Picture an English storyteller who whisks you to the gritty, intrigue-filled streets of Regency London—meet James McGee! With his pulse-pounding Matthew Hawkwood series, McGee blends historical accuracy and thrilling adventure, crafting tales that feel like a cross between a James Bond mission and a Dickens novel. His knack for vivid settings and complex characters has earned him a devoted following among historical thriller fans.
Born into an army family, McGee’s life was a whirlwind of global adventures before he ever penned a novel. His unique journey and passion for the Napoleonic era shine through in his work, making each book a time machine to a world of spies, soldiers, and sinister plots.
The Making of James McGee
James McGee grew up in Gibraltar, Germany, and Northern Ireland, his childhood shaped by the constant movement of military life. This nomadic upbringing sparked a love for travel and history, which later fueled his writing. After stints in banking, newspapers, airlines, and bookselling, McGee’s wanderlust took him across Europe, Australia, and the Far East. His first novel, Trigger Men (1985), was a modern thriller, but it was his dive into the Regency era with Ratcatcher (2006) that defined his career. Inspired by historical giants like C.S. Forester, McGee found his calling in crafting stories that marry meticulous research with heart-pounding action.
James McGee’s Unforgettable Stories
McGee’s Matthew Hawkwood series is the crown jewel of his bibliography, following a former soldier turned Bow Street Runner—a sort of Regency-era detective. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the series kicks off with Ratcatcher (2006, also titled Hawkwood in the U.S.), where Hawkwood uncovers a French plot involving submarines to cripple Britain’s navy. Resurrectionist (2007) dives into the grim world of body-snatching, pitting Hawkwood against a mad scientist in London’s darkest corners. Rapscallion (2008) sees him go undercover on prison ships, while Rebellion (2011) takes him to Paris for a high-stakes mission to thwart Napoleon. Each novel is a masterclass in pacing, with McGee’s gritty prose and historical detail painting a vivid picture of a turbulent era.
McGee’s style is cinematic, blending the swashbuckling energy of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe with the moral complexity of a John le Carré spy. His hero, Hawkwood, is no polished gentleman—he’s a battle-scarred rogue with a shadowy past, navigating a world where loyalty is fleeting. McGee’s ability to weave real events, like the Malet Conspiracy or early submarine warfare, into his plots adds a layer of authenticity that keeps readers hooked.
Why James McGee Matters
James McGee has carved a niche in historical thrillers, bringing Regency London to life with a raw, immersive intensity. His work doesn’t just entertain—it educates, shedding light on lesser-known corners of history, from the brutal prison hulks to the shadowy Alien Office, a precursor to MI6. Critics praise his “fast-moving, cleverly constructed plots” and “terrific period atmosphere,” with The Blooding (2014) earning a nomination for the CWA Endeavour Historical Dagger Award. For fans, McGee’s books are a thrilling escape, offering a hero who’s as flawed as he is fearless.
McGee’s influence extends to inspiring readers to explore the Napoleonic era, a time of global upheaval and intrigue. His meticulous research and dynamic storytelling have made him a standout in a genre crowded with heavyweights, proving that even a lesser-known author can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Kent, England (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Ratcatcher, Resurrectionist, Rapscallion, Rebellion, The Blooding, The Reckoning
- Notable Award: CWA Endeavour Historical Dagger nomination (2015) for The Blooding
- Hobbies: Photography, hiking, golf, sailing, and Bruce Springsteen’s music
Ready to step into a world of spies, smugglers, and Regency intrigue? Grab Ratcatcher and dive into James McGee’s thrilling historical adventures!