Picture a British storyteller who turned Sherlock Holmes’ housekeeper into a crime-solving star—meet Martin Davies! Born in 1965 on the Wirral in North West England, Davies spun his love for history and mystery into a literary career that’s both charming and captivating. From his bestselling The Conjuror’s Bird to the thrilling Havana Sleeping, his novels blend historical intrigue with vivid storytelling, earning him a devoted following among mystery lovers.
What makes Davies special? It’s his knack for taking familiar worlds—like Sherlock Holmes’ Baker Street—and giving them a fresh, delightful twist. Through his Holmes & Hudson Mystery series, he’s reimagined Mrs. Hudson as a sharp-witted sleuth, proving there’s more to 221B than meets the eye. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this unique author!
The Making of Martin Davies
Growing up in North West England, Martin Davies wasn’t always destined for literary stardom. As a young student at Barnston Primary School, his creative writing was deemed lackluster, a far cry from the polished prose he’d later produce. Storytelling, however, ran in the family. His father, a gifted raconteur, filled Davies’ childhood with tales that sparked his imagination. After studying English and History at university, Davies landed in London, working in broadcasting as a BBC producer. It wasn’t until his late thirties that he revisited writing, inspired by an idea about Sherlock Holmes’ enigmatic housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson.
That spark led to his debut novel, Mrs. Hudson and the Spirits’ Curse (2004), written as a tribute to his father’s love for Holmesian lore. The book’s success caught the eye of an agent, who urged Davies to aim bigger. The result? The Conjuror’s Bird, a historical mystery that became a Richard & Judy Book Club pick and sold over 150,000 copies. From there, Davies was unstoppable.
Martin Davies’s Unforgettable Stories
Davies’ bibliography is a treasure trove of historical mysteries and standalone novels, each infused with his signature blend of meticulous research and page-turning suspense. His Holmes & Hudson Mystery series, now seven books strong, stars Mrs. Hudson and her young assistant, Flotsam. Titles like Mrs. Hudson and the Malabar Rose (2005) and Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary (2022) showcase Davies’ playful take on the Holmes universe, with clever plots involving cursed rubies and exotic conspiracies.
Beyond Baker Street, Davies’ standalone novels are equally compelling. The Conjuror’s Bird (2005) weaves a real-life mystery about the lost Bird of Ulieta, blending 18th-century naturalist Joseph Banks’ story with modern intrigue. The Unicorn Road (2009), written amid Sicily’s sun-drenched landscapes, explores medieval quests with lyrical prose. Havana Sleeping (2014), an espionage thriller set in 1850s Cuba, earned a CWA Historical Dagger Award shortlist spot for its gripping tale of murder and betrayal. Davies’ style—rich in historical detail, with a touch of whimsy—makes every book a vivid escape.
His writing process is as unique as his stories. Eschewing laptops, Davies pens first drafts in longhand, often in bustling cafes or on trains, drawing inspiration from his travels across the Middle East, India, and Greenland. This nomadic creativity infuses his work with a sense of adventure and authenticity.
Why Martin Davies Matters
Martin Davies has carved a niche in historical fiction and mystery by breathing new life into familiar narratives. His Holmes & Hudson series redefines a classic, giving agency to a character often overlooked in Conan Doyle’s tales. Fans adore his ability to blend humor, heart, and historical accuracy, making his books both entertaining and thought-provoking. With translations in ten languages and accolades like the Richard & Judy Book Club selection, Davies has left a lasting mark on the genre.
His work also inspires aspiring writers. Through creative writing workshops in the East Midlands, Davies shares his journey from reluctant student to bestselling author, proving that storytelling is a craft anyone can hone with passion and persistence.
- Born: 1965, Wirral, North West England
- Key Works: The Conjuror’s Bird, Havana Sleeping, Holmes & Hudson Mystery series
- Awards: Shortlisted for the 2015 CWA Historical Dagger Award (Havana Sleeping)
- Fun Fact: Writes first drafts in longhand, often in cafes or on trains
About Martin Davies
Ready for a literary adventure? Snag Mrs. Hudson and the Spirits’ Curse or The Conjuror’s Bird and dive into Martin Davies’ thrilling world of historical mysteries!