Picture a British storyteller who turned a childhood in a 'haunted' house into a paranormal playground—meet Lucy Banks! Hailing from the wilds of Devon, this paranormal fiction author has charmed readers with her Dr. Ribero’s Agency of the Supernatural series, blending humor, horror, and heart. Her debut, The Case of the Green-Dressed Ghost, hit shelves in 2017, earning a quirky comparison to 'Ghostbusters with a British accent.'
Banks’s stories don’t just spook—they invite you to giggle at the ghouls and embrace the eerie as everyday. With a knack for normalizing the supernatural, she’s carved a niche in urban fantasy, drawing fans who love a thrilling yet lighthearted escape.
The Making of Lucy Banks
Born in rural Hertfordshire, Lucy Banks grew up surrounded by books, prowling libraries and car-boot sales to feed her self-proclaimed 'book-python' appetite. Her childhood home, rumored to be haunted, sparked a lifelong fascination with the supernatural. Inspired by literary giants like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King, she began crafting stories early, though her first manuscripts, penned in her twenties, were admittedly 'pretty bad.' After teaching English literature, Banks pivoted to copywriting, launching her own company while honing her creative voice. Sleepless nights with her young children became stolen moments for writing, setting the stage for her literary breakthrough.
Lucy Banks’s Unforgettable Stories
Banks’s Dr. Ribero’s Agency of the Supernatural series is her crowning achievement, a five-book saga that mixes paranormal investigations with wit and warmth. The Case of the Green-Dressed Ghost (2017) introduces Kester Lanner, a reluctant hero who discovers his father, Dr. Ribero, runs a ghost-hunting agency. Publishers Weekly praised its playful tone, calling it a fresh take on urban fantasy. The Case of the Deadly Doppelganger (2018) dives into eerie doubles and ancient graves, while The Case of the Hidden Daemon (2018) ups the stakes with sinister spirits. The Case of the Secret Spirit-Half (2022) wraps up Kester’s journey, blending humor with heartfelt revelations.
Outside the series, Banks’s standalone novel The Hanged Man and the Fortune Teller (2019) weaves a haunting tale of a nameless ghost drifting through time, exploring memory and mortality with a poetic touch. Her writing style—vivid, accessible, and laced with humor—makes the supernatural feel like a quirky neighbor. Banks’s research into occult lore, fueled by her collection of paranormal books, adds authenticity to her chilling yet relatable worlds.
Her 2016 win in Amazon’s 'A New Night Before Christmas' competition, with a children’s story about a slug meeting Father Christmas, showcases her versatility and playful spirit. This early success hinted at the creative flair that would define her novels.
Why Lucy Banks Matters
Lucy Banks has redefined paranormal fiction by making the spooky accessible and fun. Her stories resonate with readers who crave adventure without heavy dread, offering a cozy yet thrilling escape. By normalizing the supernatural, she taps into universal curiosities about the unknown, much like Rowling’s magical realism or King’s small-town terrors. Her influence, though niche, lies in her ability to blend humor and horror, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace their unique voices. Banks’s journey from copywriter to acclaimed novelist also serves as a beacon for writers balancing creativity with life’s demands.
- Born: Hertfordshire, England
- Key Works: Dr. Ribero’s Agency of the Supernatural series, The Hanged Man and the Fortune Teller
- Awards: Winner, Amazon’s 'A New Night Before Christmas' competition (2016)
Ready to get spooked with a side of giggles? Snag The Case of the Green-Dressed Ghost and dive into Lucy Banks’s delightfully eerie world!