Picture an English storyteller who whisked readers to the windswept steppes of Mongolia and the misty Scottish Highlands—meet Alex Walters, also known as Michael Walters! This master of mystery and thriller novels has carved a unique niche with his atmospheric crime fiction, blending exotic locales with intricate plots. Whether writing as Michael Walters for his Inspector Nergui series or as Alex Walters for his DCI McKay and DCI Kenny Murrain tales, he captivates with his knack for vivid settings and complex characters.
With a career spanning broadcasting, banking, and global consultancy, Walters brings a worldly perspective to his storytelling. His novels aren’t just whodunits—they’re immersive journeys into cultures and landscapes, making him a hidden gem in the crime fiction world.
The Making of Alex Walters / Michael Walters
Born in England, Alex Walters, who also publishes as Michael Walters, didn’t start as a writer. His early career took him through diverse fields—oil, broadcasting, and banking—before he landed in management consultancy, working in places as varied as prisons and parliaments. This global exposure, including a pivotal visit to Mongolia in the 1990s, sparked his fascination with unique settings. After years in Manchester, he now calls the Scottish Highlands home, where he runs a writing retreat with his wife, Helen, fueling his creative spark.
Walters’s shift to writing came from a desire to tell stories that married his love for travel with his knack for suspense. His experiences in Mongolia, a land transitioning from Soviet shadows, inspired his first novel, cementing his signature blend of cultural insight and gripping crime narratives.
Alex Walters / Michael Walters’s Unforgettable Stories
Walters’s bibliography is a treasure trove of suspense. As Michael Walters, he penned the Inspector Nergui Mystery series, starting with The Shadow Walker (2006). Set in Ulan Baatar, this thriller follows Inspector Nergui tackling a serial killer amid Mongolia’s post-Soviet struggles. Critics praised its vivid depiction of the city’s gritty factories and vast Gobi desert, calling it “compulsive reading” for its blend of procedural grit and cultural depth.
Under the pseudonym Alex Walters, he crafted the DI Alec McKay series, set in the Scottish Highlands. The first book, Candles and Roses (2016), introduces McKay, a detective grappling with personal loss while solving brutal murders on the Black Isle. The series, now spanning seven books, is lauded for its evocative settings and emotional depth. Equally compelling is the DCI Kenny Murrain series, starting with Late Checkout (2016), where Murrain’s unique sensory “gift” adds a paranormal twist to Manchester-based mysteries. Walters also explores the Peak District with his Detective Annie Delamere series, showcasing his versatility.
His style is defined by richly described settings—whether Mongolia’s steppes or Scotland’s rugged coasts—and layered characters who navigate personal and professional turmoil. Themes of cultural transition, justice, and human complexity run deep, making his novels both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Alex Walters / Michael Walters Matters
Alex Walters / Michael Walters has left a quiet but significant mark on crime fiction. His ability to transport readers to underrepresented settings like Mongolia or the Scottish Highlands sets him apart in a genre often dominated by urban backdrops. By weaving cultural and historical nuances into his plots, he offers more than just suspense—he provides a window into worlds in flux, from post-Soviet Mongolia to modern Scotland.
His influence extends to aspiring writers through his Highlands writing retreat, where he nurtures new voices. For fans, his prolific output—spanning multiple series and standalone thrillers—ensures a steady stream of immersive stories that linger long after the last page.
- Pen Names: Alex Walters, Michael Walters
- Key Works: The Shadow Walker, Candles and Roses, Late Checkout
- Current Home: Scottish Highlands
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag The Shadow Walker or Candles and Roses and dive into Alex Walters / Michael Walters’s world of mystery and intrigue!