Picture a British storyteller who crafts mysteries so twisty they’d make Sherlock Holmes double-check his deductions—meet Chris McGeorge! A rising star in crime fiction, McGeorge has captivated readers with his ingenious plots and knack for blending Golden Age whodunits with modern thrills. From locked rooms to eerie tunnels, his novels are puzzles that keep you guessing until the final page.
With an MA in Creative Writing from City University London, McGeorge channels his love for Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle into stories that feel both timeless and fresh. His five standalone novels have earned praise for their claustrophobic settings and unexpected twists, marking him as a must-read for mystery fans.
The Making of Chris McGeorge
Born and raised in Norfolk, England, Chris McGeorge was a storyteller from the start, scribbling comics and short stories as a child. His passion for Golden Age crime—think Christie’s clever plots and Doyle’s deductive flair—shaped his unique voice. After honing his craft at City University London, where he wrote his debut novel Guess Who as his thesis, McGeorge burst onto the scene with a fresh take on the classic mystery. Now living in County Durham with his partner and a menagerie of animals, including a hamster named Agatha Christie, he balances writing with acting in local theater.
Chris McGeorge’s Unforgettable Stories
McGeorge’s debut, Guess Who (2018), is a high-stakes locked-room mystery where TV detective Morgan Sheppard must solve a murder in a hotel room before time runs out. Critics hailed it as a thrilling update to the genre, with twists that keep readers on edge. Now You See Me (2019) ups the ante, set in the claustrophobic Standedge Tunnel, where six students enter but only one emerges. The baffling disappearance of five bodies showcases McGeorge’s knack for impossible crimes.
Inside Out (2020) takes readers to a high-tech prison where a murder defies all logic, blending thriller pacing with psychological depth. Half-Past Tomorrow (2021) introduces a time-bending twist, as a retiree stumbles upon a pirate radio station broadcasting tomorrow’s news. Finally, A Murder at Balmoral (2022) offers a royal whodunit, mixing cozy mystery vibes with a snowy, isolated castle. McGeorge’s style—film-like pacing, vivid characters, and intricate plots—makes each novel a page-turner that honors its Golden Age roots while feeling distinctly modern.
Why Chris McGeorge Matters
Chris McGeorge has carved a niche in crime fiction by reviving the locked-room mystery for a new generation. His ability to craft intricate, fair-play puzzles while exploring human emotions—grief, guilt, and redemption—sets him apart. Fans and critics alike compare him to Agatha Christie, not just for his plotting but for his ability to make every character a suspect. As a member of the Northern Crime Syndicate, he’s part of a vibrant community of British writers pushing the genre forward.
His impact lies in making mysteries accessible and thrilling, inviting readers to solve the puzzle alongside his flawed, relatable protagonists. Whether it’s a tunnel, a prison, or a royal castle, McGeorge’s settings are as much a character as his detectives, leaving a lasting impression on the genre.
- Key Works: Guess Who, Now You See Me, Inside Out, Half-Past Tomorrow, A Murder at Balmoral
- Hometown: Norfolk, England
- Fun Fact: His hamster is named after Agatha Christie!
Snag Guess Who and dive into Chris McGeorge’s thrilling world of modern mysteries!