Picture a Northern Irish storyteller who swapped a veterinarian’s stethoscope for a pen, crafting chilling crime thrillers that keep readers up all night—meet Kerry Buchanan! From her farm nestled in County Down’s rolling hills, Buchanan spins tales of suspense, drawing from her unique life as a retired vet and caregiver to create the gripping Detectives Harvey & Birch Mystery series. Her journey from animal healer to acclaimed novelist proves it’s never too late to chase a new dream.
With her debut novel, Knife Edge, Buchanan burst onto the crime fiction scene, earning praise for her twisty plots and vivid characters. Her stories, set against the haunting beauty of Northern Ireland, blend gritty realism with emotional depth, making her a rising star in the genre. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how Buchanan became a literary force.
The Making of Kerry Buchanan
Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Kerry Buchanan trained as a veterinary surgeon at Cambridge University, spending six joyful years honing her craft. She worked in practice until arthritis forced an early retirement, a setback that sparked a remarkable pivot. In 2014, inspired by her father’s dementia diagnosis, Buchanan began writing at her kitchen table, tapping out stories on her husband’s iPad. What started as a creative outlet became a prolific career, fueled by her diverse experiences—designing leukemia databases, teaching ICT, and running a livery business.
Now living on a farm with her family and a menagerie of animals, Buchanan finds inspiration in the lush landscapes outside her window. Her disability hasn’t slowed her down; between caring for her father and sailing the Mediterranean, she’s crafted a unique voice in crime fiction, blending her scientific precision with a storyteller’s flair.
Kerry Buchanan’s Unforgettable Stories
Buchanan’s Detectives Harvey & Birch Mystery series is the heart of her literary legacy. The series kicks off with Knife Edge (2021), a pulse-pounding thriller where young Nic Gordon escapes a sadistic killer, only to find the nightmare far from over. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch, navigating Belfast’s gritty streets, unravel a case that’s as emotionally gripping as it is suspenseful. Readers praise its innovative first-person victim perspective, a bold choice for a detective series.
Small Bones (2021) digs into a chilling cold case when a skull is unearthed, hinting at a missing woman’s fate and a corrupt cop’s involvement. Buchanan’s knack for weaving past and present shines here, with richly drawn characters like the villainous Alistair King. Deadly Shores (2022) tackles smuggling and betrayal on Northern Ireland’s stormy coast, while The Darkening Hills (2024) explores a gruesome murder in County Antrim’s lonely hills, cementing Buchanan’s reputation for breathtaking twists.
Her style is fast-paced yet intimate, blending Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty with dark, psychological depth. Buchanan’s veterinary background lends authenticity to her forensic details, while her caregiving experiences infuse her stories with raw human emotion. Fans of Tana French and Lynda La Plante devour her work for its relentless suspense and relatable heroes.
Why Kerry Buchanan Matters
Kerry Buchanan’s impact lies in her ability to transform adversity into art. As a disabled woman writing in a male-dominated genre, she brings fresh perspectives, particularly through Asha Harvey, a woman of color navigating a white, male police force. Her stories resonate with readers who crave authentic, character-driven crime fiction rooted in Northern Ireland’s complex history and landscapes.
Buchanan’s awards, including two ACNI SIAP grants and Kraxon Magazine’s Story of the Year for The Armada Tree (2019), highlight her versatility. By mentoring new writers and performing at literary events, she’s building a legacy that extends beyond her books, inspiring others to embrace their creative spark.
- Key Works: Knife Edge, Small Bones, Deadly Shores, The Darkening Hills
- Awards: ACNI SIAP Awards (2019, 2020), Kraxon Magazine Story of the Year (2019)
- Hobbies: Sailing, gardening (though the slugs often win)
Snag Knife Edge and dive into Kerry Buchanan’s thrilling world of crime and courage—you won’t put it down!