Picture a British storyteller who weaves global adventures and psychological depth into gripping mysteries—meet A.S. Hatch! Hailing from Thornton-Cleveleys, a seaside town near Blackpool, Hatch has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction with his debut novel, This Little Dark Place. His tales, rich with eclectic influences from music to brutalist architecture, pull readers into shadowy worlds where secrets unravel with every page.
With a life as colorful as his stories, Hatch’s journey spans continents and artistic passions, making him a mystery author whose voice resonates with intrigue and authenticity. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the pen.
The Making of A.S. Hatch
Born and raised in Thornton-Cleveleys, Andrew S. Hatch grew up rollerblading, playing football, and drumming in bands from age eighteen. His childhood, which he describes as both beautiful and tempestuous, fueled his love for storytelling. After earning a journalism degree in 2007, Hatch ventured abroad, teaching English in Taipei, Taiwan, for two years before settling in Melbourne, Australia. These global experiences shaped his worldview, infusing his writing with a cosmopolitan edge. Returning to the UK in 2013, he settled in London, where he now works in political communications while crafting fiction that draws from his diverse life.
Hatch’s creative spark ignited early. He began writing fiction at university, with his short story Flies earning recognition from WyrdBooks Ltd in 2012 and his novel Los Gigantes shortlisted for the Luke Bitmead Prize in 2013. Inspired by literary giants like Franz Kafka, Haruki Murakami, and David Foster Wallace, as well as music, film, and even Lana Del Rey’s noirish lyrics, Hatch’s work reflects a kaleidoscope of influences that set him apart.
A.S. Hatch’s Unforgettable Stories
Hatch’s debut novel, This Little Dark Place, published in 2019, is a psychological thriller that showcases his knack for crafting layered, suspenseful narratives. The story, his sixth novel but first published, explores dark emotional landscapes, drawing readers into a web of mystery and human complexity. Though it was his seventh manuscript overall, Hatch credits his third manuscript with sparking the confidence that he could write stories people would read.
His unpublished novel The Moorings remains a personal favorite, hinting at the depth of his back catalog. Hatch’s writing process is disciplined yet organic—he spends twice as long plotting as drafting, letting ideas gestate for up to eighteen months before penning a first draft in six to nine months. His stories often feature derelict buildings and dark, atmospheric settings, reflecting his fascination with brutalist architecture and the poetry of decay.
Hatch’s style is psychologically rich, blending introspective character studies with taut, twisty plots. His influences—Kafka’s existential dread, Murakami’s surrealism, and Wallace’s intricate prose—shine through, yet his voice feels distinctly his own. Whether exploring human nature or societal undercurrents, Hatch’s fiction invites readers to ponder the shadows beneath the surface.
Why A.S. Hatch Matters
In the crowded world of mystery and thriller fiction, A.S. Hatch stands out for his ability to merge global perspectives with intimate, human stories. His work resonates with readers who crave narratives that are both thrilling and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on the genre. By drawing on his travels, musical background, and love for diverse art forms, Hatch crafts stories that feel universal yet deeply personal.
As a relatively new voice, Hatch’s impact is still unfolding, but his debut has already garnered praise for its originality and emotional depth. He represents a generation of authors who blend genre fiction with literary sensibility, appealing to readers who love both page-turning suspense and profound character exploration.
- Born: Thornton-Cleveleys, UK
- Key Work: This Little Dark Place (2019)
- Notable Recognition: Los Gigantes shortlisted for Luke Bitmead Prize (2013), Flies named WyrdBooks’ short story of the month (2012)
- Influences: Franz Kafka, Haruki Murakami, David Foster Wallace, Lana Del Rey, brutalist architecture
Snag This Little Dark Place and dive into A.S. Hatch’s thrilling, psychologically rich world—your next favorite mystery awaits!