Picture a British storyteller who turned his spare room into a crime fiction empire—meet Adam Croft! This self-publishing sensation skyrocketed to fame with his 2015 thriller Her Last Tomorrow, a gripping tale that paid off his mortgage in weeks and cemented his status as a literary trailblazer. With over two million books sold worldwide, Croft’s fast-paced novels and bold advocacy for indie publishing have made him a beacon for aspiring authors.
From his cozy home in Bedfordshire, Croft crafts psychological thrillers and crime mysteries that keep readers on edge. His knack for twisting plots and relatable characters has earned him seven Amazon number-one bestsellers and a devoted global fanbase. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the mysteries.
The Making of Adam Croft
Born and raised in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, Adam Croft didn’t start as a novelist. Before his literary leap, he juggled roles as an internet marketing consultant, delivery driver, and even a professional actor. His pivot to writing came in 2011 with Too Close for Comfort, his debut novel, penned in a spare room. Initially, sales trickled, but Croft’s persistence and embrace of Amazon’s self-publishing platform sparked a slow-burn success that soon exploded.
His early career wasn’t all glamour—Croft learned the ropes of self-publishing through trial and error, researching marketing and cover design to stand out. This hustle paid off, transforming him from a side-hustling writer into a full-time author whose books now grace shelves in over 138 countries.
Adam Croft’s Unforgettable Stories
Croft’s bibliography is a treasure trove of crime and psychological thrillers, with his Knight & Culverhouse series and Kempston Hardwick Mysteries leading the charge. The Knight & Culverhouse novels, starting with Too Close for Comfort, follow detectives Wendy Knight and Jack Culverhouse as they unravel gritty crimes in the fictional town of Mildenheath. With over 250,000 copies sold, the series is lauded for its snappy pacing and shocking twists.
His standalone hit Her Last Tomorrow (2015) is a masterclass in suspense, posing a chilling question: would you kill your wife to save your daughter? Selling over 500,000 copies, it hit number 12 on the UK’s combined fiction and non-fiction chart. Another gem, Only the Truth (2017), became a global number-one bestseller, showcasing Croft’s talent for blending psychological depth with relentless plots. His Kempston Hardwick Mysteries, like Death Under the Sun, offer quirky, cozy crime vibes, some adapted into audio plays starring British TV icons.
Croft’s style is addictive—think short, punchy chapters, morally gray characters, and plots that twist like a country road. His themes often probe human nature, justice, and the murky line between right and wrong, making his books both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Adam Croft Matters
Adam Croft isn’t just a writer; he’s a self-publishing pioneer. His success, including knocking J.K. Rowling off Canada’s Amazon charts in 2016, proves indie authors can rival traditional heavyweights. In 2018, the University of Bedfordshire awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his contributions to literature, a nod to his industry impact. Croft’s vocal criticism of traditional publishing’s gatekeeping, notably his 2012 clapback at Sue Grafton’s self-publishing jab, has inspired countless writers to take control of their careers.
Through his podcast Partners in Crime with Robert Daws, Croft shares insights on crime fiction and indie publishing, building a community for fans and creators. His story shows that talent, grit, and a laptop can rewrite the rules of literary success.
- Born: Flitwick, Bedfordshire, UK
- Key Works: Her Last Tomorrow, Only the Truth, Too Close for Comfort, Death Under the Sun
- Awards: Honorary Doctorate of Arts, University of Bedfordshire (2018)
- Fun Fact: Croft hosts the Partners in Crime podcast with actor-author Robert Daws.
Snag Her Last Tomorrow or dive into the Knight & Culverhouse series for a thrilling ride through Adam Croft’s crime-filled world!