Picture a British storyteller who spins tales of cunning thieves and heart-pounding suspense—meet Chris Ewan! Born in Taunton, Somerset, in 1976, Ewan has carved a niche as a bestselling author of mystery and crime fiction. His witty 'Good Thief’s Guide' series and gripping standalone thrillers have captivated readers worldwide, blending clever plots with a dash of humor.
From his early days dreaming of travel writing to becoming a master of crime fiction, Ewan’s journey is as thrilling as his novels. His work, praised as 'crime writing at its best' by the Sydney Morning Herald, invites readers into worlds where ordinary situations turn extraordinarily suspenseful.
The Making of Chris Ewan
Born on October 6, 1976, in Taunton, Chris Ewan grew up with a love for language, scribbling stories and bad teenage poetry. He studied American Studies with a minor in Canadian Literature at the University of Nottingham, later training as a lawyer. A pivotal moment came in New Orleans, where a second-hand bookseller introduced him to Raymond Chandler’s 'The Long Goodbye.' This sparked a lifelong passion for crime fiction, shaping his unique storytelling voice. After redundancy from his legal job, Ewan poured his energy into writing, a decision that launched his literary career.
Chris Ewan’s Unforgettable Stories
Ewan’s breakout series, 'The Good Thief’s Guide to…,' follows Charlie Howard, a globetrotting thief and crime writer with a knack for trouble. The debut, 'The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam' (2007), won the Long Barn Books First Novel Award and is published in 13 countries. Its sequels—set in Paris, Vegas, Venice, and Berlin—blend cozy mystery with comic flair, earning nominations for the Last Laugh Award. Ewan’s standalone thrillers, like 'Safe House' (2012), a UK number-one bestseller set on the Isle of Man, showcase his versatility. This tale of a plumber caught in a disappearance sold over 500,000 copies and was shortlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.
Writing as C.M. Ewan, he delivers nerve-shredding thrillers like 'The House Hunt' (2023), where a home showing turns sinister, and 'The Interview' (2022), a job interview gone wrong. Ewan’s style is sharp, with vivid settings and psychological depth, drawing comparisons to Raymond Chandler and Patricia Highsmith. His ability to turn everyday scenarios into suspenseful nightmares keeps readers hooked.
Why Chris Ewan Matters
Chris Ewan’s impact lies in his fresh take on crime fiction, blending humor, suspense, and relatable characters. His 'Good Thief’s Guide' series, now in development with 20th Century Fox Television, has introduced a new kind of antihero to the genre. Ewan’s stories resonate globally, published in multiple languages and earning accolades like being voted one of America’s favorite British authors by a Huffington Post poll. His work inspires aspiring writers to embrace creative risks, proving that a good yarn can transcend borders.
About Chris Ewan
- Born: October 6, 1976, in Taunton, Somerset
- Key Works: 'The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam,' 'Safe House,' 'The House Hunt'
- Awards: Long Barn Books First Novel Award, shortlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year
- Fun Fact: Ewan owns a Labrador, treated like family!
Snag 'The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam' or 'Safe House' and dive into Chris Ewan’s thrilling world of mystery and suspense!