Picture a British storyteller who weaves mysticism, crime, and the wild beauty of the Somerset moors into gripping tales—meet Nina Milton! A versatile author, Milton has enchanted readers with her Shaman Mystery series while also crafting heartfelt children’s books. From her Bristol roots to her cozy life in Wales, her stories pulse with a deep connection to nature and the human spirit.
With a knack for blending gritty crime with shamanic journeys, Milton’s work feels like a walk through misty moors with a twist of magic. Her heroine, Sabbie Dare, is a shamanic therapist who solves murders with intuition and otherworldly insight, making Milton a standout in crime fiction.
The Making of Nina Milton
Born in Bristol, Nina Milton grew up in England’s West Country, a region that would later inspire the vivid settings of her novels. Her love for storytelling sparked early—her reception teacher handed her a pencil, and she thought, “Real people write these lovely books? I want to do that!” After earning an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University, Milton dove into writing children’s books, publishing her first, Sweet’n’Sour, in 1995. She later balanced raising two children with writing, eventually settling in west Wales with her husband, James, where she tends chickens and a vegetable garden.
Nina Milton’s Unforgettable Stories
Milton’s Shaman Mystery series, published by Midnight Ink, is her crowning achievement in crime fiction. The series kicked off with In the Moors (2013), where shamanic counselor Sabbie Dare investigates a chilling child murder in the Somerset countryside. Its fast-paced plot and authentic shamanic elements earned a five-star review from Library Journal. Unraveled Visions (2014) follows Sabbie as she untangles a detective’s murder and a gypsy’s disappearance, blending carnival vibes with dark suspense. Beneath the Tor (2015) dives into Glastonbury’s mystical aura, with Sabbie solving a death tied to ancient legends. The series wrapped with Through the Floodgate (2021), a tense tale of blackmail and murder on flooded moors.
Beyond crime, Milton’s children’s books like Tough Luck shine with heart. This modern story follows 13-year-old Brandon, an Afro-Caribbean boy navigating racial tensions and family history with his friend Helen. Milton’s writing style is vivid and evocative, painting landscapes that feel alive while exploring themes of justice, spirituality, and resilience. Her druidic beliefs and shamanic practices infuse her work with a unique New Age twist, setting her apart in both genres.
Why Nina Milton Matters
Nina Milton’s impact lies in her ability to bridge genres, blending crime’s grit with mysticism’s wonder. Her Shaman Mystery series has carved a niche for readers who crave unconventional sleuths, earning praise from critics like Ronald Hutton for its pace and authenticity. In children’s literature, her stories resonate with young readers facing real-world challenges, offering hope and connection. As a tutor with the Open College of the Arts, Milton also nurtures new writers, passing on her passion for storytelling.
Her work captures the soul of Britain’s landscapes and its diverse communities, making her a quiet but powerful voice in modern fiction. For fans of crime, mysticism, or heartfelt coming-of-age tales, Milton’s books are a treasure waiting to be discovered.
- Born: Bristol, England
- Key Works: In the Moors, Unraveled Visions, Beneath the Tor, Tough Luck
- Awards: Won Crossroads Competition, Kent Festival Prize, Wells Literary Short Story Competition
Snag In the Moors and dive into Nina Milton’s thrilling blend of crime and shamanic magic! Whether you’re a mystery buff or a fan of mystical tales, her stories will keep you turning pages late into the night.