Crime and Thrillers
It's Autumn, 1951. Robert Lynnford, star crime-reporter for The London Herald, is asked by an old friend to investigate the mystery of a yacht - the Sea Breeze - found at anchor in an isolated cove on the Devonshire coast with one of its crew floating dead in the water and the others missing.
When he arrives in the seaside town of Westcliff, Lynnford is alarmed to find his friend missing and his wife in fear for his life. Determined to set about to solve the case, Lynnford soon discovers that he’s not welcome himself and the local police refuse to co-operate with him.
But it takes much more than some threats to put off this reporter. When events quickly escalate, pieces of the puzzle snap into place and Lynnford uncovers a plan that has treachery at its heart and is yet more sinister than he could have imagined.
THE SEA BREEZE is a stand-alone story within a detective mystery series based on the investigations of Robert Lynnford. This novel introduces his newspaper colleagues and friends who reappear in subsequent stories. Ideal for fans of the more retro-detective crime, this story will take you back to the past where a mystery was solved with the mind instead of technology.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Set in a fictionalized Devon port this splendid novel reminds me of what crime thrillers used to be like years ago. There are echoes of John Buchan and Erskine Childers in a story with plenty of the tropes required to make it work. The period setting is painted with skill and the characterization reflects the cultural and moral standards of the time. There's plenty of tension and intrigue and a real nail -biting denouement. It's a shame there are not more writers today capable of honouring the golden age of crime writing. (December 2022)
I received this advance reader copy via Netgalley and Matador, in return for an honest review. Excellent first mystery that allows the author's journalistic and legal backgrounds to support the storyline. The request to figure out why a yacht is floating empty but with a body in the water brings Robert Lynnford to the Devonshire coast in 1951. Things continue from there, with friends going missing and mysteries to unravel. Well-crafted and enjoyable.
Traditional Vein. Set 1951, the seaside town of Westcliff. Reporter, Robert Lynnford, has arrived at the behest of an old friend having been asked to look into what appears to be a very strange occurrence indeed - yacht Sea Breeze was found anchored in a cove with one crew member discovered dead and the others missing. On arrival Lynnford meets with more alarming situations and finds himself in something even more sinister than he could have imagined. A satisfying mystery in traditional vein with a deftly drawn cast of characters, a well described backdrop and a very nicely done narrative. Afficionados of a solid, traditional mystery should enjoy. (December 2022)
Slow burn mystery? ! Do these exist? ! In any case, this read is unique, memorable, and a must read...Have fun readers! (December 2022)