Picture a British storyteller who swapped courtroom battles for page-turning thrillers—meet Matthew M.R. Hall! Known for his gripping Jenny Cooper series, Hall blends his legal expertise with suspenseful storytelling, crafting novels that pulse with authenticity and intrigue. From BAFTA-winning screenwriting to woodland conservation, his multifaceted life fuels narratives that captivate readers and Hollywood alike.
The Making of Matthew M.R. Hall
Born on May 1, 1967, in London, Matthew Hall grew up surrounded by creativity, with a father in the Philharmonia Orchestra and a writer mother. Educated at Hereford Cathedral School and Worcester College, Oxford, where he earned a law degree, Hall practiced as a barrister at 5 King’s Bench Walk. But the allure of storytelling beckoned, and by 1995, he was writing full-time, kicking off with scripts for ITV’s Kavanagh QC.
Matthew M.R. Hall’s Unforgettable Stories
Hall’s Jenny Cooper series, written under the pen name M.R. Hall, is a masterclass in crime fiction. His debut, The Coroner (2009), introduces Jenny Cooper, a coroner unraveling mysteries beyond the courtroom. Shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger, it set the tone for the series’ intricate plots. The Disappeared (2010) dives into missing persons cases, while The Flight (2012), also Gold Dagger-nominated, tackles corporate conspiracies. The Black Art of Killing (2020), a standalone thriller, explores a soldier’s moral dilemmas, showcasing Hall’s knack for psychological depth.
Hall’s writing, infused with legal precision, feels like a courtroom drama unfolding in real-time. His themes—justice, morality, and human frailty—resonate deeply, drawing readers into morally gray worlds. As a screenwriter, he created the BAFTA-winning Keeping Faith, a bilingual Welsh-English series, and contributed to hits like Dalziel and Pascoe and Foyle’s War, proving his storytelling prowess across mediums.
Why Matthew M.R. Hall Matters
Hall’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the legal system through Jenny Cooper, a flawed yet fierce heroine who’s inspired a TV adaptation, Coroner, a hit on CBC and The CW. His novels, translated globally, have elevated British crime fiction, while his screenwriting has enriched television drama. Beyond art, Hall’s passion for woodland preservation reflects his commitment to legacy, making him a storyteller with heart and purpose.
About Matthew M.R. Hall
- Born: May 1, 1967, London, England
- Key Works: The Coroner, The Flight, Keeping Faith
- Awards: BAFTA for Keeping Faith (2018), CWA Gold Dagger nominations
- Fun Fact: He’s an amateur boxer and woodland conservationist!
Snag The Coroner and dive into Matthew M.R. Hall’s thrilling world of crime and justice!