Picture a Scottish farmer spinning chilling crime tales under the starry Fife sky—meet James Oswald! This bestselling author transformed from a livestock herder to a literary sensation with his gripping Inspector McLean series, blending Edinburgh’s dark alleys with a hint of the supernatural. His journey from rejection to Sunday Times bestseller is a tale as captivating as his novels.
The Making of James Oswald
Born into a family of landed gentry in Scotland, James Oswald grew up with a dual legacy of farming and intellectual pursuit. After losing his parents in a tragic car crash, he inherited a 350-acre livestock farm in North East Fife, where he raises Highland cattle and once tended Romney sheep. Initially, writing was a sideline passion; Oswald studied psychology at Aberdeen University and dabbled in comics and artificial intelligence before embracing his true calling. Years of rejection from traditional publishers couldn’t dim his spark—he turned to self-publishing, a decision that changed his life.
James Oswald’s Unforgettable Stories
Oswald’s Inspector McLean series, starting with Natural Causes (2012), introduces Detective Inspector Tony McLean, an Edinburgh sleuth navigating brutal crimes with a supernatural twist. This debut, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger and National Book Awards. The Book of Souls (2012) deepens McLean’s saga, tackling a decade-long serial killer mystery. The Hangman’s Song (2014) explores eerie suicides, while For Our Sins (2024) sees McLean, now retired, drawn back by a murder in a derelict church. Oswald’s style, often compared to Ian Rankin, weaves Tartan Noir with gothic undertones, painting Edinburgh as a character alive with history and menace.
Beyond crime, Oswald, under the pseudonym J.D. Oswald, penned the epic fantasy series The Ballad of Sir Benfro, inspired by Welsh folklore. His Constance Fairchild series, starting with No Time to Cry (2018), offers a fresh detective perspective. Oswald’s knack for complex characters and atmospheric settings makes his work resonate globally, with translations in 19 countries.
Why James Oswald Matters
James Oswald’s rise from self-published author to international bestseller is a beacon for aspiring writers. His Inspector McLean series has redefined Scottish crime fiction, earning praise as ‘the new Ian Rankin’ for its gritty realism and supernatural edge. By balancing farming and writing, Oswald embodies resilience, proving dreams can thrive in the unlikeliest settings. His stories, rooted in Edinburgh’s dark heart, captivate readers and inspire new voices in Tartan Noir.
About James Oswald
- Born: Scotland, son of farmer and stockbroker Peter David Hamilton Oswald.
- Key Works: Inspector McLean series, The Ballad of Sir Benfro, Constance Fairchild series.
- Awards: Shortlisted for CWA Debut Dagger (2007, 2008), National Book Awards (2013).
- Fun Fact: Runs a 350-acre farm with pedigree Highland cattle.
Snag Natural Causes and dive into James Oswald’s thrilling Tartan Noir world!