Picture a British storyteller who swapped courtrooms for crime scenes, weaving gritty, pulse-pounding mysteries that grip you till the last page—meet Nadine Matheson! A criminal solicitor turned bestselling author, Matheson has taken the mystery thriller world by storm with her Inspector Anjelica Henley series, set in the shadowy streets of South East London. Her knack for blending legal authenticity with heart-stopping suspense has earned her critical acclaim and a TV deal for her debut novel.
With a voice that’s urgent and vivid, Matheson crafts stories that don’t just entertain—they challenge, diving deep into themes of race, class, and justice. Ready to meet the mind behind these unforgettable tales? Let’s dive into her journey!
The Making of Nadine Matheson
Born and raised in London, Nadine Matheson’s path to authorship was anything but conventional. Before her name graced book covers, she built a nearly 20-year career as a criminal defense solicitor, navigating the complexities of the legal system. Her love for storytelling sparked early, inspired by literary giants like Dorothy Koomson and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when she won the City University Crime Writing Competition, earning a bursary to pursue a Creative Writing MA. This leap of faith led to her mastering the art of crime fiction, culminating in a degree with distinction in 2018.
Matheson’s legal background wasn’t just a job—it was a storytelling goldmine. Crafting persuasive narratives for juries honed her ability to create compelling, authentic plots. Her transition from law to literature felt like a natural evolution, fueled by a passion for asking big questions and giving voice to complex characters.
Nadine Matheson’s Unforgettable Stories
Matheson’s Inspector Anjelica Henley series is the heart of her literary legacy. Her 2021 debut, The Jigsaw Man, introduces DI Anjelica Henley, a Black British detective battling PTSD while hunting a copycat killer mimicking the notorious Jigsaw Killer. With its gruesome crime scenes and cat-and-mouse tension, the novel drew comparisons to Thomas Harris’s Silence of the Lambs, earning praise for its vivid prose and layered characters.
The series continues with The Binding Room (2022), where Henley investigates ritualistic murders tied to a murdered pastor, uncovering dark secrets in a concealed torture room. The 2024 release, The Kill List, sees Henley tackling a reopened 25-year-old murder case, blending cold-case intrigue with fresh threats. Each novel stands alone but builds on Henley’s personal struggles—balancing motherhood, marriage, and trauma—making her a relatable, powerful heroine.
Matheson’s style is gritty yet elegant, with a keen sense of place that brings London’s underbelly to life. Her legal expertise shines through in meticulous police procedurals, while her exploration of societal issues adds depth. Critics laud her ability to keep readers guessing, with twists that hit like a London downpour.
Why Nadine Matheson Matters
Nadine Matheson isn’t just writing thrillers—she’s redefining the genre. Her diverse cast, led by a strong Black female protagonist, challenges stereotypes and brings fresh perspectives to crime fiction. By weaving issues like race and justice into her narratives, she holds a mirror to society, making her stories both thrilling and thought-provoking. Her critical acclaim, including a 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year longlist nod, cements her as a rising star.
With The Jigsaw Man optioned for television, Matheson’s reach is set to grow, bringing her gritty London tales to screens worldwide. Her ability to balance legal authenticity with emotional depth ensures her stories resonate long after the final page.
- Born: London, UK
- Key Works: The Jigsaw Man (2021), The Binding Room (2022), The Kill List (2024)
- Awards: City University Crime Writing Competition (2016), Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year longlist (2025)
- Fun Fact: Matheson hosts a podcast, Conversation with Nadine Matheson, interviewing fellow authors.
Snag The Jigsaw Man and dive into Nadine Matheson’s thrilling world of mystery and suspense—you won’t put it down!