Picture a Birmingham-born storyteller who swapped the gray skies of England for the sun-drenched streets of Rome, weaving gritty crime tales that pulse with Italian intrigue—meet Aidan Conway! This rising star in crime fiction has captivated readers with his DI Michael Rossi series, blending dark atmospheres, complex plots, and a love for Italy’s vibrant culture. With a knack for languages and a life steeped in multiculturalism, Conway’s novels offer a thrilling escape into the underbelly of Rome and Sicily.
Since moving to Italy in 2001, Conway has drawn on his deep connection to the country to craft stories that feel as authentic as a Roman espresso. His unique perspective as an outsider-turned-insider infuses his work with a vivid sense of place, making him a must-read for fans of international crime thrillers.
The Making of Aidan Conway
Born in Birmingham to Irish parents, Aidan Conway grew up immersed in storytelling, with Irish literature sparking his creative fire. He honed his craft at the University of Wales, Bangor, earning a BA in English Literature, and later pursued an MA in Irish Writing at Queen’s University Belfast. Before becoming a novelist, Conway’s eclectic career took him from bookselling at Waterstones to teaching English in Sicily and Rome. These experiences, coupled with his fluency in Italian and proficiency in Spanish and French, shaped his sharp, observant writing style.
After settling in Rome, Conway worked as a freelance language consultant for the UNFAO and taught writing at John Cabot American University. His time in Italy, from witnessing a bomb explosion in Sicily to navigating the corridors of power in Rome, fueled his desire to write crime fiction that peels back the glossy veneer of Italian life to reveal its darker truths.
Aidan Conway’s Unforgettable Stories
Conway’s breakout came with A Known Evil (2018), the first in his DI Michael Rossi crime series, published by Harper Collins’ Killer Reads. Set in a snowy, locked-down Rome, the novel follows bilingual Detective Inspector Michael Rossi as he hunts a serial killer dubbed The Carpenter. Praised by Brian McGilloway as “dripping with menace and atmosphere,” it’s a gripping tale of corruption and conspiracy that showcases Conway’s cinematic storytelling.
The follow-up, A Cold Flame (2018), dives deeper into Rome’s seething undercurrents. Rossi and his partner, Luigi Carrara, investigate a deadly fire that kills five immigrants, uncovering a terror plot threatening the city. Readers lauded its fast-paced action and political intrigue, with Conway’s evocative descriptions of Rome’s heat and dust bringing the setting to life. Both novels blend gritty police procedurals with socio-political commentary, tackling issues like immigration and systemic corruption.
Conway’s style is marked by taut, atmospheric prose and richly drawn characters, from Rossi’s Ukrainian partner, Yana, to the investigative journalist Dario Iannelli. His ability to weave real-world issues into thrilling narratives has drawn comparisons to Ian Rankin, cementing his place in the crime fiction world.
Why Aidan Conway Matters
Aidan Conway’s work resonates because it captures the soul of modern Italy through a crime lens, offering readers a window into its beauty and blemishes. His multicultural perspective—blending Irish roots, British upbringing, and Italian immersion—lends authenticity to his stories, making them stand out in a crowded genre. By tackling themes like immigration and political corruption, Conway invites readers to think critically while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
His growing fanbase and critical acclaim, including appearances at events like the MurderOne International Crime Writing Festival, signal a bright future. Conway’s ability to turn Rome and Sicily into living, breathing characters ensures his stories linger long after the final page.
- Born: Birmingham, England, to Irish parents
- Key Works: A Known Evil (2018), A Cold Flame (2018)
- Current Home: Rome, Italy
- Notable Event: Appeared at MurderOne Festival, Dublin (2018)
Ready for a thrilling ride through Rome’s shadowy streets? Snag A Known Evil and dive into Aidan Conway’s gripping world of crime and conspiracy!