Picture a London journalist spinning darkly funny tales of murder and modern life—meet L.M. Chilton! With a knack for blending comic thrillers with the chaos of dating apps and group chats, Chilton has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre. His novels, like Swiped and Everyone in the Group Chat Dies, hook readers with suspense, humor, and a sharp take on today’s tech-obsessed world.
From his home in London, where he juggles writing with banjo practice (much to his neighbors’ chagrin), Chilton crafts stories that feel like a mash-up of Friends and a slasher flick. Ready to dive into his twisty, laugh Let’s explore the world of L.M. Chilton!
The Making of L.M. Chilton
L.M. Chilton’s journey to novelist stardom began in the bustling world of journalism. For 15 years, he honed his storytelling skills on TV shows like This Morning, The One Show, and Loose Women, and wrote for outlets like The Times, Cosmopolitan, and The Mirror. His early career focused on ‘real life’ magazines, where he interviewed people about everything from heartbreaking tragedies to quirky pet antics. These experiences shaped his ability to weave compelling, human-driven narratives.
A self-proclaimed ‘dateoholic’ who braved over a hundred dates, Chilton drew on his misadventures in modern romance to fuel his fiction. Living in London, he swapped newsrooms for murder mysteries, trading deadlines for plot twists and banjo strums. His journalism background and love for classic thrillers like Silence of the Lambs set the stage for his genre-bending novels.
L.M. Chilton’s Unforgettable Stories
Chilton’s debut, Swiped (also known as Don’t Swipe Right in the UK), is a riotous thriller-rom-com. It follows Gwen Turner, who discovers her disastrous dates are linked to a string of murders. Critics, like Rupert Holmes, called it ‘Bridget Jones in a Scream film,’ praising its fast-paced humor and sharp take on dating app culture. The novel’s clever twists and relatable protagonist made it a hit for fans of modern mysteries.
His follow-up, Everyone in the Group Chat Dies, ups the ante. Set in the sleepy town of Crowhurst, it centers on Kirby Cornell, a journalist grappling with a chilling group chat message from a dead ex-flatmate. Blending the comedy of Friends with the suspense of I Know What You Did Last Summer, it’s a page-turner lauded for its ‘biting humor’ and ‘twisty thrills’ by authors like Ashley Winstead. Chilton’s knack for weaving social media into classic whodunits keeps readers guessing.
Chilton’s style is a cocktail of mordant wit, pop culture nods, and heart-pounding suspense. His stories tackle modern themes—like the perils of online dating and influencer culture—while staying rooted in the timeless allure of a good murder mystery. Whether it’s a creepy text or a deadly date, his plots are as addictive as scrolling through a group chat at 2 a.m.
Why L.M. Chilton Matters
L.M. Chilton is redefining the thriller genre by infusing it with laugh-out-loud humor and a keen eye for 21st-century absurdities. His novels resonate with readers who crave stories that mirror their digital lives, from swipe-right regrets to WhatsApp nightmares. By marrying cozy mystery vibes with contemporary stakes, he’s carved a space alongside authors like M.C. Beaton and Richard Osman, but with a distinctly millennial edge.
Chilton’s impact lies in his ability to make murder fun without losing its menace. His books are poolside reads with brains, earning praise for their accessibility and sharp social commentary. As he continues to churn out mysteries, Chilton is proving that even in a crowded genre, a fresh voice—one strumming a banjo and dodging bad dates—can still make waves.
- Key Works: Swiped (2023), Everyone in the Group Chat Dies (2025)
- Fun Fact: Chilton’s love for thrillers began with a rain-soaked copy of Silence of the Lambs found on a camping trip.
- Hobbies: Banjo practice and exploring haunted UK sites, like Norfolk’s ‘Haunted Leg.’
Snag Swiped or Everyone in the Group Chat Dies and dive into L.M. Chilton’s wickedly fun world of comic thrillers!