marital reconciliation. All of which is doing little to improve his state of mind and temper. His support comes in the form of DS Barney Cantelli, a solid copper and all-round good guy, it is he who provides the jokes and light relief as he tempers Horton’s aggression.
There is plenty of extra colour provided by the other supporting characters; a police doctor with drink problems, grubby betting shop customers with a brassy manager, a dodgy club bar steward and schoolteachers who range from those with too high opinion of themselves to the downright prissy. All a world away from the posh yachts and marinas.
The motivations of the various suspects are varied with, revenge, power, and exploitation to the fore. But in the end, it boils down to one of the basic sins.
The pacing is well judged, never getting too far ahead of itself and Horton’s domestic problems provide a nice switch of emphasis and pace without reverting to misery. The storyline is entertaining, there’s enough going on, elements of jeopardy and more than one murder to keep the reader’s interest without getting too dark. It remains overall a police procedural.
The plot centres on this murder, it turns out the victim was a well-respected Headmistress of a local school. In her knickers is found a roll of money which is smeared in honey, a clear nod to Edward Lear’s poem/nursery rhyme ‘The Owl and the Pussycat.’ This combined with the Mulberry Harbour (‘Here we go round the Mulberry Bush’) and the twenty-year vintage immediately had me thinking oh no a serial killer who taunts the police with killings set to nursery rhymes, but thankfully this is much more subtle and sensible. Suspects are obvious but digging into dark pasts is needed before the pieces come together.
The novel is very much centred on DI Andy Horton, a complex, troubled man with significant baggage. Quite suitably for the investigation he lives on a boat, However this is no romantic idyll but necessity as he was kicked out of the family home by wife Kathryn after he was, wrongly, accused of rape in an earlier case. Horton is trying to rebuild a shattered life and career, desperate to see his daughter he still harbours hope of a marital reconciliation. All of which is doing little to improve his state of mind and temper. His support comes in the form of DS Barney Cantelli, a solid copper and all-round good guy, it is he who provides the jokes and light relief as he tempers Horton’s aggression.
There is plenty of extra colour provided by the other supporting characters; a police doctor with drink problems, grubby betting shop customers with a brassy manager, a dodgy club bar steward and schoolteachers who range from those with too high opinion of themselves to the downright prissy. All a world away from the posh yachts and marinas.
The motivations of the various suspects are varied with, revenge, power, and exploitation to the fore. But in the end, it boils down to one of the basic sins.
The pacing is well judged, never getting too far ahead of itself and Horton’s domestic problems provide a nice switch of emphasis and pace without reverting to misery. The storyline is entertaining, there’s enough going on, elements of jeopardy and more than one murder to keep the reader’s interest without getting too dark. It remains overall a police procedural.
October 29, 2022
Oh my god. This was so hard to get through. In the earlier stages of my read, I considered giving up several times. I found the lead character, DI Andrew Horton, was so hard to relate to and to even begin to like. Too many problems and issues. However, I learned sometime later that I was reading book 2 in the series, instead of book 1. Reading book 1 may have helped with my dissatisfaction, but I'm not sure.
Apparently, in a book 1, Andy was involved in an undercover operation, where he was eventually accused of rape. His wife left him, but it turns out she was cheating on him, so the accusation was an excuse for her to bail. However, because he is accused of rape, she bars him from seeing their daughter.
So, cleared of the raped accusation (because the victim has disappeared; so likely a prelude to another book), he is newly come back to his job and trying to redeem himself. Also, his former superior (and apparently old friend) promised him a job on his new team. Unfortunately, his superior is into politics and is rumored to be appointing another undercover operative that sold Andy out and implicated him in the rape, so he will not be getting a new position and promotion. He is so angry and impulsive, he is his own best enemy. I was just so exasperated with his poor decisions and his continuing pity party for his troubles that I wanted to quit.
For some unknown reason (maybe because I don't like to give up) I kept reading. Eventually he works through some of his issues to some extent that he is not so hard to bear. This enabled me to finish this book and was satisfied with the outcome.
