Picture a British storyteller who weaves history, mystery, and crime into gripping tales that transport you from 1920s Shanghai to modern-day Manchester—meet M.J. Lee! With a knack for blending meticulous research with page-turning suspense, Lee has carved a unique niche in genre fiction. His acclaimed series, like the Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mysteries and DI Ridpath thrillers, have captivated readers worldwide, earning awards and a loyal following.
Born Martin Lee in Manchester to an Irish family, Lee’s global adventures and diverse career have shaped his storytelling. From historian to social worker to award-winning advertising creative, his life is as colorful as his novels. Let’s dive into the world of M.J. Lee and discover why his stories resonate with mystery lovers everywhere.
The Making of M.J. Lee
Martin Lee grew up in Manchester, attending grammar school before studying Social Sciences at Bradford University. His early career was a tapestry of roles: university history researcher, social worker aiding Vietnamese refugees, and creative director in advertising, working in cities like London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. These experiences honed his storytelling skills, from writing academic notes to crafting award-winning ads recognized at Cannes and the United Nations. While strolling Shanghai’s old quarter, Lee began dreaming up crime novels, planting the seeds for his literary career.
M.J. Lee’s Unforgettable Stories
Lee’s novels span three gripping series, each showcasing his talent for blending historical depth with suspense. The Inspector Danilov series, starting with Death in Shanghai (2015), immerses readers in 1920s and 1930s Shanghai, where Russian inspector Pyotr Danilov tackles gritty crimes amid a vibrant, chaotic city. These novels pulse with atmospheric detail, drawing from Lee’s time in Asia.
The Jayne Sinclair Genealogical Mysteries, launched with The Irish Inheritance (2016), follow a former detective unraveling family secrets tied to historical events like Ireland’s Easter Rising or World War II adoptions. By 2023, ten books in this series, including The Salford Sioux, have delighted readers with their mix of genealogy and intrigue. Meanwhile, the DI Ridpath series, beginning with Where the Truth Lies (2018), tracks Manchester detective Thomas Ridpath as he battles personal demons and sinister crimes. Lee’s style—rich with historical context, vivid settings, and complex characters—makes each series a thrilling escape.
Under his real name, Martin Lee, he also pens historical fiction, like The Fall (2017), which explores the Manchester Regiment’s struggles during Singapore’s 1942 fall. His ability to juggle genres while maintaining authenticity sets him apart in the literary world.
Why M.J. Lee Matters
M.J. Lee’s impact lies in his ability to make history pulse with life, turning dusty archives into heart-pounding narratives. His novels don’t just entertain; they illuminate forgotten corners of the past, from Shanghai’s underworld to Manchester’s industrial grit. Awards from Cannes, D&AD, and the United Nations for his advertising work hint at his storytelling prowess, now fully realized in fiction. Lee’s global perspective and meticulous research resonate with readers seeking intelligent, immersive mysteries. His growing fanbase and prolific output—over a dozen novels by 2023—cement his place as a standout in crime and historical fiction.
- Born: Manchester, UK, to an Irish family
- Key Works: Death in Shanghai, The Irish Inheritance, Where the Truth Lies, The Fall
- Awards: Cannes, D&AD, United Nations (for advertising)
- Fun Fact: Lee splits his time between the UK and Asia, often researching his family history.
About M.J. Lee
Ready for a thrilling journey through time? Snag Where the Truth Lies and dive into M.J. Lee’s electrifying world of crime and mystery!