Picture a Welsh storyteller who spins tales so gripping they keep you up all night—meet Helen Matthews! Born in Cardiff, Wales, this bestselling author of psychological suspense has carved a niche with her chilling novels that dive deep into the darker corners of human nature. From her debut, After Leaving the Village, to her award-winning The Girl in the Van, Matthews crafts stories that blend heart-pounding thrills with thought-provoking social themes, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
But there’s more to Matthews than her page-turners. An avid cyclist, choral singer, and ambassador for Unseen, a charity fighting modern slavery, she’s as multifaceted as her characters. Ready to uncover the story behind this suspense maestro? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Helen Matthews
Helen Matthews was born in Cardiff, Wales, where the rugged coastlines and vibrant culture shaped her early years. She studied English at the University of Liverpool, fueling her love for storytelling, before embarking on a diverse career in international development, consultancy, human resources, and pensions management. But the corporate world couldn’t contain her creative spark. Matthews fled the 9-to-5 grind to pursue her dream, earning an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University and setting the stage for her literary journey.
Her Welsh roots and love for travel often seep into her work, infusing her novels with a vivid sense of place. From the streets of Cardiff to the French countryside, Matthews’s settings are as much characters as her protagonists, reflecting her belief that you can take the girl out of Wales, but you can’t take Wales out of the girl.
Helen Matthews’s Unforgettable Stories
Matthews’s novels are masterclasses in psychological suspense, weaving intricate plots with flawed, relatable characters. Her debut, After Leaving the Village (2017), later re-released as Girl Out of Sight, won first prize at the Winchester Writers’ Festival for its opening pages. This gritty thriller explores human trafficking through the story of Odeta, a young Albanian girl lured to London with false promises, and Kate, a Welsh journalist grappling with her own demons. Endorsed by Unseen, it’s a powerful blend of suspense and social commentary.
Her follow-up, Lies Behind the Ruin, a domestic noir set in France, delves into a family’s attempt to outrun their past, only to find secrets waiting. The Girl in the Van (2022), a Pageturner Book Award winner, tackles modern slavery and grief, following Laura, a mother haunted by loss, who encounters a mysterious girl in her campervan. Recently, The Sisters (formerly Façade), a family noir about estranged sisters and a tragic past, has captivated readers with its slow-burn tension and emotional depth.
Matthews’s style is lyrical yet unobtrusive, with a knack for building dread and exploring complex themes like grief, vulnerability, and societal responsibility. Her characters—often unreliable narrators—face life-altering moments, making her stories both thrilling and deeply human.
Why Helen Matthews Matters
Helen Matthews’s impact extends beyond her gripping plots. As an ambassador for Unseen, she raises awareness about modern slavery, donating author talk fees and royalties to the cause. Her novels, praised for their social conscience, spark conversations about human trafficking, grooming, and mental health, making them favorites for book clubs. By blending entertainment with empathy, Matthews challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
Her Welsh heritage and global perspective add a unique flavor to the psychological suspense genre, proving that small-town roots can inspire universal stories. With new editions of her novels being re-released by Bloodhound Books and a fifth book in progress, Matthews’s star continues to rise.
About Helen Matthews
- Born: Cardiff, Wales
- Key Works: Girl Out of Sight, The Girl in the Van, Lies Behind the Ruin, The Sisters
- Awards: Winchester Writers’ Festival Prize, Pageturner Book Award (2022)
- Fun Fact: She once sang at Carnegie Hall in a multi-choir performance!
Snag The Girl in the Van and dive into Helen Matthews’s thrilling world of psychological suspense—you won’t put it down!