Picture a British storyteller who turned a self-published crime novel into a global sensation—meet Kerry Wilkinson! With his gripping detective thrillers, led by the fierce Jessica Daniel, Wilkinson has captivated readers worldwide. His debut, Locked In, sold over 250,000 eBooks, launching a career that blends journalistic grit with heart-pounding storytelling.
Born in Bath, Somerset, Wilkinson’s journey from sports journalist to bestselling author is as thrilling as his novels. His knack for crafting relatable characters and twisty plots has made him a standout in the crime fiction world, with overa total of over two million books sold worldwide.
The Making of Kerry Wilkinson
Kerry Wilkinson was born on November 4, 1980, in Bath, Somerset, and grew up in Frome. After studying journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, he carved out a career as a sports journalist, covering everything from football to local news. But his true passion lay in storytelling. In 2011, Wilkinson took a leap of faith, self-publishing his debut novel, Locked In, as a personal challenge. The book’s success was staggering, topping Amazon UK’s Kindle charts and making him one of the platform’s top-selling authors that year. This unexpected triumph led to a publishing deal with Pan Macmillan and a prolific career spanning multiple genres, from crime thrillers to young adult fantasy.
Wilkinson’s journalistic background shapes his writing, grounding his stories in real-world details and sharp dialogue. His autism, diagnosed in adulthood, adds depth to his character-driven narratives, offering a unique lens on human connection and observation.
Kerry Wilkinson’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Wilkinson’s bibliography is the Jessica Daniel series, a 15-book saga following a Manchester detective sergeant tackling grisly crimes. Locked In (2011) introduces Jessica, a determined, witty thirty-something unraveling a locked-room murder mystery. Its fast-paced plot and relatable heroine hooked readers, selling over 500,000 copies in the UK alone. Sequels like Vigilante (2011) and The Woman in Black (2013) dive deeper into Jessica’s personal struggles and complex cases, blending humor with suspense.
Beyond Jessica Daniel, Wilkinson’s versatility shines. His Silver Blackthorn trilogy, a young adult fantasy series, explores a dystopian world with a rebellious heroine. Standalone thrillers like Two Sisters (2017) and The Girl Who Came Back (2017) showcase his knack for psychological twists, while the Andrew Hunter series follows a private investigator tackling gritty cases. Wilkinson’s prose is accessible yet evocative, with tightly woven plots that keep readers guessing.
His ability to balance dark themes with levity—often through Jessica’s sarcastic quips—sets him apart. Whether it’s a murder in a locked house or a small-town conspiracy, Wilkinson’s stories feel authentic, reflecting his keen eye for societal nuances and human flaws.
Why Kerry Wilkinson Matters
Kerry Wilkinson’s impact on crime fiction is undeniable. His self-publishing success story inspired countless indie authors, proving that talent and determination can break through traditional barriers. With bestsellers in the UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond, he’s brought British detective stories to a global stage. His 2018 Romantic Novelists’ Association award for Ten Birthdays and 2020 International Thriller Writers Award for Close to You highlight his genre-spanning prowess.
Wilkinson’s commitment to his community also stands out. He sponsors a short story competition for young writers in Frome, fostering the next generation of storytellers. His authentic, relatable characters and immersive worlds continue to resonate, making him a beloved figure in modern crime fiction.
- Born: November 4, 1980, Bath, Somerset
- Key Works: Locked In, Vigilante, Two Sisters, Ten Birthdays
- Awards: RNA Young Adult Novel (2018), ITW Best eBook (2020)
- Fun Fact: Wilkinson’s pet turtle is a quiet muse for his writing!
Snag Locked In and dive into Kerry Wilkinson’s thrilling world of crime, sarcasm, and heart. You won’t put it down!