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DI Andy Horton #3
The Horsea Marina Murders
One foggy December night, Detective Inspector Andy Horton is called to the site of a burning boat on Horsea Marina. He finds a charred body onboard.
The autopsy reveals startling evidence of foul play. The victim was Tom Brundall, a wealthy financier from Guernsey. And Tom had terminal cancer. What made him sail back to his hometown of Portsmouth? And who would kill a dying man?
Horton is determined to find out.
But then another body is found and Horton is forced to confront the past. Not just the victim’s, but the mystery surrounding his own mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Horton is up against a deadly adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out.
Can Horton catch a killer and find out what happened to his mother all those years ago?
Please note this was previously published as The Suffocating Sea.
The autopsy reveals startling evidence of foul play. The victim was Tom Brundall, a wealthy financier from Guernsey. And Tom had terminal cancer. What made him sail back to his hometown of Portsmouth? And who would kill a dying man?
Horton is determined to find out.
But then another body is found and Horton is forced to confront the past. Not just the victim’s, but the mystery surrounding his own mother’s disappearance over thirty years ago.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Horton is up against a deadly adversary who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out.
Can Horton catch a killer and find out what happened to his mother all those years ago?
Please note this was previously published as The Suffocating Sea.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2008
495 people are currently reading
135 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 33 reviews
May 28, 2023
2 stars
Same thing as the other one, lots of talk, no real investigation, no action, a series of happy coincidences.
Same thing as the other one, lots of talk, no real investigation, no action, a series of happy coincidences.
May 27, 2022
A true mystery!!
It took awhile to unscramble all the characters & threads then get them sorted (in my mind) but once done a tense rollercoaster of a read. The best one so far in the series.
It took awhile to unscramble all the characters & threads then get them sorted (in my mind) but once done a tense rollercoaster of a read. The best one so far in the series.
February 26, 2023
Originally published in 2008, so adjust for some technology.
DI Andy Horton lives on his boat, motors about on a Harley wearing black leather, and is a bit of an unconventional copper. There is this recent divorce, a young daughter, and his mother who split when he was ten thereby abandoning him to the foster care system.
This convoluted case has him squaring off against the department and a killer who also has him in his sights. Then there's the WOW about finding out that there was more to his mother's disappearance than he ever knew, and being the only one to see that the current murder cases are interconnected. Excellent!
Narrated very clearly and implacably by voice actor Colin Mace.
I requested and received a free temporary audio copy from Saga Egmont Audio via NetGalley. Thank you!
DI Andy Horton lives on his boat, motors about on a Harley wearing black leather, and is a bit of an unconventional copper. There is this recent divorce, a young daughter, and his mother who split when he was ten thereby abandoning him to the foster care system.
This convoluted case has him squaring off against the department and a killer who also has him in his sights. Then there's the WOW about finding out that there was more to his mother's disappearance than he ever knew, and being the only one to see that the current murder cases are interconnected. Excellent!
Narrated very clearly and implacably by voice actor Colin Mace.
I requested and received a free temporary audio copy from Saga Egmont Audio via NetGalley. Thank you!
Read
May 25, 2025DI Andy Horton #3. I've read various books in this series out of order, maybe not a good idea. There have been a lot available in the library. I was already a bit sick of the series, but tried this anyway, only to put it down after not many pages. I am definitely not bothering with any more.
DNF so no rating.
DNF so no rating.
March 30, 2023
This is book #3 in the Solent Murder Mystery Series but the FIRST book in the series that I have read! I will definitely be reading more!
Detective Inspector, Andy Horton, gets called out to Horsea Marina because of a burning boat. He doesn't know what he is about to get himself into or the secrets that he will slowly unravel when the burned body leads to an investigation in his hometown. Now, Any is forced to face his past, while solving this true crime murder mystery.
I found the pace of this book to be great, the characters interesting, and the twists and turns engaging! There were a lot of suspects which makes for a genuine whodunit!
