Picture a British storyteller who swapped a camera for a pen to craft gripping mysteries—meet Blair Howard! From the shadowy streets of Chattanooga in his Harry Starke series to the battlefields of his Civil War novels, Howard has woven tales that keep readers up all night. His journey from travel photographer to bestselling novelist is a testament to chasing one’s true passion.
Born in Malvern, UK, Howard’s life is a tapestry of adventure and reinvention. A Royal Air Force veteran and retired journalist, he spent years capturing the world’s beauty through lenses before diving into the world of words. His knack for storytelling has made him a beloved figure in the mystery and thriller genres, with over 50 novels to his name.
The Making of Blair Howard
Howard’s early years in Evesham, a quaint English town, sparked a love for storytelling. His career began in journalism, where he penned over 4,500 articles for outlets like Delta’s Sky Magazine and The Boston Herald. For a decade, he ran the Golf Travel channel for The New York Times, blending his passion for travel and photography. But by 2015, Howard felt a pull toward fiction. Inspired by classic crime writers like Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane, he traded his camera for a keyboard, embarking on a new chapter as a novelist.
Blair Howard’s Unforgettable Stories
Howard’s breakout hit, the Harry Starke series, introduced readers to a hard-boiled ex-cop turned private investigator in Chattanooga. The first novel, Harry Starke (2015), sets the tone with its gritty narrative and complex protagonist. Starke navigates chilling mysteries, like the haunting suicide of Tabitha Willard, blending wit and suspense. The series, now spanning 24 books, including Apocalypse (2018), a high-stakes thriller involving a nuclear weapon, showcases Howard’s versatility.
Beyond Starke, Howard’s Civil War novels, like Chickamauga (2014), reveal his knack for historical fiction. Meticulously researched, these stories bring the American Civil War to life with vivid detail. His Lt. Kate Gazzara series, a police procedural spin-off, adds depth to his catalog, with exotic-named heroines like Jasmine and Saffron tackling gritty cases. Howard’s style—reminiscent of Lee Child and J.A. Jance—combines taut plotting with sharp dialogue, making each book a standalone gem.
In 2021, Howard ventured into sci-fi with the Sovereign Stars series, starting with Avenger. This pivot reflects his boundless curiosity, proving he’s not afraid to explore new genres. Whether it’s a detective’s dark underworld or a spaceship’s starry expanse, Howard’s stories pulse with energy and intrigue.
Why Blair Howard Matters
Blair Howard’s impact lies in his ability to reinvent himself and captivate diverse audiences. His Harry Starke series has garnered a loyal following, with over 95,000 Goodreads ratings, cementing his status as a mystery genre heavyweight. By blending classic PI tropes with modern twists, he appeals to both nostalgic readers and thriller enthusiasts. His Civil War novels, praised for historical accuracy, offer a window into America’s past, while his sci-fi ventures push the boundaries of imagination.
Howard’s journey inspires aspiring writers, showing that it’s never too late to chase a dream. Living in East Tennessee with his wife Jo and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally, he continues to craft stories that resonate, proving that passion and persistence can create a lasting legacy.
- Born: Malvern, UK
- Key Works: Harry Starke series, Chickamauga, Sovereign Stars series
- Notable Honor: Kentucky Colonel (2008)
Snag Harry Starke and dive into Blair Howard’s thrilling world of mystery and adventure!