A BRAND-NEW CRIME THRILLER SET ON THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND.
A box of treasure. A burned body and an old flame.
Detective Inspector Andy Horton arrives at Portsmouth CID to find a rusty, old metal box on his desk. It was found in the mud at Sinah Lake and contains a collection of rare gold and silver coins.
But why are there handcuffs attached to the box? Or more importantly,
who
was originally attached to it?
Soon after, Horton is called out to an isolated stretch of Gosport shore where a body has been found in a burned-out car. But the vehicle and body are so badly charred that it's almost impossible to identify the victim.
Then Horton is dealt a double blow when his old flame Harriet Ames drops a bombshell: she's been transferred to a local police team and they're going to be seeing a lot more of each other.
Horton can't let Harriet distract him. Not now. Especially when another body has just been discovered . . .
An absolutely gripping detective mystery perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
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 onboard 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.