Picture a Welsh storyteller who turned Cardiff’s gritty streets into a literary stage—meet John Williams, also known as John Lincoln! With a flair for crime fiction and a knack for capturing the pulse of urban life, Williams has carved a unique niche in British literature. His tales of hustlers, dreamers, and schemers in Cardiff’s evolving landscape are as vibrant as the city itself, blending raw realism with a punk-rock spirit.
From his provocative non-fiction to his atmospheric novels, Williams, writing under both his own name and the pseudonym John Lincoln, offers a lens into the lives of Cardiff’s underbelly. His work doesn’t just tell stories—it celebrates a city and its people, making him a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction.
The Making of John Williams
Born on May 12, 1961, in Cardiff, John L. Williams grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, far from the dockside bustle of Butetown that would later define his work. As a teenager, he dove headfirst into the punk scene, moving to London’s Camden Town to live in a squat and play in bands. This rebellious streak shaped his early years, but it was discovering Elmore Leonard’s crime novels that sparked his literary journey. Williams began writing book reviews for NME and The Sunday Times, honing his voice before turning to his own stories.
John Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Williams’s bibliography is a love letter to Cardiff, with his Cardiff Trilogy—Five Pubs, Two Bars and a Nightclub (1999), Cardiff Dead (2000), and The Prince of Wales (2003)—standing as his cornerstone. The trilogy, set in the multicultural hub of Butetown, weaves interconnected tales of petty criminals, musicians, and dreamers. Five Pubs is a collection of sharp, witty short stories, while Cardiff Dead mourns the loss of old Cardiff through a soulful narrative. The Prince of Wales rounds out the series with a female protagonist navigating love and survival.
Under the pseudonym John Lincoln, Williams delivers grittier mysteries like Fade to Grey (2019) and Grey in the Dark (2023), following investigator Gethin Grey as he tackles miscarriages of justice. His non-fiction, notably Bloody Valentine (1994), a true-crime account of the Lynette White murder case, stirred controversy and was nearly banned by police. Williams’s style is vivid and unapologetic, blending humor, heartbreak, and social commentary to portray Cardiff as a character in its own right.
His biographies, including those of Shirley Bassey and Michael X, showcase his versatility, diving into the lives of cultural icons with the same intensity he brings to fiction. Whether writing novels or journalism, Williams celebrates the overlooked, giving voice to Cardiff’s marginalized communities.
Why John Williams Matters
John Williams’s impact lies in his ability to transform Cardiff into a literary microcosm of multicultural Britain. His stories preserve the spirit of Butetown, a community often sidelined by redevelopment, and highlight the resilience of its people. By blending crime fiction with social realism, he challenges stereotypes and elevates the genre. His work as a journalist and co-organizer of the Laugharne Festival further cements his cultural influence, bridging literature and community.
Williams’s legacy is one of authenticity and defiance, capturing a Cardiff that’s both timeless and ever-changing. His books are a testament to the power of regional storytelling, proving that even a small city can hold universal truths.
- Born: May 12, 1961, Cardiff, Wales
- Key Works: Cardiff Trilogy, Bloody Valentine, Fade to Grey
- Pseudonym: John Lincoln
- Notable Role: Crime fiction reviewer for The Mail on Sunday
Ready to explore Cardiff’s wild side? Snag Cardiff Dead or Fade to Grey and dive into John Williams’s thrilling world of crime and heart!