Picture a British storyteller who swapped rainy London for Sydney’s sun-drenched shores, spinning tales that blend gritty crime with whimsical charm—meet Ged Gillmore! This globe-trotting author has carved a unique niche, crafting stories that pulse with humor, suspense, and vivid Australian landscapes. From his award-nominated crime novels to laugh-out-loud children’s books, Gillmore’s versatility keeps readers hooked across genres.
Born in England’s Midlands, Gillmore’s journey to literary stardom is as colorful as his narratives. With a knack for languages and a passion for storytelling, he’s become a beloved figure in contemporary Australian fiction, earning a longlisting for the prestigious Ned Kelly Awards. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the life and works of this captivating author.
The Making of Ged Gillmore
Ged Gillmore grew up in the heart of England’s Midlands before heading to London, where he earned degrees in languages and literature from the University of London. His early career was a whirlwind of adventure, working in France, Germany, and Italy before settling back in London for 18 years. In 2004, craving sunshine, he made the bold leap to Sydney, Australia. When he’s not wiping out on his surfboard at Bondi or juggling a day job, Gillmore channels his eclectic experiences into fiction. His studies at the Australian Writers’ Centre and Writers’ Studio in Sydney honed his craft, setting the stage for a prolific writing career.
Ged Gillmore’s Unforgettable Stories
Gillmore’s bibliography is a delightful mix of genres, showcasing his ability to pivot from hard-boiled crime to playful children’s tales. His Bill Murdoch Mystery series, launched in 2017 with Headland, introduces Bill Murdoch, a reluctant private investigator navigating Sydney’s underbelly. The sequel, Class Act (2018), earned a longlisting for the Ned Kelly Awards for Best Australian Crime Fiction, praised for its gripping murder mystery and glitzy jet-set backdrop. Base Nature (2018) dives deeper into Murdoch’s darkest case, blending suspense with sharp dialogue.
Beyond crime, Gillmore’s children’s books, Cats on the Run (2015) and Cats Undercover (2017), follow the hilarious antics of Tuck and Ginger, two cats dodging trouble with wit and charm. His 2022 standalone thriller, The Lightning Rod, marks a bold shift to international intrigue, while his travel memoir, Stans By Me (2019), recounts whirlwind adventures through Central Asia with deadpan British humor. Gillmore’s style—vivid, character-driven, and laced with humor—brings Australia’s landscapes and quirky personalities to life, appealing to fans of Mick Herron and Jane Harper.
Why Ged Gillmore Matters
Ged Gillmore’s impact lies in his ability to bridge genres, offering something for everyone—whether it’s the pulse-pounding stakes of a crime novel or the giggle-inducing escapades of feline heroes. His Ned Kelly Awards nomination underscores his contribution to Australian crime fiction, a genre that’s exploded in popularity. By weaving Sydney’s vibrant settings and multicultural pulse into his stories, Gillmore captures a modern Australia that resonates globally. His readers, from crime buffs to young adventurers, find themselves immersed in worlds that feel both thrillingly real and delightfully escapist.
- Key Works: Headland, Class Act, Base Nature, Cats on the Run, The Lightning Rod
- Awards: Longlisted for Ned Kelly Awards (2018, Class Act)
- Fun Fact: Gillmore splits his time between Australia, Ireland, and the UK, drawing inspiration from each.
Snag Class Act or Cats on the Run and dive into Ged Gillmore’s thrilling, laugh-out-loud world!