Picture a British storyteller who traded spaceships for medieval mysteries, crafting tales that whisk readers to the sunlit chaos of 15th-century Spain—meet David Penny! Born in London in 1950, this versatile author kicked off his career with sci-fi novels before finding his groove in historical fiction, where his Thomas Berrington series has hooked readers with its blend of intrigue, history, and heart-pounding adventure.
After a 30-year break from writing, Penny returned with a vengeance, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. His stories, rich with historical detail and human drama, reflect a life shaped by curiosity and reinvention. Let’s dive into the world of David Penny, where past meets passion!
The Making of David Penny
Born in London and raised in Mid Wales, David Penny was a sci-fi obsessive from a young age. By 17, he was publishing short stories in fanzines, and at 23, his first paid piece landed in Galaxy magazine. His debut novel, The Sunset People, hit shelves in 1975, followed by three more sci-fi works with Robert Hale. Represented by the Leslie Flood Literary Agency, young Penny lived a carefree life of writing and long hair—until adulthood demanded he trade his typewriter for a paycheck.
Over the next few decades, Penny juggled jobs, from melting lead in a print works to running his own software company. Yet, the itch to write never faded. Around 2010, he dusted off his passion, swapping sci-fi for the mysteries of Moorish Spain, inspired by its poorly documented yet vibrant history. His reinvention as an indie author marked a bold new chapter.
David Penny’s Unforgettable Stories
Penny’s Thomas Berrington Historical Mysteries, starting with The Red Hill (2014), anchor his legacy. Set in the final days of Moorish al-Andalus, the series follows Thomas Berrington, an English surgeon-detective navigating a world of war, plague, and murder. With titles like Breaker of Bones (2015) and The Sin Eater (2016), Penny weaves gritty historical detail with fast-paced whodunits, earning praise for their immersive storytelling.
His style blends meticulous research with human complexity—Thomas is no flawless hero but an honorable man dogged by trouble. Penny’s later works, like the Tudor-era Men of Bone (2021) and the paranormal spy thriller An Imperfect Future (2021), show his range, dipping into new genres while retaining his knack for suspense. Available in eBook, print, audio, and Spanish translations, his books reach a global audience, proving indie publishing’s power.
Themes of loyalty, redemption, and survival pulse through Penny’s work, reflecting the turmoil of his settings. His ability to resurrect forgotten corners of history, like the fall of Granada, makes each novel a time machine, thrilling yet poignant.
Why David Penny Matters
David Penny’s impact lies in his storytelling alchemy—blending niche history with universal human struggles. His Thomas Berrington series brings Moorish Spain to life, a period often overshadowed in historical fiction, offering readers a fresh lens on a lost world. For indie authors, his late-career comeback is a beacon, showing that passion and persistence can rival traditional publishing’s polish.
Penny’s globalmodern-day readers, drawn by his authenticity and grit, keep his stories alive, proving his enduring appeal. His work inspires budding writers and history buffs alike, reminding us that great stories can emerge from any chapter of life.
- Born: 1950, London, UK
- Key Works: The Red Hill, Breaker of Bones, The Sin Eater, Men of Bone
- Genres: Historical Mystery, Science Fiction, Paranormal Thriller
- Fun Fact: Penny walks his dog Max and tries (unsuccessfully) to master the guitar!
Ready to time-travel to Moorish Spain? Snag The Red Hill and dive into David Penny’s thrilling historical mysteries today!