Picture a Yorkshire-born storyteller who swapped radio waves for gripping crime novels—meet O.M.J. Ryan! With a knack for crafting fast-paced thrillers that keep readers up past midnight, Ryan’s Detective Jane Phillips series has cemented his place in the mystery genre. From Manchester’s shadowy streets to pulse-pounding plots, his stories are as addictive as a late-night binge.
Hailing from the rugged charm of Yorkshire, O.M.J. Ryan, or Owen to friends, spent over two decades in radio and entertainment before diving into novels. His journey from airwaves to authorship is a tale of passion, persistence, and a love for keeping audiences on edge. Now settled in Northeast England with his wife Kim and son Vaughan, Ryan’s life fuels his storytelling with authenticity and heart.
The Making of O.M.J. Ryan
Born in Yorkshire, O.M.J. Ryan grew up with a flair for storytelling, honed during his 20-year career in radio and entertainment across the UK and Australia. Collaborating with celebrities and earning international writing and radio awards, he built a knack for engaging audiences. In 2018, Ryan traded microphones for manuscripts, channeling his creative energy into mystery novels. His experiences in vibrant cities like Leeds, Manchester, and Sydney infuse his work with vivid settings and relatable characters.
O.M.J. Ryan’s Unforgettable Stories
Ryan’s Detective Jane Phillips series, launched with Deadly Secrets in 2019, follows the tenacious DCI Jane Phillips as she tackles serial killer mysteries in Manchester. The series, now spanning 12 books, including Deadly Silence and Deadly Inferno, is known for its heart-stopping pace and clever twists. In Deadly Waters, Phillips hunts a killer leaving mysterious bruises on victims, while Deadly Obsession explores chilling copycat murders. Ryan’s style blends gritty police procedurals with psychological depth, earning praise for keeping readers guessing.
His plots often dive into dark themes—corruption, vengeance, and hidden pasts—while maintaining a light, engaging tone through witty banter among Phillips’ team. Fans love the series’ balance of suspense and humor, with reviewers calling it “unputdownable” and perfect for fans of Angela Marsons or Robert Bryndza. Ryan’s radio background shines through in his sharp dialogue, making each book feel like a thrilling conversation.
Why O.M.J. Ryan Matters
O.M.J. Ryan’s impact lies in his ability to craft escapist thrillers that resonate with readers worldwide. His Detective Jane Phillips series has built a loyal following, with over 12,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.51 stars. By portraying a strong, flawed female lead, Ryan challenges stereotypes in the crime genre, while his focus on teamwork and justice reflects real-world grit. His transition from entertainment to novels inspires aspiring authors, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
Ryan’s stories also capture the pulse of modern Britain, from Manchester’s urban sprawl to the moral dilemmas of law enforcement. His work entertains while subtly exploring themes of corruption and resilience, making him a standout in contemporary mystery fiction.
- Born: Yorkshire, England
- Key Works: Detective Jane Phillips series (Deadly Secrets, Deadly Silence, Deadly Waters, Deadly Inferno)
- Notable: Over 20 years in radio, with international writing and radio awards
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Deadly Silence and dive into O.M.J. Ryan’s world of mystery and mayhem!