Picture a retired Army colonel trading his scalpel for a pen to unravel the mysteries of Victorian London—meet Bradley Harper! This American storyteller, once a military pathologist, now crafts gripping historical mysteries that blend fact and fiction with forensic precision. His Margaret Harkness and Arthur Conan Doyle series, starting with the acclaimed A Knife in the Fog, reimagines the hunt for Jack the Ripper, captivating readers with its vivid characters and thrilling plots.
Harper’s journey from battlefield medicine to bestselling author is as inspiring as his novels. With a career spanning over three decades and a passion for Sherlock Holmes, he’s proof that it’s never too late to chase a new dream. Let’s dive into the life and works of this remarkable writer!
The Making of Bradley Harper
Born with a curiosity for science and stories, Bradley Harper spent 37 years as a US Army pathologist, performing over 200 autopsies and serving as a colonel in the Pentagon. His forensic expertise and love for Sherlock Holmes fueled his transition to writing. After retiring, Harper earned an Associate’s Degree in Creative Writing from Full Sail University and a Master’s from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland. This leap into fiction was sparked by a lifelong fascination with historical mysteries and a desire to explore the past through a storyteller’s lens.
Bradley Harper’s Unforgettable Stories
Harper’s debut novel, A Knife in the Fog (2018), introduces a dynamic trio: a young Arthur Conan Doyle, his mentor Dr. Joseph Bell (the real-life inspiration for Sherlock Holmes), and the fierce suffragette Margaret Harkness. Set in 1888 London, the novel follows their quest to catch Jack the Ripper, blending historical accuracy with suspense. Its forensic detail and clever plotting earned it a 2019 Edgar Award nomination for Best First Novel and the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Mystery.
The sequel, Queen’s Gambit (2019), shifts the spotlight to Margaret Harkness, who races to foil an anarchist plot against Queen Victoria in 1897. Praised for its strong female lead and fast-paced intrigue, it won the 2020 Silver Falchion Award for Best Suspense and Book of the Year. Harper’s latest, Reflections in a Dragon’s Eye (2023), co-written with Lydia Galehouse, ventures into modern Baltimore with a police procedural thriller, showcasing his versatility. His style—marked by meticulous research, vivid settings, and feminist undertones—brings history to life with a thrilling edge.
Harper’s short stories, like “Coyote” in The Strand Magazine, and his animated film Dark Tryst, further highlight his range. Whether exploring Victorian alleys or modern crime scenes, his narratives pulse with authenticity and heart.
Why Bradley Harper Matters
Bradley Harper’s work resonates with fans of historical fiction and mystery for its ability to weave real figures like Conan Doyle and Harkness into compelling what-if scenarios. His novels don’t just entertain—they illuminate the grit and humanity of their eras, from the poverty of Whitechapel to the anarchist unrest of the 1890s. By championing strong female characters like Harkness, Harper challenges historical norms, offering readers a fresh perspective on the past.
His transition from military service to authorship inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and perseverance can birth a second act. Harper’s contributions to mystery writing, recognized by awards and the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate, cement his place in the genre’s modern landscape.
- Key Works: A Knife in the Fog, Queen’s Gambit, Reflections in a Dragon’s Eye
- Awards: 2019 Edgar Award Finalist, 2019 & 2020 Silver Falchion Awards
- Fun Fact: Harper plays Santa Claus with his wife during the holidays!
About Bradley Harper
Ready to step into the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London? Snag A Knife in the Fog and dive into Bradley Harper’s thrilling historical mysteries today!