Behind The Book Blog Series – Detective Matthews Book 2

The Regatta Murders: A Murder Mystery Set in Whitby, 1892

Welcome back to the Behind The Book blog series, where I delve into the inspiration, history, and creative process behind the Detective Matthews series. Today, I’m thrilled to talk about The Regatta Murders, the second book in the series, set against the lively and historic backdrop of the Whitby Regatta in the year 1892.

The Whitby Regatta: A Celebration with Deep-Rooted History

For over two centuries, the Whitby Regatta has been a highlight of the town’s annual calendar, drawing spectators and participants from across Yorkshire and beyond. What began as a humble competition amongst local fishermen in the early 19th century evolved into a grand event featuring yacht races, rowing competitions, and various festivities. By the late Victorian period, the regatta was an extravagant affair, attended by socialites, holidaymakers, and working-class families alike, all flocking to Whitby’s dramatic coastline to revel in the excitement.

The regattas along the Yorkshire coast were more than just sporting occasions—they were spectacles of social interaction, where fortunes were made, rivalries ignited, and secrets carefully guarded. The blend of celebration and competition created a perfect storm of tension, making it an irresistible setting for a murder mystery.

Why Set a Murder at the Regatta?

As I developed The Regatta Murders, I was drawn to Whitby’s deep connection to the North Sea and wanted to create a story that truly encapsulated that relationship. The sea has shaped every aspect of life in Whitby—from the livelihoods of its fishermen to the bustling trade that once passed through its harbour. It is a source of both prosperity and peril, and I found the contrast between its beauty and its unpredictability to be a compelling backdrop for a murder mystery.

Whitby’s 19th-century regatta provided a perfect environment for a tangled web of deceit. With spectators and competitors arriving from different corners of society, it was an ideal stage for a murder mystery: The high stakes and sense of competition served as the perfect catalyst for a crime that would shake the town.

Detective Matthews Returns to the Fray

Following the events of the first book, The Planting of the Penny Hedge, Detective Benjamin Matthews is called upon when the body of a young man is discovered under mysterious circumstances. His grieving mother is convinced that he was murdered, but the local authorities are unsure. When another young man from the same rowing team meets a similar fate, Matthews becomes desperate to solve the case before more lives are lost.

As Matthews investigates, he must navigate the lively festivities of the regatta while peeling back layers of deception that reach into both the upper echelons of society and the working-class docks. The regatta, usually a time of joy and competition, becomes a backdrop for intrigue, secrets, and a race against time to uncover the truth.

Bringing Victorian Whitby to Life

Researching the regatta and Whitby’s maritime heritage was one of the most enjoyable aspects of writing this novel. I pored over historical records, old newspaper articles, and accounts of the regatta’s past to capture the spirit of 1892. From the excitement of the rowing races to the evening illuminations along the harbour, every detail was carefully woven into the story to transport readers back in time.

Whitby itself is a character in its own right—the narrow, winding streets, the imposing abbey ruins watching over the town, and the ever-present North Sea that has shaped its history. It was the perfect setting for a Victorian murder mystery, steeped in atmosphere and intrigue.

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoyed working on The Regatta Murders, I had originally only planned on writing the one Detective Matthews book, as I was interested in finding out his origin story, after the release of Whitby's Darkest Secrets. It was during the writing of that first book, The Planting of the Penny Hedge, that other stories started to come to me, both crimes and personal life stories for both Matthews and Harvey.

Have you ever visited Whitby or attended the regatta? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned for the next installment of Behind The Book, where I’ll be sharing more insights into the Detective Matthews series.

Happy reading!