The narrator also makes of breaks a book, and Colin Mace understood the assignment! He definitely helped bring this story to life.
I love books with closure, and boy did this book have it! A 'restored' mindset over a childhood trauma was definitely a highlight for me in this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the ALC.
This book was originally published as "The Suffocating Sea" in 2008.
Overall, I give this audiobook a 4/5 stars.
Detective Inspector, Andy Horton, gets called out to Horsea Marina because of a burning boat. He doesn't know what he is about to get himself into or the secrets that he will slowly unravel when the burned body leads to an investigation in his hometown. Now, Any is forced to face his past, while solving this true crime murder mystery.
I found the pace of this book to be great, the characters interesting, and the twists and turns engaging! There were a lot of suspects which makes for a genuine whodunit!
The narrator also makes of breaks a book, and Colin Mace understood the assignment! He definitely helped bring this story to life.
I love books with closure, and boy did this book have it! A 'restored' mindset over a childhood trauma was definitely a highlight for me in this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the ALC.
This book was originally published as "The Suffocating Sea" in 2008.
Overall, I give this audiobook a 4/5 stars.
March 5, 2023
Our Inspector is tasked in finding out who caused a fire and murder
What is great about the Solent Murder mysteries is they appear realistic.
DI Horton has to deal with the nasty politics of law enforcement . He had been previously promised a promotion and did not get it . His supposed friend has chosen someone else. Due to the promotion, the friendship has died.
Despite it not being his job, he is ordered to assist in the investigation of a brutal arson and murder. Once again there are plenty of suspects, dead-ends, questions that are impossible to solve. The frustrations, slow intel and stress makes the story more realistic.
To make matters worse, his ex-wife his preventing him in seeing his daughter and his partner's Dad is in the hospital.
Andy has also discovered his Mom's name mixed into the investigation . She had abandoned him when he was small and he still traumatized and ashamed. He had put it all behind him for the most part and new data has revitalized his thoughts over the matter.
There are plenty of twists.
What is great about the Solent Murder mysteries is they appear realistic.
DI Horton has to deal with the nasty politics of law enforcement . He had been previously promised a promotion and did not get it . His supposed friend has chosen someone else. Due to the promotion, the friendship has died.
Despite it not being his job, he is ordered to assist in the investigation of a brutal arson and murder. Once again there are plenty of suspects, dead-ends, questions that are impossible to solve. The frustrations, slow intel and stress makes the story more realistic.
To make matters worse, his ex-wife his preventing him in seeing his daughter and his partner's Dad is in the hospital.
Andy has also discovered his Mom's name mixed into the investigation . She had abandoned him when he was small and he still traumatized and ashamed. He had put it all behind him for the most part and new data has revitalized his thoughts over the matter.
There are plenty of twists.
May 22, 2025
This is a difficult book to review: I'm reading my way through the series and they're not at all bad books, but there's definitely a format here:
1. Someone gets murdered, followed by some others.
2. DI Horton comes up with a theory, which is then dispelled, then another theory, then another.
3. DI Horton asks himself lots of questions.
4. DI Horton will get beaten up and his life threatened by the murderer, but he'll escape by the skin of his teeth.
It's not a bad format at all, but a bit predictable. This one has the added interest of our hero finding that his mother is involved in the back-story of a murder and this is skilfully woven into the storyline. Minus one star for the repeated use of 'and neither' instead of 'nor' and unforgivably writing 'canons' to describe a loud noise!
I'm reading these in omnibus editions, in chunks of three, so am breaking now to read something else, then back to this series.
1. Someone gets murdered, followed by some others.
2. DI Horton comes up with a theory, which is then dispelled, then another theory, then another.
3. DI Horton asks himself lots of questions.
4. DI Horton will get beaten up and his life threatened by the murderer, but he'll escape by the skin of his teeth.
It's not a bad format at all, but a bit predictable. This one has the added interest of our hero finding that his mother is involved in the back-story of a murder and this is skilfully woven into the storyline. Minus one star for the repeated use of 'and neither' instead of 'nor' and unforgivably writing 'canons' to describe a loud noise!
