Picture a Scottish storyteller who swapped newsrooms for noir, crafting gritty crime novels that pulse with Glasgow’s heartbeat—meet Craig Robertson! A former journalist who covered global tragedies like 9/11 and interviewed prime ministers, Robertson now spins dark, compelling tales that have earned him a spot among crime fiction’s finest.
His debut novel, Random, a New York Times bestseller, introduced a chilling serial killer’s mind, hooking readers with its raw intensity. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this Son of the Rock!
The Making of Craig Robertson
Born and bred in Stirling, Scotland, Craig Robertson grew up surrounded by history—think castles, battlegrounds, and spooky graveyards. This ‘Son of the Rock’ studied in Dundee and Stirling before embarking on a 20-year journalism career with a Scottish Sunday newspaper. He reported on seismic events like the Dunblane massacre and the Omagh bombing, interviewed three prime ministers, and even beat Oprah to a major scoop! These experiences sharpened his knack for detail and human stories, laying the groundwork for his fiction. In 2010, he left journalism to write full-time, a leap that birthed his acclaimed crime novels.
Craig Robertson’s Unforgettable Stories
Robertson’s novels, often set in Glasgow’s gritty underbelly, blend psychological depth with Tartan Noir’s rugged charm. His debut, Random (2010), follows a cunning serial killer, narrated from the murderer’s perspective—a bold choice that earned a CWA New Blood Dagger nomination and Sunday Times bestseller status. Its dark humor and vivid Glasgow backdrop hooked readers instantly.
The Narey and Winter series, starting with Snapshot (2011), pairs DI Rachel Narey with photographer Tony Winter, tackling chilling cases like a frozen corpse in Cold Grave (2012). Murderabilia (2016), a standout, dives into the eerie world of crime memorabilia on the dark web, earning praise from Martina Cole and a McIlvanney Prize shortlisting. The Photographer (2018) weaves a haunting tale of a predator hiding in plain sight. Robertson’s style—sharp, atmospheric, and unflinchingly real—captures Glasgow’s contrasts, from bustling streets to shadowy corners, making him a master of place-driven crime.
His standalone, The Last Refuge (2014), ventures to the Faroe Islands, showcasing his versatility. Inspired by real-world contrasts like Stirling’s beauty and poverty, Robertson crafts stories that probe human darkness while celebrating resilience, earning comparisons to Ian Rankin for his city-centric storytelling.
Why Craig Robertson Matters
Craig Robertson has carved a niche in Tartan Noir, doing for Glasgow what Rankin did for Edinburgh. His novels don’t just thrill; they mirror society’s fractures—poverty, crime, and moral ambiguity—while showcasing Scotland’s cultural richness. As a Bloody Scotland festival board member, he champions new crime writers, and his Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers band adds a playful edge to his literary presence. His global fanbase, from Scotland to California, reflects his universal appeal, blending local flavor with timeless themes of justice and redemption.
Robertson’s transition from journalist to novelist inspires aspiring writers, proving life experience fuels unforgettable stories. His work continues to captivate, offering a lens into Glasgow’s soul and the human condition.
- Born: Stirling, Scotland
- Key Works: Random, Murderabilia, The Photographer
- Awards: CWA New Blood Dagger nominee, McIlvanney Prize shortlist
Snag Random or Murderabilia and dive into Craig Robertson’s thrilling Tartan Noir world—Glasgow’s streets await!