Picture an English storyteller who traded courtrooms for medieval mysteries—meet Andrew Gaddes! Born in the historic town of Grantham, England, this former lawyer spun his love for history and folklore into a gripping historical mystery novel that’s turning heads. His debut, Those Who Go By Night, plunges readers into 14th-century England, where superstition and secrets collide in a tale that’s as immersive as it is thrilling.
Gaddes’s journey from legal briefs to literary brilliance is a story of passion and reinvention. With a knack for weaving historical detail into page-turning plots, he’s quickly earned praise as an exciting new voice in historical fiction. Let’s dive into the world of Andrew Gaddes and discover why his work is a must-read!
The Making of Andrew Gaddes
Growing up in Grantham, a quiet market town steeped in history, Andrew Gaddes was surrounded by tales of Sir Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher, but it was the region’s folklore and medieval past that captured his imagination. After studying jurisprudence at Oxford University, he built a successful career as a solicitor in London and Brussels. Yet, the pull of storytelling was stronger than the law. Relocating to Pennsylvania with his wife, Gaddes began crafting narratives that blended his legal precision with a historian’s eye for detail.
His transition to writing wasn’t just a career shift—it was a homecoming to his lifelong love of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy. Inspired by the rich tapestry of Britain’s past, Gaddes set out to create stories that transport readers to another time, all while exploring timeless human struggles.
Andrew Gaddes’s Unforgettable Stories
Gaddes’s debut novel, Those Who Go By Night (2018), is a masterclass in historical mystery. Set in 1324 England, the story follows Thomas Lester, a young investigator sent to solve a gruesome murder in the village of Bottesford. A beggar’s body, draped across a church altar, sparks fears of witchcraft and an impending Inquisition. Gaddes’s vivid prose brings the medieval world to life, from the fog-laden countryside to the tension of a community gripped by fear. Critics like Anne Perry have hailed it as a “vividly told story of love, fear, and the abuse of power.”
What sets Gaddes apart is his ability to balance historical accuracy with gripping suspense. His legal background shines through in the meticulous plotting, while his love for folklore adds a layer of supernatural intrigue. Themes of superstition, power, and hidden truths run deep, making Those Who Go By Night a standout for fans of authors like Jeri Westerson or S.D. Sykes. While no further novels have been published yet, readers eagerly await more from this promising talent.
Gaddes’s style is both elegant and accessible, with a knack for creating strong, complex characters—especially women, who defy the constraints of their era. His work invites readers to step into a world where every shadow hides a secret, and every clue unravels a larger mystery.
Why Andrew Gaddes Matters
Andrew Gaddes may be a newcomer, but his impact on historical mystery is undeniable. Those Who Go By Night has earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and praise from luminaries like Matthew Pearl for its “lush atmosphere of intrigue.” By blending meticulous research with storytelling flair, Gaddes bridges the gap between niche historical fiction and mainstream appeal, inviting readers to explore a lesser-known era through a modern lens.
His focus on powerful female characters and critiques of institutional power resonate with contemporary audiences, proving that medieval tales can speak to today’s issues. As a fresh voice in a crowded genre, Gaddes is carving a niche for immersive, thought-provoking mysteries that linger long after the final page.
- Born: Grantham, England
- Key Work: Those Who Go By Night (2018)
- Genre: Historical Mystery
- Notable Praise: Starred review from Publishers Weekly
Snag Those Who Go By Night and dive into Andrew Gaddes’s thrilling world of medieval intrigue! Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, his immersive storytelling will keep you guessing until the very end.