Picture a British storyteller who swaps charity boardrooms for gritty crime scenes—meet Heath Gunn! Born in Sheffield in 1971, this multifaceted author weaves thrilling tales in his DI Lomas Baxter series, drawing from a life as diverse as his plots. From serving in the Royal Navy to leading Enham Trust as CEO, Gunn’s unique journey fuels his gripping crime fiction that keeps readers on edge.
The Making of Heath Gunn
Growing up in Rotherham, Heath Gunn left home at 18 to join the Royal Navy as a Helicopter Engineer, a role that took him to the seas he still loves. After settling in Hampshire, his career took unexpected turns—from running a car sales business to working in the NHS, each experience shaping the vivid characters in his novels. His passion for storytelling sparked early, but it was a quiet day in 2000 at his car lot that birthed the idea for his debut novel, Prisoner, which he crafted over three and a half years.
Heath Gunn’s Unforgettable Stories
Gunn’s crime fiction, particularly the DI Lomas Baxter series, blends psychological depth with fast-paced thrills. His debut, Prisoner (2019), introduces DI Lomas Baxter, a dedicated detective and family man hunting a sadistic serial killer along England’s south coast. Readers praise its intense pacing and complex characters, comparing it to works by Val McDermid and Ian Rankin. The follow-up, No Remorse (2021), sees Baxter chasing an escaped killer, delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense. Gunn also ventured into gangland crime with Khan (2020), a standalone thriller set over a single week, lauded for its well-developed characters and twisty plot. His style—gritty yet empathetic—draws from his diverse life, creating believable worlds where moral lines blur.
Beyond novels, Gunn’s creative spirit shines as the lead singer of Rapid Tranq, a rock covers band, and in his poetry and children’s stories. His ability to juggle these passions while leading a disability charity showcases the discipline that makes his writing so compelling.
Why Heath Gunn Matters
Heath Gunn’s impact lies in his ability to humanize both heroes and villains, reflecting his real-world work empowering disabled people at Enham Trust. His novels resonate with fans of British crime fiction, offering fresh perspectives on the genre through authentic, lived experiences. As a lesser-known author, Gunn’s growing fanbase and critical acclaim signal a promising future, with readers eagerly awaiting more DI Baxter adventures.
- Born: 1971, Sheffield, England
- Key Works: Prisoner (2019), Khan (2020), No Remorse (2021)
- Notable Role: CEO of Enham Trust
- Fun Fact: Lead singer of Rapid Tranq since 2007
Snag Prisoner and dive into Heath Gunn’s thrilling crime world—you won’t put it down!