Picture a British storyteller who swapped newsrooms for shadowy spy tales—meet Alex Gerlis! Born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, in 1955, Gerlis spent nearly three decades as a BBC journalist before crafting gripping historical espionage novels. His knack for weaving meticulous research into thrilling narratives has made him a standout in the genre, transporting readers to the tense, treacherous world of World War II.
With bestsellers like The Best of Our Spies, Gerlis doesn’t just tell stories—he recreates history with a pulse-pounding twist. His novels, rich with moral ambiguity and intricate plots, rival the likes of John le Carré, inviting readers to unravel secrets alongside spies and double agents.
The Making of Alex Gerlis
Alex Gerlis’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. After earning a degree in Law and Politics from Hull University in 1977, he dove into journalism, joining the BBC in 1983. From researching for Panorama to editing major news programs, Gerlis covered historic events like the fall of Margaret Thatcher and the Omagh bombing. His time in Normandy in 1994, covering the 50th anniversary of D-Day, sparked a fascination with wartime deception that would later fuel his novels.
By 2011, Gerlis left the BBC to pursue writing full-time, trading deadlines for the creative freedom of fiction. His journalistic eye for detail and love for European history shaped his unique voice, blending fact and intrigue into stories that feel startlingly real.
Alex Gerlis’s Unforgettable Stories
Gerlis’s novels are a masterclass in historical espionage, grounded in real events and laced with suspense. His debut, The Best of Our Spies (2012), follows a British agent entangled in the Allies’ D-Day deception, Operation Fortitude. Praised for its authenticity, it’s being adapted for television, a testament to its gripping narrative.
The Spy Masters series, including The Swiss Spy (2015) and Vienna Spies (2017), explores the moral complexities of espionage across wartime Europe. In Agent in Berlin (2021), the first of the Wolf Pack series, Gerlis introduces unlikely spies—a sports journalist and an SS officer’s wife—uncovering Nazi secrets. His latest, Every Spy a Traitor (2024), kicks off a new series set in pre-WWII Europe, delving into betrayal and Soviet espionage.
Known for flawed, relatable characters and plots that mirror history’s gray areas, Gerlis’s style captivates both history buffs and thriller fans. His meticulous research—using maps, Baedeker guides, and visits to locations—ensures every detail, from Berlin’s streets to wartime coffee shortages, feels vivid and true.
Why Alex Gerlis Matters
Alex Gerlis has carved a niche in historical fiction, bringing World War II’s espionage to life with unmatched depth. His novels don’t just entertain—they educate, shedding light on lesser-known events like the Ruhr bombing or the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. With over 550,000 books sold, Gerlis has built a loyal following, earning comparisons to espionage giants like Robert Harris and Alan Furst.
His transition from journalist to novelist inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and research can birth a second career. By blending history with human drama, Gerlis ensures the sacrifices and schemes of wartime spies resonate with modern readers, keeping their stories alive.
- Born: 1955, Grimsby, Lincolnshire
- Key Works: The Best of Our Spies, The Swiss Spy, Agent in Berlin, Every Spy a Traitor
- Notable: Former BBC journalist; supports Grimsby Town FC
Snag The Best of Our Spies and dive into Alex Gerlis’s thrilling world of espionage—your next page-turner awaits!