Picture an English-Australian storyteller who swapped courtroom dramas for the foggy streets of Victorian London—meet David Field! Born in post-war Nottingham, this historical mystery maestro has captivated readers with his Enright Mystery series, blending suspense, history, and a dash of Sherlockian flair. From his legal career to his literary triumphs, Field’s journey is as intriguing as his novels.
The Making of David Field
David Field was born in Nottingham, England, in the shadow of World War II. Educated at Nottingham High School, he pursued a law degree and became a seasoned criminal law practitioner and academic. His passion for history and the English language simmered beneath his legal career, but it wasn’t until he emigrated to Australia in 1989 that his writing dreams took flight. In rural New South Wales, surrounded by family, Field found the freedom to trade legal briefs for historical tales.
Retirement brought a new chapter. Frustrated by traditional publishing hurdles, Field embraced digital publishing, unleashing his stories to the world. His background in law lent authenticity to his mysteries, while his love for history painted vivid backdrops, making him a unique voice in the genre.
David Field’s Unforgettable Stories
Field’s Enright Mystery series, launched in 2008 with The Gaslight Stalker, is his crowning achievement. Set in 1888 London, this gripping tale follows seamstress-turned-sleuth Esther Enright and young police officer Jack Enright as they hunt a killer amid Jack the Ripper’s terror. The novel’s atmospheric prose and intricate plot hooked readers, spawning a series that spans ten books, including The Night Caller (2018) and The Jubilee Plot (2018).
In The Night Caller, set in 1891, Esther and Jack tackle a shadowy figure harassing London’s women, blending psychological suspense with historical detail. The Slum Reaper (2018) sees the duo uncover murders tied to a slum clearance, showcasing Field’s knack for weaving social issues into thrilling narratives. His latest, The Long Delayed Revenge (2025), promises more East End intrigue. Beyond the Enright series, Field’s Tudor Saga and Australian Historical Saga reveal his versatility, but his Victorian mysteries remain his hallmark.
Field’s style is immersive, with richly drawn characters and plots that balance historical accuracy with page-turning excitement. Fans of Sherlock Holmes and Rory Clements adore his ability to transport readers to a bygone era, where gaslit streets pulse with danger and secrets.
Why David Field Matters
David Field’s impact lies in his ability to breathe life into historical mysteries, making Victorian London accessible and thrilling for modern readers. His Enright series has earned praise for its authentic settings and compelling detective duo, appealing to fans of traditional British mysteries. With over 59 books and thousands of Goodreads ratings, Field has carved a niche in a competitive genre.
His transition from law to literature inspires aspiring authors, proving it’s never too late to chase a passion. Living in rural Australia, Field remains grounded, crafting stories that resonate globally. His work not only entertains but also preserves the texture of history, inviting readers to explore the past through a lens of suspense.
- Born: Post-war Nottingham, England
- Key Works: The Gaslight Stalker, The Night Caller, The Slum Reaper
- Resides: Rural New South Wales, Australia
Ready to step into Victorian London’s shadows? Grab The Gaslight Stalker and dive into David Field’s thrilling world of mystery!