I'm reading these in omnibus editions, in chunks of three, so am breaking now to read something else, then back to this series.
June 3, 2022
Twists and turns take Horton via his childhood and lost Mother.
Will he find out the reason why his Mother left him? Is she alive? How is she mixed up in this twisting intrigue?
Horton is having mixed feelings about this case and his Mother's involvement, or is she just another victim of a heartless murderer? His trusty sidekick is off balance with his Dad being in hospital with a heart attack and not looking as if he is making a recovery.
This is a brilliant whodunit. Well told and making you run the gauntlet of who and why. Lots of suspects and digging into old happenings to solve this intrigue.
Will he find out the reason why his Mother left him? Is she alive? How is she mixed up in this twisting intrigue?
Horton is having mixed feelings about this case and his Mother's involvement, or is she just another victim of a heartless murderer? His trusty sidekick is off balance with his Dad being in hospital with a heart attack and not looking as if he is making a recovery.
This is a brilliant whodunit. Well told and making you run the gauntlet of who and why. Lots of suspects and digging into old happenings to solve this intrigue.
May 20, 2022
DI Andy Horton is called to investigate when a boat is set alight and a body is found. Then there are more suspicious deaths and Andy is drawn in because they seem to somehow relate to his mother who abandoned him years ago and he grew up in children's homes or foster care. When his own boat is set alight and he only just escapes with his life he is convinced someone from his past wants him dead. There is plenty of action and I am really enjoying the series. I have already started the next book.
July 20, 2025
DI Andy Horton is unloved and unwanted. His wife is with someone else. He has been passed over for a major crime team and a new Chief Inspector is on his case at every turn. Then he finds himself dragged into a murder investigation when a boat goes up in flames and a body is found. Needless to say Andy hopes to clear this up before the major crime team take over. More bodies turn up as does the name of his mother who had abandoned him to an orphanage aged 11.
Good characters and well read by Colin Mace. Excellent listen. 4 stars overall.
Good characters and well read by Colin Mace. Excellent listen. 4 stars overall.
March 7, 2023
Audiobook
Intriguing crime right at the beginning captured my attention. This mystery was complicated and layered without being difficult to follow. It held my interest throughout. The resolution wasn't thrilling, but provided a satisfying conclusion.
I had not read this author before but would again. I would also like to read this series from the beginning.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Intriguing crime right at the beginning captured my attention. This mystery was complicated and layered without being difficult to follow. It held my interest throughout. The resolution wasn't thrilling, but provided a satisfying conclusion.
I had not read this author before but would again. I would also like to read this series from the beginning.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
I got the first three books as a deal otherwise I probably wouldn’t have bothered after book one. Book three in the series, ie this one, is much better than the previous two and held my interest all the way through. Still the ongoing wife problems (yawn) boss problems (yawn) but the mystery about what happened to his mother and the current spate of murders meant you could get past the things that irritated in the previous two books. Not sure I want to read any more though.
February 27, 2023
My thanks to Net Galley and Saga Egmont audio for this arc to listen to.
Unfortunately my reviews are contrary to some of the other posts. I did not care for this. The burned body in the boat was a very intriguing draw but then the story got all over the place with too much going on to keep up with. Narrator very stuffy. Didn't enjoy.
Unfortunately my reviews are contrary to some of the other posts. I did not care for this. The burned body in the boat was a very intriguing draw but then the story got all over the place with too much going on to keep up with. Narrator very stuffy. Didn't enjoy.
April 27, 2022
An excellent novel I look forward to reading more of her work.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be recommending this his series to members of my book club . I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be recommending this his series to members of my book club . I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
May 24, 2022
Really enjoyable
This series is getting better with each book. Ms Rowson obviously knows her boats and the areas she uses for her novels, which is a great help to her readers. Into the next one.