However, I'm going back to read book 1 to see if this will change my opinion on this series. As it stands now, I'm leering about going forward, but maybe reading the first in the series will change this.
Apparently, in a book 1, Andy was involved in an undercover operation, where he was eventually accused of rape. His wife left him, but it turns out she was cheating on him, so the accusation was an excuse for her to bail. However, because he is accused of rape, she bars him from seeing their daughter.
So, cleared of the raped accusation (because the victim has disappeared; so likely a prelude to another book), he is newly come back to his job and trying to redeem himself. Also, his former superior (and apparently old friend) promised him a job on his new team. Unfortunately, his superior is into politics and is rumored to be appointing another undercover operative that sold Andy out and implicated him in the rape, so he will not be getting a new position and promotion. He is so angry and impulsive, he is his own best enemy. I was just so exasperated with his poor decisions and his continuing pity party for his troubles that I wanted to quit.
For some unknown reason (maybe because I don't like to give up) I kept reading. Eventually he works through some of his issues to some extent that he is not so hard to bear. This enabled me to finish this book and was satisfied with the outcome.
However, I'm going back to read book 1 to see if this will change my opinion on this series. As it stands now, I'm leering about going forward, but maybe reading the first in the series will change this.
August 30, 2023
The second DI Horton novel, set in Portsmouth, is another complex murder mystery that starts with the murder of the headmistress of a local school. Inquiries reveal a progressive, ambitious woman who was not universally liked or appreciated. Invariably, this means plenty of suspects and motives, touching upon other prominent locals.
For Andy Horton it’s a race against time. The promotion he thought was his is heading elsewhere. If he can’t solve the murder by the end of the week, he’ll have to pass the investigation over. Then there’s his dissolving marriage and access to his daughter, to add to his challenges.
When the deputy headmaster is found murdered, Andy’s problems seem insurmountable. But he’s not a quitter and slowly pieces together the clues to solve the case, leading to an exciting climax in the harbour.
It’s an intriguing plot with several false trails and a character with more than his fair share of troubles to contend with. There’s plenty of life in the backstory to counter the murders and some loose ends to be dealt with in future stories.
For Andy Horton it’s a race against time. The promotion he thought was his is heading elsewhere. If he can’t solve the murder by the end of the week, he’ll have to pass the investigation over. Then there’s his dissolving marriage and access to his daughter, to add to his challenges.
When the deputy headmaster is found murdered, Andy’s problems seem insurmountable. But he’s not a quitter and slowly pieces together the clues to solve the case, leading to an exciting climax in the harbour.
It’s an intriguing plot with several false trails and a character with more than his fair share of troubles to contend with. There’s plenty of life in the backstory to counter the murders and some loose ends to be dealt with in future stories.
February 11, 2023
Multiple complicated crime story with multiple suspects
Langston Marina is one of many marinas on England's Solent area - a Strait between Isle of Wight and England. D.I. Andy Horton and his team struggle to make sense of a murder and close a burglary case too.
Horton is sometimes a hard man to like. He angers easily and is often rash in his decisions. But, he is also a victim of the politics that are entangled with police promotions and the media.
There are plenty of suspects but little reasons of how and why?
Pauline Towson writes a good procedural. It shows the reality of crime solving is a waiting game and long drawn out progress.
However, she also writes as if the reader already understands the geography of England's Solent. There needed to be a map or better description of the connections that make this part of the coast work.
Langston Marina is one of many marinas on England's Solent area - a Strait between Isle of Wight and England. D.I. Andy Horton and his team struggle to make sense of a murder and close a burglary case too.
Horton is sometimes a hard man to like. He angers easily and is often rash in his decisions. But, he is also a victim of the politics that are entangled with police promotions and the media.
There are plenty of suspects but little reasons of how and why?
Pauline Towson writes a good procedural. It shows the reality of crime solving is a waiting game and long drawn out progress.
However, she also writes as if the reader already understands the geography of England's Solent. There needed to be a map or better description of the connections that make this part of the coast work.
