Picture a British storyteller who swapped the frenetic newsroom for the pulse-pounding world of thrillers—meet Peter Hanington! A veteran BBC journalist with over 25 years of global reporting under his belt, Hanington crafts intelligent, gripping novels that dive deep into the murky waters of modern journalism and international politics. His William Carver series, starting with the Sunday Times thriller of the month A Dying Breed, has hooked readers with its raw authenticity and echoes of le Carré and Greene.
With a knack for turning real-world chaos into page-turning fiction, Hanington’s stories don’t just entertain—they make you think about the messy truths behind the headlines. Ready to explore the world through the eyes of a jaded yet relentless reporter? Let’s dive into Hanington’s journey!
The Making of Peter Hanington
Born in the UK, Peter Hanington’s early life is a bit like a prequel to his novels—full of intriguing details but not overly spotlighted. Before he was a novelist, Hanington was a radio journalist, spending over a quarter-century with the BBC. He cut his teeth on Radio 4’s Today programme for 14 years, tackling stories from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. His global fieldwork, from Russia to South Africa, gave him a front-row seat to the world’s messiest moments, shaping his sharp, grounded storytelling. Inspired by literary giants like Graham Greene and Patricia Highsmith, Hanington started scribbling his debut novel on the London Underground’s Central Line after grueling night shifts, proving that great stories can spark anywhere.
Peter Hanington’s Unforgettable Stories
Hanington’s novels center on William Carver, a grizzled, unlovable BBC hack who’s as stubborn as he is brilliant. His debut, A Dying Breed (2016), kicks off in Kabul with a bomb blast that unravels a global conspiracy. Critics raved, calling it a ‘tremendous’ blend of suspense and insight into warzone journalism. A Single Source (2019) takes Carver to Cairo during the Arab Spring, exposing the dirty deals behind British tear gas exports. A Cursed Place (2021) tackles tech conspiracies, while The Burning Time (2023) dives into the shady politics of climate change geoengineering, earning praise as a ‘smart and topical’ thriller.
Hanington’s style is a masterclass in balance: taut plotting, vivid characters, and a journalist’s eye for detail. His thrillers don’t just thrill—they probe big questions, like how truth survives in a world of fake news and political spin. Drawing on his BBC days, Hanington infuses his stories with gritty realism, making Carver’s world feel like it’s ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
Why Peter Hanington Matters
Peter Hanington’s impact lies in his ability to make thrillers more than escapism. Through Carver, he shines a light on the fading art of investigative journalism, reminding us why dogged reporters matter in a democracy. His novels tackle timely issues—climate change, tech monopolies, warzone ethics—with a clarity that informs as much as it entertains. Hanington’s work has resonated with readers and critics alike, earning spots on best-thriller lists and even a TV option for A Dying Breed. For fans of intelligent thrillers, he’s a fresh voice carrying the torch of le Carré into the 21st century.
- Born: United Kingdom
- Key Works: A Dying Breed, A Single Source, A Cursed Place, The Burning Time
- Notable: Sunday Times Thriller of the Month for A Dying Breed
- Influences: Graham Greene, Patricia Highsmith, John le Carré
Ready to get lost in a world of spies, scoops, and secrets? Snag A Dying Breed and dive into Peter Hanington’s thrilling universe!