Picture a dynamic duo weaving gritty crime tales with forensic precision—meet A.D. Garrett! This pseudonym unites award-winning novelist Margaret Murphy and forensics expert Helen Pepper, whose collaboration has electrified the crime fiction scene. Their bestselling series, featuring Professor Nick Fennimore and DCI Kate Simms, blends pulse-pounding plots with authentic scientific detail, captivating readers worldwide.
Since their debut in 2013, A.D. Garrett has redefined forensic thrillers, merging Murphy’s knack for complex characters with Pepper’s real-world expertise from over 3,000 crime scenes. Ready to dive into their thrilling world? Let’s explore how this powerhouse pair came to be and why their stories grip us.
The Making of A.D. Garrett
Margaret Murphy, born April 14, 1959, in Liverpool, England, was a science enthusiast turned storyteller. With a BSc in Environmental Biology and a career spanning teaching and creative writing, she penned nine acclaimed psychological thrillers under her own name. Her passion for authenticity led her to collaborate with Helen Pepper, a Senior Lecturer in Policing at Teesside University. Pepper’s extensive experience as a forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, and consultant for TV’s Vera and Shetland brought unparalleled realism to their work.
Their partnership began when Murphy, a former Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, sought to elevate her forensic narratives. Meeting Pepper, whose career included managing major crime scenes, sparked the A.D. Garrett alias. Together, they crafted a series grounded in science and human drama, launching with Everyone Lies in 2013.
A.D. Garrett’s Unforgettable Stories
A.D. Garrett’s forensic series centers on Professor Nick Fennimore, a tormented forensic expert, and DCI Kate Simms, a tenacious detective navigating career setbacks. Their debut, Everyone Lies, immerses readers in Manchester’s dark underbelly, tackling drug crimes and corruption with forensic finesse. Praised by Ann Cleeves as “thriller writing at its best,” it became a bestseller, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly.
The sequel, Believe No One (2014), takes Simms and Fennimore to the U.S., unraveling a chilling serial killer case across Oklahoma and St. Louis. Its intricate plot and emotional depth drew raves, with CrimeSquad calling it a “tour de force.” Truth Will Out (2016), the third installment, explores a harrowing kidnapping linked to Fennimore’s past, blending suspense with personal stakes. The series’ hallmark is its forensic accuracy—Pepper’s expertise ensures every DNA profile and crime scene detail rings true—paired with Murphy’s knack for flawed, compelling characters.
Their style is gritty yet accessible, weaving social issues like addiction and justice with high-stakes investigations. Jeffery Deaver lauded their Manchester setting as akin to The Wire’s Baltimore, with Simms and Fennimore’s dynamic chemistry driving each tale. Fans of procedural dramas and psychological depth find their books irresistible.
Why A.D. Garrett Matters
A.D. Garrett’s impact lies in their fusion of art and science, elevating crime fiction with authenticity. Their series has inspired readers to explore forensic science, while their nuanced characters challenge genre stereotypes. Murphy’s storytelling prowess, combined with Pepper’s insider knowledge, has earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim, influencing aspiring writers to prioritize research.
Beyond books, their collaboration highlights the power of diverse expertise, showing how two distinct voices can create something greater than the sum of its parts. A.D. Garrett’s work continues to thrill, educate, and resonate, cementing their place in modern crime fiction.
- Born: Margaret Murphy, April 14, 1959, Liverpool, England
- Key Works: Everyone Lies, Believe No One, Truth Will Out
- Awards: Murphy is a CWA Short Story Dagger winner; series earned Publishers Weekly starred reviews
Snag Everyone Lies and dive into A.D. Garrett’s thrilling blend of crime and science! Their world of forensic intrigue awaits—perfect for fans of twisty, brainy mysteries.