Picture a British storyteller who turned chilling mysteries into podcast-style thrillers—meet Matt Wesolowski! From the shadowy streets of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, this crime and horror fiction author has captivated readers with his innovative Six Stories series. Blending true crime vibes with eerie atmospheres, Wesolowski’s work feels like a late-night podcast you can’t stop listening to.
With his debut novel, Six Stories, skyrocketing to international bestseller status, Wesolowski has redefined crime fiction. His unique narrative style and knack for suspense have earned him awards, critical acclaim, and a Hollywood option. Ready to dive into his world of dark secrets and haunting tales? Let’s explore the man behind the mysteries!
The Making of Matt Wesolowski
Born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Matt Wesolowski’s roots are as gritty and atmospheric as his stories. The grandson of a Polish prisoner of war who settled in England, he grew up with a love for storytelling. Before becoming a full-time author, Wesolowski worked as an English tutor for young people in care, a role that shaped his empathetic, nuanced characters. His early career in horror fiction, with short stories in anthologies like Midnight Movie Creature, laid the groundwork for his genre-blending style. Winning the Pitch Perfect competition at the 2015 Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival was a turning point, thrusting his debut novel into the spotlight.
Matt Wesolowski’s Unforgettable Stories
Wesolowski’s Six Stories series is his crowning achievement, a masterclass in innovative storytelling. Each book unfolds through six podcast-style interviews hosted by the elusive journalist Scott King, unraveling cold cases with a mix of psychological depth and supernatural dread. Six Stories (2016), the series opener, investigates a teenager’s mysterious death in Scarclaw Fell, hooking readers with its chilling ambiguity. Hydra (2017) dives into a brutal family murder, while Changeling (2018) explores a child’s disappearance with haunting folklore vibes.
Beast (2019), a standout, won the Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award for Best Independent Voice, blending urban noir with vampire mythology as it follows a vlogger’s frozen demise in a Northumbrian ruin. Deity (2020) tackles a pop star’s scandalous death, and Demon (2021) wraps the series with a bone-chilling tale. Wesolowski’s style—dialogue-driven, atmospheric, and layered with social commentary—draws inspiration from true crime podcasts like Serial and horror masters like Stephen King. His ability to weave modern fears, like online validation and societal divides, into gripping mysteries sets him apart.
Why Matt Wesolowski Matters
Matt Wesolowski has reshaped crime fiction by marrying the intimacy of podcasts with the suspense of classic whodunits. His series has not only topped bestseller lists in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia but also sparked a Hollywood adaptation buzz. Awards like the Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award and a longlist nod for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year highlight his impact. Beyond accolades, Wesolowski’s work resonates with readers for its raw exploration of human nature, making the ordinary feel extraordinary—and terrifying.
His influence extends to aspiring writers, as he mentors young creatives through New Writing North. By blending horror, crime, and social issues, Wesolowski has carved a niche that feels fresh yet timeless, inspiring a new wave of genre-bending storytellers.
- Born: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
- Key Works: Six Stories, Hydra, Changeling, Beast, Deity, Demon
- Awards: Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award for Best Independent Voice (2020), Pitch Perfect Winner (2015)
- Fun Fact: His debut was optioned by a major Hollywood studio!
Snag Six Stories and dive into Matt Wesolowski’s thrilling world of crime and horror—you won’t sleep, but you’ll love every minute!