Picture a Scottish-born storyteller who traded a police badge for a pen, crafting heart-pounding thrillers that keep readers up all night—meet Matt Hilton! Best known for his Joe Hunter series, Hilton’s cinematic, action-packed novels have captivated fans worldwide, blending gritty realism with pulp-inspired flair. From his debut bestseller to his latest chilling tales, Hilton’s journey is as thrilling as his books.
The Making of Matt Hilton
Born in Scotland in 1966, the year England clinched the World Cup, Matt Hilton grew up in Carlisle, Cumbria, surrounded by tales of adventure and horror spun by his storytelling father. A self-described bookworm, Hilton devoured works by Dean Koontz, Jeffery Deaver, and John Connolly, fueling his imagination. By age 11, he was already penning short stories and a coming-of-age novel, Aggro. Before writing became his calling, Hilton spent over two decades in private security and as a Cumbria Constabulary police officer, experiences that lent authenticity to his high-octane action scenes. A 4th Dan blackbelt and Northern Ju-Jitsu Champion in 2000, Hilton’s martial arts prowess also shaped his knack for choreographing gripping fight sequences.
Matt Hilton’s Unforgettable Stories
Hilton’s breakthrough came with Dead Men’s Dust (2009), the first Joe Hunter thriller, introducing a vigilante ex-CIA operative who solves problems with fists and grit. A Sunday Times bestseller and finalist for the International Thriller Writers’ Debut Book Award, it set the tone for a 13-book series blending crime, thriller, and horror elements. Fans compare Hunter to Jack Reacher, praising the relentless pace and morally complex hero. The Tess Grey and Po Villere series, starting with Blood Tracks (2015), follows a private investigator and her ex-con partner tackling dangerous cases, earning rave reviews for its dynamic duo and twist-filled plots. Hilton’s standalone works, like The Girl in the Smoke (2024) and horror novel Wicked Jenny (2025), showcase his versatility, weaving supernatural chills with pulse-pounding suspense. His pulp-inspired style—fast-paced, vivid, and unapologetically entertaining—draws from his love of 1930s and 1970s fantasy and horror, making every page a cinematic escape.
Hilton’s ability to cross genres sets him apart. Whether it’s the gritty realism of Joe Hunter’s world or the eerie menace of Preternatural, his stories balance raw action with emotional depth, reflecting his belief that books should be pure entertainment. Translated into German, Italian, Romanian, and Bulgarian, his works have found a global audience, published by giants like Hodder & Stoughton and William Morrow.
Why Matt Hilton Matters
Matt Hilton’s impact lies in his ability to craft escapist thrillers that resonate with readers seeking adrenaline and heart. His Joe Hunter series has carved a niche in the crime-thriller genre, offering a British twist on American-style action heroes. By drawing on his diverse background—cop, martial artist, storyteller—Hilton brings authenticity and relatability to his characters, inspiring aspiring writers to persevere. His shift from a 22-year career in security and law enforcement to international bestseller proves that passion and grit can rewrite life’s script. For fans, Hilton’s books are a reminder that great stories don’t need literary pretense—just a pulse and a punch.
- Born: 1966, Scotland
- Key Works: Dead Men’s Dust, Blood Tracks, The Girl in the Smoke, Wicked Jenny
- Awards: Shortlisted for ITW Debut Book Award 2009; Daily Telegraph Thriller of the Year 2009
- Fun Fact: A 4th Dan blackbelt, Hilton once fought in the UK’s early MMA scene!
About Matt Hilton
Ready for a thrill ride? Snag Dead Men’s Dust or Wicked Jenny and dive into Matt Hilton’s electrifying world of crime, horror, and heart-pounding action!