Picture a Scottish storyteller who spins gritty tales of Glasgow’s dark underbelly—meet Anne Randall! Writing as A J McCreanor, this award-winning crime fiction author has captivated readers with her thrilling DIs Wheeler and Ross series. With a knack for weaving complex plots and morally charged narratives, Randall transforms her beloved hometown into a vivid backdrop for suspense.
Born in Glasgow, Randall’s stories pulse with the city’s raw energy, earning her a place among Scotland’s finest ‘tartan noir’ writers. Her debut novel, Riven, snagged first prize at the Wells Festival of Literature in 2011, launching a career that’s both electrifying and deeply human.
The Making of Anne Randall
Glasgow shaped Anne Randall’s life and work. Growing up in the city’s east end, she absorbed its vibrant culture and complex social fabric. After university, she taught English in inner-city secondary schools, where she encountered the real-life grit that later fueled her novels. Before writing, Randall’s career was a colorful tapestry—cadet nurse, flower-seller, civil servant, and eventually a psychotherapist in Glastonbury, Somerset, where she now lives with her husband, two cats, and a handsome collie.
Her pivot to writing came with a spark of recognition: her debut novel Riven, written as A J McCreanor, won a prestigious crime fiction award. This victory marked her as a rising star, blending her love for storytelling with a sharp understanding of human psychology, honed through her therapeutic work.
Anne Randall’s Unforgettable Stories
Randall’s DIs Wheeler and Ross series is the heart of her bibliography, a gritty quartet of novels that dive deep into Glasgow’s criminal world. Riven (2014) kicks off the series with a brutal murder that sets Detectives Kat Wheeler and Steven Ross on a twisting path through deceit and danger. Critics raved, with Eurocrime calling it “a super story with a breath-taking ending.”
Silenced (2015) ups the ante, exploring extreme sex games and Glasgow’s elite, earning praise from the Daily Mail as “assured and clever.” Torn (2017) delves into the city’s BDSM subculture, with Crimeworm hailing Randall’s “well-drawn characters” and “superb dialogue.” Finally, Deceived (2018) tackles a missing woman and a murdered father, weaving a “fast-paced, gripping” tale, per Candis Magazine. Randall’s style—dark, authentic, and laced with Glaswegian banter—draws comparisons to Ian Rankin and Denise Mina.
Beyond novels, Randall’s creative range shines in poems and short stories published in various anthologies. Her work consistently probes themes of justice, morality, and the lies we tell ourselves, all grounded in her psychotherapy insights and Glasgow’s stark realism.
Why Anne Randall Matters
Anne Randall has carved a niche in the ‘tartan noir’ genre, bringing Glasgow’s gritty soul to life with unflinching honesty. Her novels don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to confront moral ambiguities and societal shadows. By centering strong, flawed characters like Kat Wheeler, a jazz-loving art enthusiast, Randall adds depth to the crime fiction landscape, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Her impact extends beyond books. As a former teacher and psychotherapist, Randall’s empathy infuses her stories, making them resonate with readers who crave authentic human struggles. She’s a testament to reinvention, showing how diverse life experiences can fuel powerful storytelling.
- Born: Glasgow, Scotland
- Key Works: Riven, Silenced, Torn, Deceived
- Awards: First Prize, Wells Festival of Literature (2011)
- Fun Fact: Randall’s DI Kat Wheeler shares her love for Scottish artist J.D. Fergusson!
Ready to dive into Glasgow’s dark side? Snag Riven and let Anne Randall’s thrilling ‘tartan noir’ sweep you away!