Picture a gritty London street, pulsing with secrets and shadows, brought to life by a master of urban noir—meet Greg Keen! This English crime fiction author has carved a niche with his thrilling Soho Series, kicking off with the award-winning Soho Dead. With a career rooted in London’s vibrant Soho district, Keen’s tales are as authentic as they are gripping, blending hard-boiled detective vibes with a distinctly British edge.
Born in Liverpool, Keen’s journey to becoming a celebrated crime writer is as colorful as the streets he writes about. His knack for storytelling, honed through years as an independent media trainer, gives his novels a sharp, cinematic quality that pulls readers into the heart of Soho’s underbelly.
The Making of Greg Keen
Greg Keen’s story begins in Liverpool, but it’s London’s Soho that shaped his creative soul. After landing his first job in Soho over two decades ago, he became enchanted by its eclectic mix of glamour and grit. This fascination fueled his writing, turning the district into the vivid backdrop of his novels. Beyond fiction, Keen’s work as a media trainer and novel writing coach at novelbuilder.co.uk showcases his storytelling expertise, helping others craft compelling narratives.
Keen’s early career in Soho wasn’t just a job—it was a masterclass in human nature. From seedy clubs to bustling media empires, he absorbed the district’s pulse, which later infused his writing with authenticity. His MA in Screenwriting and sitcom commissions for Channel 4 and ITV further sharpened his narrative skills, setting the stage for his crime fiction debut.
Greg Keen’s Unforgettable Stories
Keen’s Soho Series is a love letter to urban noir, centered on Kenny Gabriel, a down-on-his-luck skip tracer with a knack for trouble. The series launched with Soho Dead (2017), which won the CWA Debut Dagger in 2015 and was longlisted for the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger. In it, Kenny is hired by his shady ex-boss to find a missing daughter, unraveling a web of deceit in Soho’s dark corners.
The series continues with Soho Ghosts (2018), blending mystery with supernatural undertones as Kenny investigates a disgraced politician’s death. Soho Angel (2019) dives into the music industry, with Kenny chasing a cold case tied to a rock star’s disappearance. Keen’s style—witty, atmospheric, and packed with British slang—captures Soho’s essence, earning praise for its vivid characters and twisty plots.
What sets Keen apart is his protagonist. Unlike superhuman detectives, Kenny Gabriel is flawed, relatable, and refreshingly ordinary, relying on wit over fists. Keen’s sharp dialogue and tongue-in-cheek humor make his books both thrilling and fun, appealing to fans of classic noir and modern crime fiction alike.
Why Greg Keen Matters
Greg Keen’s impact lies in his ability to breathe life into Soho, transforming it into a character as complex as his protagonists. His authentic portrayal of the district’s seedy charm has earned him a dedicated following among crime fiction enthusiasts. By grounding his stories in real-world settings and flawed characters, Keen offers a fresh take on urban noir, proving that ordinary people can tackle extraordinary mysteries.
His work as a writing coach further amplifies his influence, mentoring aspiring authors to find their voice. Keen’s Soho Series not only entertains but also preserves the cultural pulse of a changing London, making him a vital voice in contemporary crime literature.
- Born: Liverpool, England
- Key Works: Soho Dead, Soho Ghosts, Soho Angel
- Awards: CWA Debut Dagger (2015) for Soho Dead
- Career: Crime writer, media trainer, novel writing coach
Snag Soho Dead and dive into Greg Keen’s gritty, witty world of urban noir—you won’t look at London the same way again!