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The Chidham Creek Murders
(2024)(Book 18 in the The Solent Murder Mysteries series)
A novel by Pauline Rowson
Detective Inspector Andy Horton returns in a brand new British police procedural set in Portsmouth, the Great Waterfront City!
A celebrant with nothing to celebrate. A multimillionaire heir. A staged murder.
The small, seaside house smells of death. Not rotting flesh, but a mustiness that wraps itself around Detective Andy Horton as he enters. He makes his way to the living room and rapidly takes in the scene.
Juliette Croft, a professional celebrant, is dead in her living room, sprawled on an orange velvet sofa with empty bottles of champagne and medicine neatly arranged on the coffee table beside her.
Horton is immediately suspicious — it’s all too neat and tidy. The champagne glasses are dry, and there’s no smell of alcohol on the body.
When Horton tries to notify Juliette’s next of kin, he discovers the sole beneficiary of her will is one Rodney Pierce, a multimillionaire businessman.
But Rodney says he’s never heard of Juliette, and it’s not like he needs the money.
Then another body is discovered on the shores of Chidham Creek and the case takes a shocking turn . . .
An absolutely gripping crime thriller perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths and Simon McCleave.
READERS LOVE THE CHIDHAM CREEK MURDERS:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Ingenious fact-finding, plot twists that totally blindsided me, and backed up by mystifying red herrings. Fantastic!’ Jan T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Pauline Rowson has delivered another captivating mystery with The Chidham Creek Murders!’ Kathleen H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Thoroughly enjoyed this novel . . . I could not put the book down, it twisted and turned to the final pages.’ Rita H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with relatable characters and a plot full of surprises.’ Cara W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another great collection to this fantastic series. The book was full of great twists and turns.’ Michelle G.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in a children's home. Now he lives on board his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.
Genre: Mystery
A celebrant with nothing to celebrate. A multimillionaire heir. A staged murder.
The small, seaside house smells of death. Not rotting flesh, but a mustiness that wraps itself around Detective Andy Horton as he enters. He makes his way to the living room and rapidly takes in the scene.
Juliette Croft, a professional celebrant, is dead in her living room, sprawled on an orange velvet sofa with empty bottles of champagne and medicine neatly arranged on the coffee table beside her.
Horton is immediately suspicious — it’s all too neat and tidy. The champagne glasses are dry, and there’s no smell of alcohol on the body.
When Horton tries to notify Juliette’s next of kin, he discovers the sole beneficiary of her will is one Rodney Pierce, a multimillionaire businessman.
But Rodney says he’s never heard of Juliette, and it’s not like he needs the money.
Then another body is discovered on the shores of Chidham Creek and the case takes a shocking turn . . .
An absolutely gripping crime thriller perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths and Simon McCleave.
READERS LOVE THE CHIDHAM CREEK MURDERS:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Ingenious fact-finding, plot twists that totally blindsided me, and backed up by mystifying red herrings. Fantastic!’ Jan T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Pauline Rowson has delivered another captivating mystery with The Chidham Creek Murders!’ Kathleen H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Thoroughly enjoyed this novel . . . I could not put the book down, it twisted and turned to the final pages.’ Rita H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with relatable characters and a plot full of surprises.’ Cara W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another great collection to this fantastic series. The book was full of great twists and turns.’ Michelle G.
THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in a children's home. Now he lives on board his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.
THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.
Genre: Mystery
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