August 6, 2022
The main characters in this series are interesting, and seem to be developing. I also found the complexities plot quite gripping. Sadly however there were some ( to me) unforgiveable errors. 1. It just wouldn’t be possible for a sailing yacht, even a classy one like an Island Packet, to get to Guernsey from Portsmouth in the same time it takes a cross Channel Ferry ( so much for that alibi). 2. In the denouement, the Legend 41 is said to be under engine and the sails not raised. Yet a few pages later, Andy Horton is knocking the Genoa sheet off the winch handle to distract his captor.
Shame as otherwise quite a good read, but I hate signs of inadequate research.
Shame as otherwise quite a good read, but I hate signs of inadequate research.
December 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this, the second in the series. Andy is disappointed at not getting his promotion and is determined to solve the murder of the headmistress of a local school. It isn't long before more murders are committed.
There are plenty of suspects and various motives, and I was kept enthralled by the various twists throughout. I can safely say that I didn't correctly guess who the murderer was.
Andy is a bit of a hothead and while I can understand his frustrations and anger, it's already starting to annoy me but I will read further to see what happens next for him both in his professional and personal life.
There are plenty of suspects and various motives, and I was kept enthralled by the various twists throughout. I can safely say that I didn't correctly guess who the murderer was.
Andy is a bit of a hothead and while I can understand his frustrations and anger, it's already starting to annoy me but I will read further to see what happens next for him both in his professional and personal life.
February 5, 2023
This was my first read in The Solent Murder Mysteries and I liked it. I probably would have liked it more if I had started with #1 in the series, but the storyline in this one was really thought-provoking. A young girl is murdered and the MC needs to find out why, and who the murderer is. There are lots of red herrings and dead-end trails, but the final solution is a surprise. The narration was excellent so I do recommend getting it on audio. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2025
DI Andy Horton is smarting from being passed over for a job on a major crime team, having no access to his daughter after his wife had left him, taking over their house and forcing him to live on his moored boat. Then there had been an unsuccessful operation against antique thieves. Then he is dragged into a murder investigation when a woman's body is found on the old Mulberry harbour that lies in the Langstone Harbour area near Portsmouth.
Lots of grumbling, unsupportive senior colleagues, sounds like a good mix for a crime novel. Fast action and well-read by Colin Mace. 3 stars.
Lots of grumbling, unsupportive senior colleagues, sounds like a good mix for a crime novel. Fast action and well-read by Colin Mace. 3 stars.
March 20, 2022
I gave this three stars because it is a decent read - until the denouement when it loses all credibility.
For the second time in two books a detective is in mortal danger but despite being tied up manages to overcome his would be killer? Come on! Please treat your readers with a modicum of respect!
When readers have invested time and money in reading a book they deserve a better ending than this.
For the second time in two books a detective is in mortal danger but despite being tied up manages to overcome his would be killer? Come on! Please treat your readers with a modicum of respect!
When readers have invested time and money in reading a book they deserve a better ending than this.
April 3, 2022
This is the second book in the series and this time DI Andy Horton and his team are searching for the killer of a local headmistress. There are several suspects but could any of them be a killer? At the same time Andy is disappointed not to win the promotion he badly wanted and his personal life is still struggling as he fights to see his daughter. This is another good read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 18, 2022
I began reading this series because I enjoy mystery series set in the UK. I struggled through the first book, painful though it was, but decided to give the second a try, hoping experience would bring improvement. I only made it to the 16 percent mark of this book because the writing and/or the editing is so awful I couldn’t continue. What a muddled mess. I gave it one star only because it was necessary to write a review.
May 23, 2022
Another great case for DI Andy Horton
Another really enjoyable read. However, I do hope that he actually manages to solve a case without all the histrionics. If he gets bashed on the head too often I fear for his mental capabilities. Especially as he never seems to get treated for concusion.
Another really enjoyable read. However, I do hope that he actually manages to solve a case without all the histrionics. If he gets bashed on the head too often I fear for his mental capabilities. Especially as he never seems to get treated for concusion.
