Picture a British storyteller who weaves the dark alleys of Freud’s Vienna with the precision of a clinical psychologist—meet Frank Tallis! Born in London in 1958, Tallis is a master of historical mysteries, blending psychological depth with gripping narratives. His acclaimed Liebermann Papers series, set in early 20th-century Vienna, has captivated readers worldwide, earning awards and a TV adaptation as Vienna Blood.
As a clinical psychologist specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tallis brings a unique lens to his writing, infusing his stories with insights into the human psyche. From his early days in London’s vibrant Tottenham to his global literary success, Tallis’s journey is as fascinating as the worlds he creates.
The Making of Frank Tallis
Born Francesco de Nato Napolitano on September 1, 1958, in Stoke Newington, Frank Tallis grew up in Tottenham, a melting pot of cultures and complexities. With a 100% Southern Italian heritage, his early life was colorful but unsteady—think piano lessons and rock band gigs before settling down. After a brief marriage and a move to the countryside, Tallis pursued a doctorate in psychology, diving into the world of OCD research and teaching at King’s College London. His academic rigor and curiosity about the mind laid the groundwork for his literary career, which took off in the late 1990s with a Writers’ Award from the Arts Council of Great Britain.
Frank Tallis’s Unforgettable Stories
Tallis’s novels are a thrilling blend of historical fiction, psychological insight, and detective drama. His Liebermann Papers series, starting with Mortal Mischief (also published as A Death in Vienna), introduces Max Liebermann, a psychoanalyst sleuth, and Detective Oskar Rheinhardt. Set against the backdrop of Sigmund Freud’s Vienna, the series explores complex mysteries—like a medium’s impossible murder in a locked room—while delving into the psyche of its characters. Other series titles, such as Vienna Blood and Fatal Lies, continue this rich tapestry, earning nominations for Edgar and Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Awards.
Beyond crime, Tallis has penned science fiction thrillers like Killing Time, where a mathematician grapples with love and danger, and horror novels under the pseudonym F.R. Tallis, including The Sleep Room. His nonfiction, such as Hidden Minds: A History of the Unconscious and Love Sick, makes psychology accessible, exploring love as a mental illness with wit and wisdom. Tallis’s style is immersive, blending meticulous historical detail with a psychologist’s eye for human behavior.
Why Frank Tallis Matters
Frank Tallis has left an indelible mark on historical fiction and psychology. His Liebermann Papers, translated into 14 languages and adapted into the BBC’s Vienna Blood, have brought early 20th-century Vienna to life for modern audiences. As a leading OCD expert, his academic work and charity involvement with OCD Action have helped countless individuals. Tallis’s ability to bridge science and storytelling makes him a unique voice, offering readers both entertainment and enlightenment.
- Born: September 1, 1958, in London, UK
- Key Works: Mortal Mischief, Vienna Blood, Hidden Minds, Love Sick
- Awards: Writers’ Award (1999), New London Writers’ Award (2000), Edgar Award nominations
- Fun Fact: His novels inspired the hit BBC series Vienna Blood!
About Frank Tallis
Ready to step into the gaslit streets of Vienna or explore the mysteries of the mind? Snag Mortal Mischief or Hidden Minds and dive into Frank Tallis’s captivating world of history, psychology, and suspense!