Death on Board (5)

May 1951.

Inspector Alun Ryga surveys the wreckage of the break in at the elegant Harley Street drawing room, home of retired dermatologist Sir Bernard Crompton, who’s currently sailing his new yacht down the British coast from Scotland — or he was . . .

Sir Bernard is found dead on board his boat off the coast of Cornwall and Ryga is despatched to investigate the circumstances surrounding it, even though the Chief Constable doesn't want him there and the doctor has declared he died of natural causes.

But Sir Bernard had contacts in high places.  And there is that break in at his house.

Ryga is puzzled to learn that Crompton was wearing a dinner suit with five rocks in his pocket.

The case takes a deadly turn when another body is found in a nearby cove with a gunshot wound to the face. The victim is also wearing a dinner suit with rocks in his pocket.

Is there a past connection between the two men? Why does no one want  Ryga to find the killer?

As he doggedly continues, and more disturbing facts come to light, Ryga, haunted by his wartime memories begins to empathise with the community; he struggles to get a grip on the case. Will he fail to solve it?  Does it matter if he does?

All his ability, patience and impartiality are put to the test in DEATH ON BOARD. Will he come through it and find the killer?

"Ryga is a very likeable character. His experiences during the war have shaped him and I really like his easygoing manner while also being quite astute and perceptive. The author portrays a very vivid picture of what life was like in that era. A very satisfying read."

"Wow, SO good. Inspector Ryga reminded me of so many conflicted sleuths, with his compassion, brilliance and melancholy. Everyone has motive, means and opportunity. By the conclusion, Ryga is even sadder about the human condition."

"Excellent police work in this extremely twisty novel of deviousness."

"Death on Board definitely had me constantly guessing, especially about the motive and the logistics."

"A powerful and emotional account of survival, injustice, grief and how hard life can sometimes be, - and yet life must be lived. I wanted to hug some of them, well not the ones….and I wanted to hug Ryga too. I do hope he finds peace of mind and a wonderful partner to share his life with. I’d love to see him happy again."