May 31, 2022
Disappointed he didn't get his promotion. Horton is determined to solve the case before the new DI s
Nothing is going Hortons way. No promotion. His wife suing for divorce. Not getting access to see his daughter. Horton wants to solve the string of murders to show they promoted the wrong guy.
Then he is ready to take on his wife for access to see his daughter.
Nothing is going Hortons way. No promotion. His wife suing for divorce. Not getting access to see his daughter. Horton wants to solve the string of murders to show they promoted the wrong guy.
Then he is ready to take on his wife for access to see his daughter.
January 30, 2023
I’m addicted to these series
Not great writing or plot or anything, but for some reason I’m really enjoying this series about the proverbial loose cannot detective working in the south of England. It’s probably my fourth or fifth of this type of series and they really entertain me! Recommended for people who like to see good triumph over evil!
Not great writing or plot or anything, but for some reason I’m really enjoying this series about the proverbial loose cannot detective working in the south of England. It’s probably my fourth or fifth of this type of series and they really entertain me! Recommended for people who like to see good triumph over evil!
February 8, 2023
My thanks to Net Galley and Saga Egmont audio for this arc to listen to.
Andy Horton is called upon to solve the murder of Jessica Langley a headmistress at the Portsmouth School. Not a bad listen. Lots of twists and turns. Good narration,but found it stuffy at times and did not get a lot of the British terms. Lots of characters, a bit confusing, lots going on, but not an awful story.
Andy Horton is called upon to solve the murder of Jessica Langley a headmistress at the Portsmouth School. Not a bad listen. Lots of twists and turns. Good narration,but found it stuffy at times and did not get a lot of the British terms. Lots of characters, a bit confusing, lots going on, but not an awful story.
January 12, 2024
4.5 stars
Much easier to follow compared to the first book of the series as the police/detective characters remained the same. Although by the end, trying to remember which of the new characters was married to who, and who was having an affair with whom did before quite complicated!
I'll certainly continue to read the series - next book has already been reserved.
Much easier to follow compared to the first book of the series as the police/detective characters remained the same. Although by the end, trying to remember which of the new characters was married to who, and who was having an affair with whom did before quite complicated!
I'll certainly continue to read the series - next book has already been reserved.
February 8, 2024
I read this under the North American title Deadly Waters. The main character is the type that reacts rather than thinks and gets into trouble in both his personal and professional lives by barging in angry or without backup. It is amazing that he can walk considering how often he gets beaten up.
But the setting is interesting and some of the characters well drawn.
But the setting is interesting and some of the characters well drawn.
May 18, 2025
The second DI Horron book and my series for this year. I read the first book a while ago, but now have them all. As per Book 1, a decent enough story, well told, but a convoluted solution and already feeling a little formulaic. I used to live in that part of the world, so knowing many of the locations helps visualising things.
March 16, 2022
I've found another mystery writer and I am thrilled. The mystery is complicated, there are lots of dead ends and this mystery is more like real life than anything else I've read in a while. I've already finished a second book by here.
July 14, 2022
Another interesting book
Poor Andy, her never seems to have the breaks! He works his cases methodically and get s the right results but his so called friend has it in for him. Probably because he’s a better detective !
Great book. We
Poor Andy, her never seems to have the breaks! He works his cases methodically and get s the right results but his so called friend has it in for him. Probably because he’s a better detective !
Great book. We
August 1, 2022
Another good story
Another good story in the Silent murder mystery series. With a detective driven to solve murder and multiple other crimes within a tight timescale and the usual personal hang ups.
Another good story in the Silent murder mystery series. With a detective driven to solve murder and multiple other crimes within a tight timescale and the usual personal hang ups.
September 13, 2022
A Good Read
Another enthralling murder mystery set around the Solent. This story was very intriguing with lots of suspects, as well as murders. The characters were well rounded, with them completely believable and interesting.
Another enthralling murder mystery set around the Solent. This story was very intriguing with lots of suspects, as well as murders. The characters were well rounded, with them completely believable and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews