Picture a gritty, 1970s Manchester bursting with crime and chaos, brought to life by a former police inspector with a knack for suspense—meet Charlie Owen! This British author turned his 30 years of law enforcement into the pulse-pounding Hanstead New Town Mystery series, a four-book saga that dives into the moral gray zones of policing with raw authenticity and thrilling twists.
The Making of Charlie Owen
Charlie Owen’s journey to becoming a celebrated mystery writer began in the high-stakes world of policing. Serving as an inspector across two forces in London and the Home Counties, Owen spent three decades navigating the complexities of law enforcement. After retiring, he swapped his badge for a desk at an investment bank as a security supervisor, where he discovered a new passion: writing. Inspired by his career, Owen channeled his experiences into crafting gritty, realistic crime stories that resonate with readers.
Charlie Owen’s Unforgettable Stories
Owen’s Hanstead New Town Mystery series, set in a fictional North Manchester overspill town dubbed 'Horse’s Arse,' captures the turbulent 1970s with unflinching detail. The series kicks off with Horse’s Arse (2006), where officers like Bovril, Psycho, and Pizza battle the violent Park Royal Mafia in a town overrun by crime. Its sequel, Foxtrot Oscar (2007), ramps up the stakes as a Turkish gangster, Sercan Ozdemir, clashes with local villains under a sweltering 1976 heatwave. Bravo Jubilee (2008) weaves in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations amidst football hooliganism and police mayhem, while Two Tribes (2009) closes the series with industrial disputes and National Front tensions in 1978.
Owen’s style is marked by dark humor, vivid characters, and a no-holds-barred look at policing’s challenges. His novels blend suspense with social commentary, reflecting the era’s unrest and the moral dilemmas faced by officers. Drawing from his insider perspective, Owen crafts stories that feel like a front-row seat to the chaos of 1970s Britain.
Why Charlie Owen Matters
Charlie Owen’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the police experience while exposing its flaws. His Hanstead series offers a rare, authentic glimpse into a tumultuous era, earning praise for its realism and gripping narratives. Though not a household name, Owen’s work has carved a niche among crime fiction fans, inspiring readers to explore the messy, thrilling world of 1970s policing. His legacy endures as a testament to storytelling that blends lived experience with suspense.
- About Charlie Owen
- Served 30 years as a police inspector in London and Home Counties.
- Authored the Hanstead New Town Mystery series (2006–2009).
- Worked as a security supervisor post-retirement.
- Lives in north Hertfordshire with six children.
Ready for a thrilling ride through 1970s Manchester? Snag Horse’s Arse and dive into Charlie Owen’s gritty, suspense-packed world!