Picture a British storyteller who turned the cobblestone streets of Rome and the misty canals of Venice into thrilling crime scenes—meet David Hewson! Born in 1953, this contemporary mystery maestro has captivated readers with his suspenseful tales, blending art, history, and intrigue. From his bestselling Nic Costa series to his cinematic debut novel, Hewson’s knack for vivid storytelling has made him a standout in modern British literature.
Hewson’s journey from journalist to novelist is as gripping as his plots. With a career spanning over three decades, he’s crafted more than 30 novels, each steeped in the rich cultures of European cities. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this mystery master!
The Making of David Hewson
Born on January 9, 1953, in Yorkshire, England, David Hewson grew up in the coastal town of Bridlington, where long winters and a local library fueled his imagination. He left school at 17, diving into journalism at the Scarborough Evening News. Over two decades, he honed his storytelling as a reporter for The Times, Sunday Times, and The Independent, covering everything from news to arts. His first novel, Shanghai Thunder (1986), marked his fiction debut, but it was his 1995 thriller Semana Santa that launched him into the literary spotlight, earning the WH Smith Fresh Talent award.
David Hewson’s Unforgettable Stories
Hewson’s novels are a love letter to European settings, with his Nic Costa series leading the charge. Set in Rome, this 10-book saga follows young detective Nic Costa, an art lover unraveling crimes steeped in history and corruption. A Season for the Dead (2003) kicks off the series with a murder under the Pantheon’s dome, blending gritty police work with Renaissance intrigue. The Garden of Evil (2008) won the American Library Association’s best mystery award, cementing Hewson’s reputation.
Beyond Rome, Hewson’s versatility shines. His Pieter Vos series, starting with The House of Dolls (2014), explores Amsterdam’s dark underbelly, while his Venetian mystery series, including The Medici Murders (2022), weaves historical scandals with modern crimes. Hewson’s adaptation of the Danish TV series The Killing into three novels showcases his ability to transform screen stories into gripping prose. His style—marked by meticulous research, complex characters, and atmospheric settings—makes every page a journey.
Hewson also dabbles in audio, with acclaimed adaptations of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet for Audible. His 2018 Audie Award for Romeo and Juliet: A Novel highlights his knack for reimagining classics with a thrilling twist.
Why David Hewson Matters
Hewson’s impact lies in his ability to elevate the mystery genre with cultural depth and emotional resonance. His novels don’t just solve crimes; they immerse readers in the soul of cities like Rome, Venice, and Copenhagen. By blending historical and modern narratives, he appeals to both genre fans and literary enthusiasts. His transition from journalism to fiction inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. Translated into over 25 languages, Hewson’s stories have a global reach, making him a quiet giant in crime fiction.
- Born: January 9, 1953, Yorkshire, England
- Key Works: Nic Costa series, Semana Santa, The Killing adaptations, The Medici Murders
- Awards: WH Smith Fresh Talent (1996), American Library Association Best Mystery (2009), Audie Award (2018)
Ready to get lost in a thrilling mystery? Snag A Season for the Dead and dive into David Hewson’s world of suspense and secrets!