Picture a duo of storytellers whisking you to the shadowy streets of Stalinist Russia, where every note of music hides a secret—meet Ben Creed! This pseudonym cloaks the dynamic partnership of Barney Thompson and Chris Rickaby, whose debut novel, City of Ghosts, has thrilled readers with its chilling blend of historical crime and musical intrigue. With Thompson’s Russian fluency and classical music expertise paired with Rickaby’s knack for gripping narratives, Ben Creed crafts tales that pulse with authenticity and suspense.
Since bursting onto the literary scene in 2020, Ben Creed has captivated fans of historical thrillers, drawing comparisons to masterpieces like Gorky Park. Their unique collaboration merges two distinct voices into a seamless storytelling force, promising readers a heart-pounding journey through Soviet-era mysteries.
The Making of Ben Creed
Ben Creed is the brainchild of two creatives with wildly different backgrounds. Barney Thompson, a classically trained musician, honed his craft under the legendary conductor Ilya Musin at the St Petersburg Conservatory. Fluent in Russian, he later transitioned into journalism, editing stories on world affairs and finance in London. Chris Rickaby, hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, carved a path in advertising as a copywriter before launching his own agency, Everything Different. His creative spark also led to producing TV programs and crafting an innovative cross-platform novel, Shuffle.
Their partnership began when Rickaby, inspired by a chilling idea for a Soviet-era thriller, reached out to Thompson, whose Russian expertise and musical background made him the perfect collaborator. Meeting in London’s cultural hubs like the National Theatre, they hashed out plots and characters, blending Rickaby’s bold ideas with Thompson’s meticulous prose. The result? A pseudonym that embodies their shared vision and distinct talents.
Ben Creed’s Unforgettable Stories
Ben Creed’s debut, City of Ghosts (2020), introduces Revol Rossel, a former violinist turned militia cop in 1951 Leningrad. Tasked with solving a gruesome quintuple murder, Rossel navigates the paranoia of Stalin’s regime, where the secret police loom large. The novel’s musical motifs—each chapter tied to a dissonant note—elevate its dark, atmospheric mystery, earning praise as a “worthy successor” to Gorky Park. Critics lauded its historical heft and intricate plot, with the siege of Leningrad haunting every page.
The trilogy continues with A Traitor’s Heart (2022), diving deeper into Rossel’s past as he unravels another conspiracy amid Soviet oppression. Man of Bones (2024) rounds out the series, cementing Creed’s knack for blending brutal crime with cultural richness. Their style weaves historical accuracy, psychological depth, and musical undertones, creating thrillers that feel both cinematic and intimate. From Moscow’s icy streets to the Kremlin’s corridors, Creed’s works immerse readers in a world of fear, betrayal, and resilience.
The duo’s collaborative process—Rickaby dreaming up plots, Thompson refining the prose—ensures a polished yet dynamic voice. Their ability to balance gritty violence with poignant moments, like Rossel’s longing for his lost musical career, sets them apart in the crowded historical crime genre.
Why Ben Creed Matters
Ben Creed has carved a niche in historical crime fiction by illuminating the terror and humanity of Stalinist Russia. Their meticulous research and vivid settings transport readers to a time when a single misstep could mean a gulag sentence. By weaving music into their narratives, they offer a fresh lens on the genre, appealing to both thriller enthusiasts and history buffs. The Revol Rossel series has sparked excitement for its emotional depth and relentless suspense, with fans eagerly awaiting future works.
Beyond their novels, Creed’s collaborative model challenges the solitary writer stereotype, proving two minds can create a singular, powerful voice. Their rising popularity signals a lasting impact, as they continue to redefine historical thrillers with authenticity and heart.
- Key Works: City of Ghosts (2020), A Traitor’s Heart (2022), Man of Bones (2024)
- Genre: Historical Crime Fiction
- Notable Praise: Named a Times ‘Thriller of the Year’ for City of Ghosts
Snag City of Ghosts and dive into Ben Creed’s thrilling world of Soviet secrets and haunting melodies!