Picture a Yorkshire-born storyteller who swapped the stage for the page, crafting gripping crime novels under Norfolk’s vast skies—meet Judi Daykin! With her DS Sara Hirst series, Daykin has carved a niche in crime fiction, blending her theatrical flair with intricate mysteries set in the haunting landscapes of North Norfolk. Her debut, Under Violent Skies, introduces a tenacious detective and a world where beauty hides dark secrets.
Daykin’s journey from actor to acclaimed author is as compelling as her stories. With four decades in Norfolk’s theatre scene and a Creative Writing MA from the University of East Anglia, she’s a master of storytelling in all its forms. Let’s dive into the life and works of this rising star in crime fiction!
The Making of Judi Daykin
Born in Yorkshire, Judi Daykin found her creative home in Norfolk, where she’s lived, worked, and made theatre for over forty years. Her early career as an actor and director, coupled with running her own theatre company, Broad Horizons, honed her ability to craft vivid characters and compelling narratives. A lifelong fan of crime fiction—think Ann Cleeves and Ian Rankin—Daykin’s passion for the genre led her to UEA’s prestigious Creative Writing MA in 2017, where she specialized in crime fiction. This marked the start of her pivot from stage to page, fueled by a desire to tell stories that resonate.
Judi Daykin’s Unforgettable Stories
Daykin’s DS Sara Hirst series is a love letter to Norfolk’s brooding landscapes and complex communities. Her debut, Under Violent Skies (2020), follows Detective Sergeant Sara Hirst, a mixed-race Londoner who relocates to Norfolk’s Serious Crimes Unit to uncover truths about her absent father. A decomposing body in a ditch sets the stage for a tale of murder, theft, and organized crime, earning a longlist spot for the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger in 2021. Critics praise its fast-paced plot and themes of prejudice and rural policing.
The series continues with Into Deadly Storms (2021), a gritty procedural tackling drugs and conspiracy, and A Brutal Season (2021), set during Cromer’s chaotic carnival week. An Artful Murder (2024) ups the ante with bizarre killings linked to a group of UEA alumni, showcasing Daykin’s knack for quirky details—like toy llamas at crime scenes. Her style blends taut suspense, richly drawn characters, and a vivid sense of place, making Norfolk a character in its own right.
Beyond the series, Daykin’s ghostly short story collection, Wayland Babes, explores Norfolk’s folklore, proving her versatility. Her theatrical roots shine through in her dialogue and pacing, creating stories that feel like immersive performances.
Why Judi Daykin Matters
Judi Daykin’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into Norfolk’s overlooked corners, exposing the gritty underbelly of its idyllic facade. Her diverse protagonist, Sara Hirst, challenges stereotypes in a genre often dominated by formulaic leads, while her exploration of social issues—racism, county lines, and rural isolation—adds depth. Daykin’s late start as a novelist, publishing her debut in her sixties, is an inspiring reminder that storytelling knows no age limit. Her growing fanbase and critical acclaim signal a bright future for this Norfolk gem.
- Born: Yorkshire, UK
- Key Works: Under Violent Skies, Into Deadly Storms, A Brutal Season, An Artful Murder, Wayland Babes
- Awards: Shortlisted for Little, Brown UEA Writer’s Prize (2019); Longlisted for CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger (2021)
- Fun Fact: She’s twiddled the sound desk knobs at Cromer Pier’s variety shows!
Ready for a thrilling ride through Norfolk’s dark side? Snag Under Violent Skies and dive into Judi Daykin’s gripping crime fiction!