Picture a British storyteller who swapped courtroom drama for the gritty streets of Manchester’s underworld—meet Jules Grant! This former barrister turned crime fiction author burst onto the literary scene with her electrifying debut, We Go Around In The Night and Are Consumed by Fire, a tale of lesbian gangsters that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. With her sharp legal insight and knack for vivid storytelling, Grant has carved out a thrilling niche in contemporary crime fiction, blending loyalty, revenge, and street poetry into narratives that grip you from page one.
Grant’s journey from law to literature is as compelling as her novels. Her unique perspective, shaped by over two decades in the courtroom, infuses her work with authenticity and edge, making her a standout voice in British crime fiction. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this Manchester maestro.
The Making of Jules Grant
Hailing from Manchester, Jules Grant’s roots in the city’s vibrant, gritty culture deeply inform her writing. She honed her craft with an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College, University of London, but it was her 20-year career as a barrister that gave her a front-row seat to the complexities of human conflict and justice. This legal background, combined with her love for Manchester’s underbelly, sparked her transition to fiction. Inspired by the city’s raw energy and untold stories, Grant set out to write narratives that break the mold of traditional crime fiction, focusing on marginalized voices and unapologetic characters.
Jules Grant’s Unforgettable Stories
Grant’s debut novel, We Go Around In The Night and Are Consumed by Fire (2016), is a firecracker of a book. Set in Manchester, it follows Donna, a fierce lesbian gangster, and her street-smart goddaughter Aurora, as they navigate loyalty, betrayal, and revenge in a world of guns and gang culture. The novel’s title, inspired by a Latin palindrome found on a Manchester overpass, sets the tone for its poetic yet brutal narrative. Critics praised its invigorating take on women in crime fiction, earning it a longlist spot for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award.
Grant’s writing style is a masterclass in blending grit with heart. Her legal expertise shines through in the meticulous detail of criminal operations, while her focus on female and queer perspectives challenges the male-dominated lens of the genre. Though her bibliography is still growing, Grant has hinted at future works featuring her vivid characters, promising more tales of Donna’s escapades. Her ability to weave love, loss, and street poetry into high-stakes thrillers makes her stories resonate long after the final page.
While We Go Around remains her flagship work, Grant’s short stories and readings at events like Polari-on-Sea showcase her versatility. Her narratives often explore themes of friendship and retribution, grounded in Manchester’s urban pulse, making her a vital voice in contemporary British literature.
Why Jules Grant Matters
Jules Grant’s impact lies in her fearless storytelling and her push to diversify crime fiction. By centering lesbian gangsters and weaving queer identities into the heart of her narratives, she’s expanded the genre’s boundaries, offering fresh perspectives in a field often dominated by predictable tropes. Her legal background adds a layer of authenticity that grounds her stories, while her focus on Manchester’s underrepresented communities gives voice to the unseen. Grant’s work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges readers to rethink who gets to be the hero (or antihero) in crime fiction.
Her debut’s critical acclaim and award nominations signal her potential to shape the genre for years to come. As she continues to write, Grant is poised to leave a lasting mark on British literature, proving that stories from the margins can captivate the mainstream.
- Born in Manchester, now resides in Brighton.
- Published debut novel in 2016: We Go Around In The Night and Are Consumed by Fire.
- Longlisted for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award.
- Former barrister with over 20 years of legal experience.
About Jules Grant
Ready for a thrilling ride through Manchester’s underworld? Snag We Go Around In The Night and Are Consumed by Fire and dive into Jules Grant’s gritty, poetic crime fiction!