Picture a British storyteller who swapped lecture halls and kitchen stoves for the gritty streets of crime fiction—meet Alex Howard! Born in 1961 in Lambeth, London, Howard, also known by his real name Alex Coombs, crafts electrifying novels that pulse with raw energy and complex characters. His DI Hanlon series, featuring a rule-breaking detective, has captivated readers with its unflinching dive into London’s underbelly. From Arabic studies to sizzling pans, Howard’s eclectic journey fuels his thrilling tales.
The Making of Alex Howard
Born in the vibrant heart of south London, Alex Howard grew up in Buckinghamshire’s serene Chilterns, a contrast that perhaps shaped his knack for blending gritty realism with nuanced settings. He studied Arabic and Islamic History at St. Peter’s College, Oxford, and Edinburgh University, immersing himself in rich cultural tapestries. Howard spent years teaching English in the Middle East and London, later trading chalk for chef’s knives after retraining as a chef. This diverse path—scholar, educator, and culinary artist—infused his writing with a unique perspective, grounding his crime novels in vivid, lived experience.
Alex Howard’s Unforgettable Stories
Howard’s DI Hanlon series, initially published under the pen name Alex Coombs, is a masterclass in high-stakes crime fiction. The series kicks off with The Stolen Child (2014, originally Time to Die), where Detective Inspector Hanlon tackles a chilling child kidnapping case, her fierce loyalty and unorthodox methods shining through. The Innocent Girl (2015, originally Cold Revenge) sees Hanlon go undercover in Oxford, unraveling a sadistic killer’s web. The Missing Husband (2015, originally A Hard Woman to Kill) plunges her into a Russian mafia showdown, while The Silent Victims (2016, originally An Incidental Death) weaves a tense tale of anarchist murders. Howard’s style is relentless—think fast-paced plots, flawed yet fierce characters, and a knack for exploring society’s darker corners with a touch of black humor.
Later, Howard transitioned Hanlon to a private investigator in novels like Silenced for Good (2020), set in Scotland’s haunting landscapes. His newer Old Forge Cafe Mystery series, starting with Murder on the Menu (2023), blends cozy crime with culinary charm. Howard’s ability to craft strong, independent female leads like Hanlon, who balance ruthlessness with humanity, sets him apart in the genre.
Why Alex Howard Matters
Alex Howard’s impact lies in his fearless exploration of tough themes—child abduction, human trafficking, corruption—while keeping readers hooked with pulse-pounding suspense. His diverse background enriches his storytelling, offering authentic glimpses into varied worlds, from London’s streets to Middle Eastern influences. Fans of Angela Marsons and Lisa Regan adore his gritty, character-driven narratives, and his shift to lighter mysteries shows his versatility. Howard’s work reminds us that great crime fiction doesn’t just thrill—it challenges and humanizes.
- Born: 1961, Lambeth, London
- Key Works: DI Hanlon series, Old Forge Cafe Mystery series
- Notable Fact: Once a sous-chef in an award-winning gastropub
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag The Stolen Child and dive into Alex Howard’s gripping world of crime and courage!