Picture a British pharmacist turned storyteller who brought the gritty streets of Prague to life with a sardonic detective—meet Graham Brack! This Sunderland native swapped pill bottles for plot twists, crafting the beloved Josef Slonský Investigations series that’s won hearts with its dark humor and intricate mysteries. From self-publishing to earning high praise, Brack’s journey is as captivating as his novels.
With a knack for blending historical context and sharp wit, Brack has carved a niche in crime fiction. His tales of a maverick Czech detective navigating post-communist Prague resonate with fans of Ian Rankin and Jo Nesbø. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the mysteries!
The Making of Graham Brack
Born in Sunderland, England, Graham Brack initially pursued a career far from the literary world. He studied pharmacy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, where he met his wife, Gillian. After earning a master’s in medical law and ethics at the University of Glasgow, Brack worked as a managing director and later as Head of Communications and Integration at Pharmacy Management. But his passion for storytelling simmered beneath the surface. A fateful trip to Prague with Gillian sparked his creative fire, inspiring him to pen crime novels set in the city’s evocative streets.
Brack’s writing began as a hobby, but his 2010 self-published novel, The Outrageous Behaviour of Left-Handed Dwarves, caught the eye of the Crime Writers’ Association, earning a High Commendation in their Debut Dagger Award. This marked the start of his rise, proving that even a pharmacist could concoct thrilling mysteries with the right ingredients.
Graham Brack’s Unforgettable Stories
Brack’s flagship creation, the Josef Slonský Investigations series, stars a gruff, sausage-loving detective who’s been policing Prague for nearly four decades. In Lying and Dying (2017), Slonský tackles a murder laced with government scandals, showcasing Brack’s knack for weaving corruption and dark humor. The series, now spanning seven books, includes Slaughter and Forgetting (2017), which digs into a decades-old murder, and Field of Death (2019), where Slonský’s diet woes collide with a bomb mystery.
Beyond Slonský, Brack pens the Master Mercurius Mysteries, set in 17th-century Delft. Featuring a reluctant detective—a university lecturer and minister—these historical novels, like Death in Delft (2020), highlight Brack’s versatility. His prose sparkles with dry wit, vivid settings, and characters who feel like old friends. Whether it’s Prague’s cobbled streets or Delft’s canals, Brack’s stories immerse readers in richly drawn worlds where justice and irony dance.
Brack’s style leans on sharp dialogue and historical nuance, reflecting Prague’s post-communist complexities or the Dutch Golden Age’s intrigues. His ability to balance grim plots with humor—Slonský’s quips over beer, Mercurius’s awkward charm—sets him apart in the genre.
Why Graham Brack Matters
Graham Brack’s impact lies in his ability to breathe life into lesser-explored settings like post-communist Prague, offering readers a fresh lens on crime fiction. His Slonský series captures the tension of a city shedding its communist past, while his Mercurius mysteries revive the Dutch Golden Age with scholarly flair. Fans praise his humor and authenticity, with reviews calling Slonský “grungy but lovable.”
Brack’s journey from self-publishing to Sapere Books’ bestseller lists inspires aspiring writers, showing that persistence pays off. His nominations for the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger (2011, 2014, 2016) underscore his talent, even if the top prize eluded him. For readers, Brack’s novels are a ticket to worlds where wit and wisdom solve the darkest crimes.
- Born: Sunderland, England
- Key Works: Josef Slonský Investigations, Master Mercurius Mysteries
- Awards: High Commendation, Debut Dagger (2011); Shortlisted (2014, 2016)
Snag Lying and Dying and dive into Graham Brack’s thrilling, laugh-out-loud crime fiction! Whether you’re craving Prague’s gritty charm or Delft’s historical intrigue, Brack’s got a mystery for you.