Picture a British storyteller who turned his love for rare vinyl records into a thrilling detective series—meet Andrew Cartmel! Best known for his Vinyl Detective novels, Cartmel blends music history, quirky characters, and pulse-pounding mysteries to create stories that captivate readers. From his days as a Doctor Who script editor to crafting modern crime fiction, Cartmel’s unique journey has left an indelible mark on literature.
Born in 1958, this Canadian-raised, England-based author brings a playful yet sharp tone to his work, drawing fans into the eclectic world of record collecting and deadly intrigue. Ready to dive into his story? Let’s spin the record and explore!
The Making of Andrew Cartmel
Raised in Canada, Andrew Cartmel returned to England for his education, diving into a post-graduate course in computer studies. In the mid-1980s, he worked in computer-aided design for Shape Data Ltd in Cambridge, but his heart leaned toward storytelling. Transitioning to writing, Cartmel honed his craft through unproduced scripts and BBC workshops, landing a pivotal role as script editor for Doctor Who from 1987 to 1989. This gig sharpened his narrative skills, setting the stage for his later literary success.
His early career wasn’t just about sci-fi. Cartmel explored comics, stage plays, and even stand-up comedy, showcasing his versatility. But it was his passion for vinyl records and jazz that would define his most celebrated work, inspired by friend and author Ben Aaronovitch to write what he truly loved.
Andrew Cartmel’s Unforgettable Stories
Launched in 2016, the Vinyl Detective series follows an unnamed record collector turned sleuth, dubbed the “Vinyl Detective” by his business card. In Written in Dead Wax, the protagonist hunts a rare jazz record, unraveling a dangerous mystery with humor and heart. Critics praise its inventive plot and Cartmel’s deep knowledge of vinyl culture, calling it “marvelously fascinating” (Publishers Weekly).
Subsequent novels like The Run-Out Groove (2017) explore psychedelic rock and a missing child, while Victory Disc (2018) dives into wartime big band music with neo-Nazi threats. Low Action (2020) tackles punk rock, and Attack and Decay (2022) keeps the stakes high. Each book is a standalone adventure, weaving music genres—jazz, punk, folk—into intricate crime plots. Cartmel’s style is light, witty, and rich with eccentric characters like Nevada, the detective’s love interest, and Tinkler, his quirky friend.
His writing, influenced by crime masters like Dashiell Hammett, blends cozy mystery vibes with thrilling twists. Cartmel’s love for analogue music shines, with vivid details about turntables and rare LPs that delight audiophiles and casual readers alike.
Why Andrew Cartmel Matters
Andrew Cartmel has carved a niche in modern crime fiction, merging the niche world of vinyl collecting with universal themes of adventure and discovery. His Vinyl Detective series has inspired a cult following, with fans on platforms like Goodreads lauding its humor and originality. By spotlighting music history, Cartmel preserves the cultural significance of analogue records in a digital age, making his work a love letter to collectors and storytellers.
His influence extends beyond novels. Collaborations with Gearbox Records and liner notes for 1960s jazz albums show his impact on music culture. As the series grows—now at eight books with Underscore (2025)—Cartmel continues to redefine the detective genre, proving that even obscure passions can fuel unforgettable stories.
- Born: April 6, 1958
- Key Works: Vinyl Detective series, Doctor Who scripts
- Notable Collaborations: Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London comics)
Snag Written in Dead Wax and dive into Andrew Cartmel’s thrilling, music-infused mysteries—you’ll be hooked by the first track!