Picture an Irish storyteller weaving tales of suspense that keep you guessing until the final page—meet David B. Lyons! Hailing from Dublin, this international bestselling author has taken the psychological thriller world by storm with his head-spinning plots and knack for crafting stories that linger long after the book is closed. From his debut novel to mentoring aspiring writers, Lyons has carved a unique path in the literary landscape.
With a background as an award-winning journalist, Lyons swapped newsrooms for novels, channeling his Dublin roots into gripping stories that pulse with the city’s energy. His books, often set against the backdrop of Ireland’s capital, have topped crime charts in Ireland, the UK, Canada, and Australia, earning him a devoted global fanbase.
The Making of David B. Lyons
Born and raised in Dublin, David B. Lyons grew up with a love for storytelling, inspired by literary giants like George Orwell and later by contemporary Irish author Liz Nugent. Before becoming a novelist, Lyons made his mark as a freelance journalist, covering sports, music, and celebrity culture. His knack for capturing human drama in articles laid the groundwork for his fiction career. After years in journalism, Lyons pursued a BA Hons Degree in Creative Writing through the Open University, a bold pivot that fueled his transition to full-time author.
Now splitting his time between Dublin and Birmingham, UK, Lyons lives with his wife, Kerry, and their daughter, Lola. His diverse experiences—from lecturing in Creative Writing to editing novels for publishers like Bloodhound Books—have shaped his dynamic approach to storytelling, blending real-world grit with fictional intrigue.
David B. Lyons’s Unforgettable Stories
Lyons is celebrated for his psychological thrillers, known for their real-time narratives and jaw-dropping twists. His debut, Midday (2018), the first in the Tick-Tock Trilogy, follows a bank manager racing against time to save his partner. Critics at the Irish Mail on Sunday called it a “high-octane page turner,” praising its clever plotting and devastating twist. The trilogy, including The Suicide Pact, captivates with its relentless pace and interconnected characters.
The Lenny Moon series, starting with Whatever Happened to Betsy Blake? (2019), explores a father’s desperate search for his missing daughter. Hailed as “the best book of the year” by The Book Magnet, it showcases Lyons’s ability to blend emotional depth with suspense. Another standout, In the Middle of Middle America (2021), dubbed a “masterpiece” by The Book Literati, ventures beyond Dublin to unravel a mystery with global resonance. Lyons’s style—marked by multiple perspectives and ticking-clock urgency—keeps readers hooked, earning comparisons to Gillian Flynn and Steve Cavanagh.
His Trial Trilogy, including She Said, Three Said (2020), tackles complex moral dilemmas, like a high-profile rape case, through layered characters and courtroom drama. Each book stands alone, yet Lyons’s knack for cross-over characters rewards loyal readers with a richer experience.
Why David B. Lyons Matters
David B. Lyons has redefined Irish crime fiction by infusing it with psychological depth and a distinctly Dublin flavor. His stories resonate globally, reflecting universal themes of loss, justice, and redemption while staying rooted in Ireland’s cultural pulse. Beyond writing, Lyons’s impact shines through his mentorship, having lectured in Creative Writing and edited dozens of novels, helping new voices find their place in publishing.
His rise from journalist to bestseller inspires aspiring authors, proving that discipline and passion can turn dreams into reality. Lyons’s books don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to question perceptions and embrace the unexpected, cementing his legacy in the thriller genre.
- Key Works: Midday, Whatever Happened to Betsy Blake?, In the Middle of Middle America
- Notable Awards: Former award-winning journalist; multiple No. 1 Amazon crime chart rankings
- Fun Fact: Lyons once compared his debut to Quentin Tarantino’s storytelling style!
Ready for a thriller that’ll keep you up all night? Snag Whatever Happened to Betsy Blake? and dive into David B. Lyons’s world of heart-pounding suspense!