Picture a British storyteller who turned her teenage dreams of crafting novels in London into gripping crime procedurals—meet Caz Frear! Known for her Cat Kinsella series, Frear weaves tales of family secrets and moral dilemmas that keep mystery fans hooked. With a knack for snappy dialogue and a relatable charm, she’s carved a unique space in the crime fiction world.
From her Coventry roots to her Arsenal-fueled pub debates, Frear’s journey is as colorful as her characters. Her stories, packed with twists and emotional depth, reflect her sharp wit and keen eye for human complexity. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this headhunter-turned-novelist became a rising star.
The Making of Caz Frear
Caz Frear grew up in Coventry, England, dreaming of London’s bright lights and writing a novel. Armed with a first-class degree in History and Politics, she took a detour through jobs like waitressing, retail merchandising, and headhunting for over a decade. It wasn’t until she returned to Coventry after 13 years in London that her writing dream sparked to life. Winning the 2017 Richard & Judy 'Search for a Bestseller' competition launched her career, proving her teenage aspirations were worth the wait.
Caz Frear’s Unforgettable Stories
Frear’s debut, Sweet Little Lies (2017), introduces Detective Constable Cat Kinsella, a young cop grappling with a troubled past and a murder case tied to her family. The novel’s blend of personal drama and police procedural won over readers, selling over 250,000 copies in the UK alone and earning praise for its authentic voice. Its TV rights were snapped up by Carnival Films, hinting at its cinematic potential.
The Cat Kinsella series continues with Stone Cold Heart (2019), where Cat investigates a young woman’s murder, unraveling a complex web of lies within a seemingly perfect marriage. Shed No Tears (2020) tackles a high-profile cold case, showcasing Frear’s knack for blending real-life inspiration with fictional grit. Her standalone thriller, Five Bad Deeds (2024), shifts gears to explore psychological suspense through Ellen Walsh, a mother facing menacing threats. Frear’s style—witty, immersive, and rich with moral ambiguity—sets her apart, with Cat Kinsella earning comparisons to Tana French’s detectives.
Frear’s writing shines through her focus on junior detectives, offering a fresh perspective on the grunt work of policing. Her plots, meticulously planned in Excel, balance intricate mysteries with raw, relatable characters. Themes of family, truth, and hidden pasts resonate, making her stories both thrilling and deeply human.
Why Caz Frear Matters
Caz Frear’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into the crime genre. Her authentic portrayal of junior detectives and her exploration of personal and professional conflicts have earned her a loyal following. With over 500,000 copies sold worldwide and translations in 15 countries, Frear’s stories resonate globally. Her relatable charm—think pub chats and Arsenal rants—mirrors the grounded humanity of her characters, making her a standout voice in modern crime fiction.
Frear’s rise from headhunter to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, showing that dreams deferred can still come true. Her work challenges the loner-cop stereotype, offering a fresh, team-driven take on police procedurals that feels real and engaging.
- Key Works: Sweet Little Lies, Stone Cold Heart, Shed No Tears, Five Bad Deeds
- Awards: Winner of Richard & Judy 'Search for a Bestseller' 2017
- Hobbies: Cheering for Arsenal, debating in pubs
Snag Sweet Little Lies and dive into Caz Frear’s thrilling world of crime and secrets—you won’t put it down!