Picture a duo of storytellers breathing new life into a gritty British detective saga—meet James Henry, the pen name for James Gurbutt and Henry Sutton! This dynamic pair took up the mantle of R.D. Wingfield’s iconic Detective Sergeant Jack Frost, crafting prequels that plunge readers into the smoky, recession-riddled streets of 1980s Britain. Their tales of the irreverent, paperwork-hating Frost have hooked longtime fans and new readers alike.
With a knack for capturing Frost’s unorthodox charm, James Henry spins mysteries that blend dark humor, complex cases, and a vivid sense of time and place. Let’s dive into the world of this collaborative pseudonym and explore how they’ve kept Frost’s legacy alive.
The Making of James Henry
James Henry isn’t one person but a creative partnership between James Gurbutt, a publisher at Constable & Robinson, and Henry Sutton, a novelist and crime reviewer for The Daily Mirror. Gurbutt, born in 1968 in Essex, transitioned from accounting to publishing, bringing industry insight to the duo. Sutton, a seasoned author of seven novels and a creative writing teacher at the University of East Anglia, added literary flair. Their shared passion for R.D. Wingfield’s Frost series sparked their collaboration, approved by Wingfield’s estate after his passing in 2007.
United by a love for Frost’s curmudgeonly wit and the gritty realism of Wingfield’s novels, they set out to explore the detective’s early years. Their goal? To honor the original series while crafting fresh stories that resonate with modern readers, all set against the turbulent backdrop of early 1980s Britain.
James Henry’s Unforgettable Stories
James Henry’s prequels to the Jack Frost series kick off with First Frost (2011), set in Denton, 1981. Here, a younger Detective Sergeant Frost tackles a missing girl case amid a recession, IRA tensions, and a strained marriage. The novel’s fast-paced plot and period details, like Shakin’ Stevens’ chart-toppers, immerse readers in the era. Philip Wingfield, R.D.’s son, praised the duo for capturing his father’s style ‘superbly.’
Fatal Frost (2012) follows in May 1982, with Frost investigating gruesome murders and burglaries while mentoring a new officer, DS Waters. The complex, interwoven cases and Frost’s personal struggles add depth. Morning Frost (2013) sees Frost grappling with his wife’s death and multiple crimes, from a nightclub shooting to a missing painting. Frost at Midnight (2017), set in 1983, elevates Frost to Detective Inspector, tackling a murder in a graveyard. Each book blends dark humor, intricate mysteries, and Frost’s rebellious spirit, staying true to Wingfield’s tone.
Their style mirrors Wingfield’s knack for juggling multiple cases, infused with 1980s cultural references—think Walkmans and royal weddings. While some critics note a softer Frost compared to the original, the duo’s vivid settings and compelling plots keep readers hooked, earning praise from authors like Martina Cole.
Why James Henry Matters
James Henry’s prequels have revitalized the Jack Frost series, introducing the beloved detective to a new generation while satisfying fans of the books and the long-running TV series starring David Jason. By setting their stories in the 1980s, Gurbutt and Sutton offer a nostalgic yet fresh take on British crime fiction, capturing the era’s social and political tensions. Their work preserves Frost’s legacy as a flawed, brilliant detective who defies authority to solve cases.
Their success lies in their ability to channel Wingfield’s voice while adding their own flair, earning accolades from the Financial Times for ‘one of the most successful ventriloquial acts in crime writing.’ James Henry proves that even a cherished series can find new life through passionate, skilled storytelling.
- Pen Name: James Henry (James Gurbutt and Henry Sutton)
- Key Works: First Frost, Fatal Frost, Morning Frost, Frost at Midnight
- Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery
Ready to dive into the gritty world of 1980s Denton? Grab First Frost and join Jack Frost on his thrilling, rebellious investigations!