This series is getting better with each book. Ms Rowson obviously knows her boats and the areas she uses for her novels, which is a great help to her readers. Into the next one.
September 16, 2022
An enthralling read
This was the third book in the series, and was even better than the first two books. The characters were being fleshed out in each book, and showed how their past had formed their present lives. Full of murder and mystery.
This was the third book in the series, and was even better than the first two books. The characters were being fleshed out in each book, and showed how their past had formed their present lives. Full of murder and mystery.
December 14, 2022
Another good story
Another good story by Pauline in the Silent murder mystery series featuring Inspector Horton. I must admit that I did get confused at times due to the number of characters and the historical nature of the story.
Another good story by Pauline in the Silent murder mystery series featuring Inspector Horton. I must admit that I did get confused at times due to the number of characters and the historical nature of the story.
May 27, 2025
Another great book
The Horsea Marina Murders is another exciting murder mystery with some interesting twists. It also provides more insight into Andy’s past as the story evolves. A great read.
The Horsea Marina Murders is another exciting murder mystery with some interesting twists. It also provides more insight into Andy’s past as the story evolves. A great read.
April 14, 2018
Nice easy tread - again, based in the Portsmouth area
March 19, 2022
good read
Bread read. Full of twists and turns. Well written. Couldn’t put book down. Loved it. Have got next book in series which I can’t wait to read.
Bread read. Full of twists and turns. Well written. Couldn’t put book down. Loved it. Have got next book in series which I can’t wait to read.
March 26, 2022
very dramatic !
It was a well constructed plot which kind of strayed a bit all over at the end!
But kept me glued to find the end of the story !
A good crime thriller !
It was a well constructed plot which kind of strayed a bit all over at the end!
But kept me glued to find the end of the story !
A good crime thriller !
May 2, 2022
Good read!
Enjoyed reading this but found it took a while to get into. Too much personal going on rather got in way of the main plot.
Enjoyed reading this but found it took a while to get into. Too much personal going on rather got in way of the main plot.
July 17, 2022
Another great read.
Andy certainly lives on the edge. Great story, pity had to lose his boat but hopefully he’ll get some breaks soon.
Andy certainly lives on the edge. Great story, pity had to lose his boat but hopefully he’ll get some breaks soon.
January 28, 2023
Many a twist and turn
Really gripping tale, well structured and cleverly interwoven threads. Thoroughly enjoyed. I will certainly read the whole collection all being well!
Really gripping tale, well structured and cleverly interwoven threads. Thoroughly enjoyed. I will certainly read the whole collection all being well!
March 19, 2023
DI Andy Horton is called out to a fire on a boat in Horsea Marina. That of Guernsey financier Tom Brundall. Originally from Portsmouth. But is there a connection to the next several deaths, and is there a connection to Horton
An entertaining modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
Originally published in 2009
An entertaining modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
Originally published in 2009
December 6, 2023
Is it cos I live in the area? Maybe. But I am loving this series.
May 21, 2024
Excellent Crime Thriller
This book is equally as good as the first two in this series.
Well written with a great storyline
Would recommend
This book is equally as good as the first two in this series.
Well written with a great storyline
Would recommend
December 21, 2024
Thought provoking.
This book was so good it made think, be very concerned for the people who did horrific things but kept you reading for a lot more time
This book was so good it made think, be very concerned for the people who did horrific things but kept you reading for a lot more time
May 10, 2025
Fast pased
A good read from the start. Had me guessing until the last page. These books get better with every story.
A good read from the start. Had me guessing until the last page. These books get better with every story.
March 11, 2022
great read
Great protagonist and lots of odd turns and fantastic ending. I hope to read many more books from this author.
Great protagonist and lots of odd turns and fantastic ending. I hope to read many more books from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews