Picture a British storyteller weaving cozy mysteries that whisk you to a charming seaside village—meet Peter Boon! This rising star from Wigan has captured readers’ hearts with his Edward Crisp Mysteries, blending classic whodunit puzzles with humor, heart, and modern twists. From his home in Eastbourne, Boon crafts tales that feel like a warm cup of tea spiked with suspense.
With his debut novel, Who Killed Miss Finch?, hitting the number one spot for Young Adult books on Amazon UK, Boon’s knack for crafting intricate plots and relatable characters has earned him a loyal following. His stories, set in the fictional Chalk Gap, invite readers to solve murders alongside a quirky librarian and his teenage sidekick, making every page a delightful adventure.
The Making of Peter Boon
Born and raised in Wigan, Greater Manchester, Peter Boon grew up with a passion for storytelling. At just fourteen, he penned his first play, Killer on the Costa, for a local theater, hinting at the creative spark that would define his career. A literature degree and a career as an English teacher for ages 11–18 further honed his craft, with the classroom inspiring his debut novel’s school setting. Now living in Eastbourne with his partner, Graeme, Boon balances teaching GCSE English re-sits with his blossoming writing career, drawing from his love for Agatha Christie and Golden Age mysteries.
Peter Boon’s Unforgettable Stories
Boon’s Edward Crisp Mysteries series is the heart of his work, starring Edward Crisp, a socially awkward school librarian with a knack for solving crimes, and Noah, his enthusiastic, autistic teenage assistant. The series kicks off with Who Killed Miss Finch? (2020), where a despised headteacher’s murder sets the stage for a classic whodunit. The Snow Day Murders (2020) follows, trapping Chalk Gap in a snowy lockdown with a killer on the loose, showcasing Boon’s skill at blending cozy settings with gripping suspense.
Death in the Closet (2021) tackles themes like homophobia in professional football, proving Boon’s ability to weave social issues into his puzzles. The Christmas Card Killer (2022), a shorter novelette, offers a festive mystery with Noah’s perspective, adding depth to the series’ beloved characters. Boon’s style—light, character-driven, and packed with twists—echoes Agatha Christie while feeling fresh and accessible, appealing to both adults and young readers.
His fictional Chalk Gap, nestled near Eastbourne, becomes a character itself, with its snow-dusted cliffs and gossipy villagers. Boon’s humor and relatable protagonists, like Edward’s anxiety-ridden charm or Noah’s crime-fiction obsession, make each book a page-turner that’s hard to put down.
Why Peter Boon Matters
Peter Boon has carved a unique niche in the cozy mystery genre, bringing traditional whodunnits into the modern era with diverse characters and contemporary themes. His inclusive storytelling, like featuring autism representation through Noah or addressing social issues, resonates with readers seeking both escapism and relevance. Amazon reviewers praise his books as “thoroughly delightful” and “a little treasure,” reflecting his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
As a teacher-turned-author, Boon inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and persistence can lead to literary success. With a growing series and a dedicated fan base, he’s proving that cozy mysteries can be both comforting and thought-provoking, ensuring his stories linger long after the final clue is solved.
- Birthplace: Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK
- Key Works: Who Killed Miss Finch?, The Snow Day Murders, Death in the Closet, The Christmas Card Killer
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Notable Achievement: Who Killed Miss Finch? hit #1 on Amazon UK’s Young Adult chart
Snag Who Killed Miss Finch? and dive into Peter Boon’s cozy, thrilling world of Chalk Gap mysteries!