Inspector Alun Ryga

Scotland Yard were frequently called in to investigate murder cases around the UK so rather than have the novel (and series) rooted in London this meant I could move my detective around the country to help solve crimes.  Once again, I wanted to feature the sea in my crime novels - my trademark or brand - so I created a character with an intimate knowledge of the sea, a former Merchant Seaman, Inspector Alun Ryga.

From the first I didn't want to make Ryga an action hero like my undercover investigator, Art Marvik (4).  I also sought to differ him from DI Andy Horton, an instinctive copper with lots of personal baggage, intuitive, rugged and flawed with a deep sense of justice (15).

Neither did I want someone who had been hailed as a war hero in the traditional sense, but instead a quiet, unseen hero. I chose, therefore, to make Ryga a former German prisoner-of-war. Ryga’s ship had been seized by a German Raider in 1941 as a result of which he had been incarcerated for the rest of the war in MILAG, (Marine Internierten Lager).  Here he had to learn how to cope with the uncertainty, fear and deprivations of forced incarceration with no option but to wait, hope and pray that the war would soon be over and the Nazis would be defeated.  

 His experience has made Ryga observant, analytical and reflective.  It has also given him insights into his fellow man.  He’s witnessed compassion, cruelty, cowardice and heroism, mental breakdown and despair. He’s made a promise to himself that whatever happens after the war he’ll keep an open mind and never judge. 

The war also unexpectedly resulted in opening up a new career for Ryga.  Encouraged by a fellow prisoner to study, Ryga with the help of his mentor, is able to make the transition from the Merchant Navy to the Thames River Police.  Before DEATH IN THE COVE opens Ryga has been involved in two highly successful criminal investigations at the Port of London and as a result has been catapulted into the Metropolitan Police and then into CID in Scotland Yard.

His experience at sea, and as a prisoner-of-war, have made him unique in his approach to solving  baffling coastal based crimes.  

 

Pauline Rowson - Author