Welcome To
The Captain’s House Mysteries...
I’m John Hinge
A cozy author living in the heart of Cornwall, in the picturesque southwest of England. I’m fortunate to call this storied land my home, where the weather shifts fast and the old ways hang on.
Cornwall’s landscape is steeped in heritage, dotted with the haunting beauty of old mine workings that once powered the region’s rich tin and copper industries. If you’ve ever wandered through the world of Poldark, you’ll have caught a glimpse of the atmosphere that’s always there, just part of life – a blend of myth, grit, and windswept romance.
My almost constant companions are Bertie, Penny and Archie, three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Each one owned by a different member of the family, they happily live together, enjoying a large garden and, of course, the wonderful beaches.
It’s this backdrop that inspires my writing. I’m drawn to stories rooted in place, where mystery and puzzles unfold quietly. Whether you’re here to explore my work or share a love of stories, I’m glad you’ve stopped by.
The journey begins…
In 2022, our family moved into an old country house near the sea, locally known as The Captain’s House. At first, it was simply a charming name – but as we settled in, we discovered its deeper meaning.
The name is a nod to Cornwall’s mining heritage. In the heyday of tin and copper, a ‘Captain’ was not a naval figure but a respected senior responsible for overseeing mine operations and community welfare – a role of enormous respect. These Captains often lived in homes befitting their position, larger and a little grander. To live in The Captain’s House is to live among the echoes of that proud legacy.
The Captain’s House Murder
That legacy inspired the idea for my debut novel. ‘The Captain’s House Murder’. Though our real-life house is far more modest than the fictional manor I imagined, it holds a quiet charm – and in my mind’s eye, something darker. I could easily picture a lifeless figure sprawled across the floor of a downstairs chamber. An image that lingered and eventually evolved into a plot, which in turn became a book.
In that first mystery, Amanda Pringle, newly arrived in the area, is delighted to learn she’s been named in her cousin’s will. An unexpected inheritance? The Captain’s House, with its creaking staircases and hidden corners, is now hers..
She quickly assembles an eclectic crew to help her settle in. What they don’t yet realise is that the house has secrets of its own..
Thanks to the kind reception that story received, a second case followed, which allowed Amanda to hone her investigative skills and get to know Inspector Doug Hamilton a little better.
Review
“This was fabulous! I was honestly thrown. From the first paragraph, my attention was captured by the intrigue. The Captain’s House Murder is truly an unputdownable cozy mystery.”
The Mystery of the Murdered Celebrity
‘The Mystery of the Murdered Celebrity’ sees the team investigating the death of Virginia Trent-Carter, beloved Olympian, generous socialite, and local darling, who is found stabbed at a village event. As the investigation progresses, another character emerges: the Hon. Phoebe Elkin, a captivating young woman who resides with her grandfather at nearby Ashcroft Hall. Phoebe seeks Amanda’s help with a sensitive matter – and from that moment becomes part of the cast. Phoebe was such an attractive character that she took centre stage in the next book.
Review
The author does a fantastic job of weaving the story with clues and detective work. It’s truly a joy to read, entertaining, a real page-turner
Murder in Whitehall
In ‘Murder in Whitehall’, Phoebe has to temporarily abandon her fashion business to investigate the disappearance of sensitive government documents. But as the stakes rise – and a murder casts a long shadow – she calls on some of Amanda’s trusted team for help.
The merging of characters between the two series brings a blend of personalities and strengths, which many readers have kindly noted as a definite winning combination.
Review
‘There is plenty of intrigue here, and I was riveted throughout. I enjoyed the link with characters from the author’s other series, which I also enjoy. I am delighted to see that this is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading more.”
What’s next?
In ‘The Obsession of a Simple Man, ’ Phoebe returns, this time facing a crisis of national importance. Together with her all-female team – affectionately dubbed ‘The Birchwood Ladies’ by her friend Darlene – she embarks on another gripping investigation. The next instalment arrives Autumn 2025, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Although set in different locations, they are all created in The Captain’s House.
If you’ve enjoyed any of these stories, I’d love to hear from you.
