Picture a British storyteller who swapped medieval battlefields for the eerie cornfields of Iowa—meet Erin Young! Known to historical fiction fans as Robyn Young, this acclaimed author has sold over two million books worldwide across 22 countries and 19 languages. With her debut thriller, The Fields, Erin dives into the contemporary mystery genre with the same vivid storytelling that made her a global sensation.
From her quaint beginnings in a Devon fishing village to her gripping tales of crime, Erin’s journey is as thrilling as her plots. Named one of Waterstones’ 25 Authors of the Future in 2007, she’s a master at breathing life into diverse settings and complex characters—whether it’s knights or cornstalks!
The Making of Erin Young
Erin Young, the pen name of Robyn Young, hails from a small fishing village in Devon, England, where tight-knit communities and hidden secrets sparked her imagination. Before turning to thrillers, she carved a stellar career in historical fiction, penning eight bestselling novels under her real name. Her knack for immersive worlds took root early, fueled by a love of landscape and the quiet dramas of rural life.
After years of crafting tales about swords and tournaments, Erin’s shift to crime began with a lightning-bolt moment—a Guardian article on Big Agriculture’s dark side. She traded armor for Glocks, diving into Iowa’s corn belt with a researcher’s zeal, and emerged with a fresh pseudonym and a new genre to conquer.
Erin Young’s Unforgettable Stories
Erin’s debut thriller, The Fields (2022), introduces Sergeant Riley Fisher, a small-town cop facing a chilling murder in Iowa’s cornfields. Inspired by her travels—think supercell storms and chats with farmers—this book blends gritty suspense with a haunting sense of place. It’s no wonder it snagged Glamour’s Book of the Year and a spot on Oprah Daily’s emerging thriller writers list.
The sequel, Original Sins (2024), ups the ante as Riley tackles a serial attacker dubbed the Sin Eater in a snow-choked Des Moines. Erin’s style shines here: meticulous research, atmospheric settings, and characters who feel real enough to bump into at the state fair. Her historical roots peek through in layered narratives, but the pace is pure modern thriller—think Silence of the Lambs with a Midwestern twist.
Under her Robyn Young hat, she’s penned hits like Brethren, a medieval epic that stormed bestseller lists. Whether it’s past or present, Erin crafts stories that stick, blending rich detail with heart-pounding stakes.
Why Erin Young Matters
Erin Young bridges genres with flair, proving historical novelists can thrill in the here and now. Her shift to crime fiction expands her legacy, captivating a new wave of readers while keeping her historical fans hooked. With The Fields in development for TV by the folks behind Big Little Lies, her influence is set to grow beyond the page.
More than sales—two million and counting—or accolades, Erin’s impact lies in her ability to turn settings into characters. Iowa’s cornfields aren’t just backdrop; they’re alive, menacing, unforgettable. She’s a storyteller for anyone who craves depth with their chills.
- About Erin Young:
- Lives in Brighton, England
- Key Works: The Fields, Original Sins, Brethren (as Robyn Young)
- Awards: Named one of Waterstones’ 25 Authors of the Future (2007)
Snag The Fields and dive into Erin Young’s gripping world of mystery—your next favorite thriller awaits!