1950s set detective series tops bestseller charts

The 1950s set Inspector Ryga mystery series by Pauline Rowson has topped the Amazon bestselling charts. Set in 1950s Britain, a time of austerity and rationing, the detective series featuring Scotland Yard's Murder Squad detective, Inspector Alun Ryga, is proving a hit with readers.

There are currently five in the historical mystery series featuring former prisoner-of-war, now Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alun Ryga who is sent out at a moment's notice to solve complex murder cases around the coast of England. The series is published by one of the largest UK independent publishers, Joffe Books.

Death in the Cove, the first, is set on the Royal Island of Portland in Dorset, followed by Death in the Harbour in Newhaven, East Sussex; Death in the Nets in Brixham, Devon; Death in the Dunes in Dungeness Kent and Death on Board in Cornwall.

Each book has been a hit with readers and the complete box set soared to number one on the Amazon Kindle Best Seller Charts.

They've been described as "the nearest you get to life in the 1950s" and "Beautifully written, full of information & atmosphere."

Pauline Rowson says, 'I love writing the series and have just completed number six, which I hope to be published in 2026. Ryga is a thoughtful, empathetic man.  His experience as a German prisoner-of-war has given him deep insight and a patient, non-judgemental approach to solving the crimes.  His background in the merchant navy before the war further equips him to deal with these coastal crimes.'

She adds, 'The 1950s is a completely different world to today, no mobiles, no computers, no dashing about in fast cars.  I love writing and researching them.'

As one reader put it, "You need to put your feet up with a cup of tea and read slowly, every word, comma & full stop."

Pauline Rowson is also the author of the contemporary set DI Andy Horton Solent Murder Mysteries and the undercover agent, Art Marvik thriller series.

The Inspector Ryga mysteries are available on Amazon Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, paperback and the first two as audio books.