Picture a British storyteller who swapped coding for crafting pulse-pounding thrillers—meet Alan McDermott! This former software developer turned bestselling author has hooked readers with his action-packed Tom Gray series, blending high-stakes drama and moral dilemmas. Inspired by his twin daughters and a frustration with the justice system, McDermott’s journey from rejected manuscripts to literary success is as gripping as his novels.
Born in West Germany to Scottish parents, McDermott’s early life was a whirlwind of moves across the UK, following his father’s army postings. This nomadic childhood sparked a love for storytelling, but it wasn’t until later that he found his voice as a thriller writer. Now a full-time author living in the south of England with his wife and daughters, McDermott’s tales of vengeance and redemption have sold over a million copies worldwide.
The Making of Alan McDermott
Alan McDermott didn’t start as a novelist. After a varied career, including a stint on a cruise ship in Hong Kong and Singapore, he settled into software development, creating critical applications for the NHS. Writing was a dream deferred, with early manuscripts rejected in the 1990s. But fatherhood changed everything. Inspired by his twin daughters, McDermott began writing stories for them, rekindling his passion. A pivotal moment came when he saw flaws in the UK justice system, sparking the idea for his debut novel, Gray Justice, which he self-published in 2011 after years of perseverance.
Alan McDermott’s Unforgettable Stories
McDermott’s Tom Gray series is the heart of his bibliography, a six-book saga following ex-SAS soldier Tom Gray. In Gray Justice, Gray’s world crumbles when a criminal kills his son and his wife takes her own life. Frustrated by a lenient justice system, Gray kidnaps repeat offenders, letting the public vote on their fate via a website—a bold, thought-provoking premise. Readers praised its fast-paced action, gun battles, and unpredictable twists, making it a bestseller. Gray Resurrection follows Gray in the Philippines, living under an alias until a militant group disrupts his peace, delivering an explosive sequel.
Beyond Tom Gray, McDermott’s Eva Driscoll series introduces a fierce female protagonist chasing bad guys, while standalone novels like Trojan (shortlisted for an ITW Thriller Award) showcase his versatility. His style is cinematic, with vivid imagery and meticulous military details, despite no personal military experience. Themes of justice, revenge, and moral complexity resonate, inviting readers to question societal systems.
McDermott’s prose is accessible yet thrilling, weaving suspense with emotional depth. His ability to craft likable, scarred heroes like Tom Gray keeps fans hooked, while his knack for avoiding technical jargon makes his books approachable for all.
Why Alan McDermott Matters
Alan McDermott’s impact lies in his ability to turn personal frustrations into universal stories. His Tom Gray series sparked debates about justice and punishment, resonating with readers worldwide. By self-publishing Gray Justice, he bypassed traditional gatekeepers, inspiring aspiring authors to take risks. His million-plus sales and Thomas & Mercer deal highlight his influence in the thriller genre, proving that perseverance pays off.
McDermott’s stories also bridge action and introspection, offering more than just adrenaline. His characters wrestle with grief and morality, making his work relatable beyond the thriller crowd. His success as a family man and former coder adds authenticity, showing that ordinary lives can fuel extraordinary tales.
- Born: West Germany, to Scottish parents
- Key Works: Gray Justice (2011), Gray Resurrection (2012), Trojan (2017)
- Awards: Trojan shortlisted for ITW Thriller Award (2018)
- Lives: South of England with wife and twin daughters
About Alan McDermott
Snag Gray Justice and dive into Alan McDermott’s thrilling world of vengeance and redemption!