Picture a British storyteller who spins dystopian thrillers, tickles funny bones with podcasts, and improvises Jane Austen-inspired comedy—meet Andrew Hunter Murray! This London-born writer, comedian, and podcaster has charmed audiences with his versatile talents, from the Sunday Times bestselling novel The Last Day to the globally adored podcast No Such Thing As A Fish. With a knack for blending wit, curiosity, and imagination, Murray is a creative force worth discovering.
Beyond his novels, Murray’s work as a QI Elf and his performances with the award-winning improv troupe Austentatious showcase a mind that thrives on the unexpected. Whether he’s crafting chilling futures or riffing on Regency romance, his storytelling invites readers and listeners to see the world through a playful, inquisitive lens. Let’s dive into the life and works of this multifaceted talent!
The Making of Andrew Hunter Murray
Born in 1987, Andrew Hunter Murray grew up in London and attended King’s College School in Wimbledon. His sharp intellect and love for storytelling led him to Oxford University, where he honed his wit and creativity. After graduating, Murray found his niche as a writer and researcher for the BBC’s QI, joining the ranks of the ‘QI Elves’—a team dedicated to unearthing fascinating facts. This role sparked his passion for curious, bite-sized knowledge, which would later define his podcasting career.
Murray’s early career also saw him writing for Private Eye, Britain’s leading satirical magazine, and performing with Austentatious, a Jane Austen-themed improv comedy group. These experiences shaped his ability to weave humor, intellect, and narrative into everything he creates, from journalism to fiction. His diverse background laid the foundation for a career that defies easy categorization.
Andrew Hunter Murray’s Unforgettable Stories
Murray’s debut novel, The Last Day (2020), is a dystopian thriller that imagines a world where the Earth has stopped spinning, splitting the planet into scorching heat and endless night. Praised as a Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller, the novel blends vivid imagery with gripping suspense, following scientist Ellen Hopper as she uncovers dark secrets in a fractured Britain. Readers lauded its realistic world-building and thought-provoking themes.
His second novel, The Sanctuary (2022), a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, takes readers to Sanctuary Rock, a mysterious island owned by a billionaire. This haunting tale of ambition and betrayal showcases Murray’s knack for crafting immersive, unsettling futures. In 2024, A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering earned a shortlist spot for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize, proving his versatility with a comedic twist on crime fiction.
Outside fiction, Murray co-hosts No Such Thing As A Fish, a podcast with over 500 episodes and 450 million downloads. Alongside fellow QI Elves, he shares quirky facts, spawning three bestselling books (The Book of the Year series) and a BBC Two series, No Such Thing As The News. His writing style—witty, accessible, and brimming with curiosity—makes complex ideas irresistible, whether in novels or podcasts.
Why Andrew Hunter Murray Matters
Andrew Hunter Murray’s impact lies in his ability to entertain while sparking curiosity. His novels tackle pressing themes like climate change and societal collapse, inviting readers to ponder humanity’s future. Meanwhile, his podcasting and comedy democratize knowledge, making learning a joyful, communal experience. With No Such Thing As A Fish touring globally and his books translated into multiple languages, Murray has built a worldwide following.
His work with Austentatious and Private Eye further cements his influence, blending highbrow humor with cultural commentary. By moving seamlessly between genres and mediums, Murray inspires aspiring writers and performers to embrace versatility. His legacy is one of wit, wonder, and a relentless drive to explore the world’s oddities.
- Born: 1987, London, UK
- Key Works: The Last Day, The Sanctuary, A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, No Such Thing As A Fish
- Awards: Shortlisted for Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize (2024)
- Fun Fact: His middle name is ‘Pandoro,’ but he adopted ‘Hunter’ as a playful Oxford-era joke!
Snag The Last Day or tune into No Such Thing As A Fish to dive into Andrew Hunter Murray’s thrilling, laugh-out-loud world!