Picture a British pop star turned vicar who swapped synths for sermons and then became a bestselling author—meet Reverend Richard Coles! With a life as colorful as a 1980s music video, Coles has danced from chart-topping hits with The Communards to crafting cozy crime novels and heartfelt memoirs, all while charming audiences with his wit and warmth.
Born in Northampton, Coles’s journey is a tapestry of music, faith, and storytelling, weaving together his experiences as a gay man, a priest, and a broadcaster. His writing, infused with humor and humanity, captures the quirks of village life and the depths of personal loss, making him a beloved figure in literature and beyond.
The Making of Richard Coles
Richard Keith Robert Coles entered the world on March 26, 1962, in Northampton, England, where his grandfather’s shoe business hinted at a comfortable life that later faced financial struggles. A choirboy at Wellingborough School, Coles’s early love for music led him to teach himself saxophone, clarinet, and keyboards. By 1980, he was in London, immersing himself in the vibrant music scene. His big break came in 1985 when he formed The Communards with Jimmy Somerville, scoring hits like the 1986 chart-topper “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” But fame brought challenges, including a battle with depression and a suicide attempt, which set the stage for a profound transformation.
In 1990, Coles found solace in faith, studying theology at King’s College London and later earning an MA from the University of Leeds. Ordained in 2005, he became the vicar of Finedon, Northamptonshire, blending his pastoral duties with a burgeoning career in broadcasting, co-hosting BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live for over a decade.
Richard Coles’s Unforgettable Stories
Coles’s writing is a delightful mix of wit, warmth, and insight, reflecting his eclectic life. His 2014 memoir, Fathomless Riches: Or How I Went From Pop to Pulpit, is a candid, colorful account of his journey from pop stardom to priesthood, tackling his struggles with sexuality and mental health with self-deprecating humor. Its sequel, Bringing in the Sheaves (2016), dives deeper into his life as a vicar, offering a humorous yet poignant look at rural parish life.
In 2022, Coles ventured into fiction with Murder Before Evensong, the first in his Canon Clement Mysteries series. This cozy crime novel introduces Canon Daniel Clement, a sleuthing vicar navigating murder in a quaint English village. Its sequels, A Death in the Parish (2023) and Murder at the Monastery (2024), continue the series’ charm, blending gentle humor with intricate plots. Coles’s 2021 memoir, The Madness of Grief, written after the death of his partner David Coles, is a raw, moving exploration of loss, resonating with readers for its honesty and tenderness.
His writing style—elegant, funny, and deeply human—draws readers into worlds both familiar and extraordinary, whether it’s the chaos of 1980s pop or the quiet dramas of a village church. Coles’s ability to find the sacred in the everyday makes his work universally appealing.
Why Richard Coles Matters
Richard Coles’s impact lies in his fearless authenticity. As an openly gay priest, he’s challenged stereotypes within the Church of England, advocating for inclusivity while sharing his mental health journey to inspire others. His Canon Clement Mysteries have revitalized the cozy crime genre, offering a fresh take with their clerical sleuth and nostalgic charm. Through his memoirs, Coles has given voice to the AIDS crisis’s emotional toll and the complexities of grief, fostering empathy and understanding.
As a broadcaster and author, he bridges secular and spiritual worlds, making complex themes accessible with his trademark humor. His influence extends beyond literature, encouraging readers to embrace their multifaceted identities and find joy in life’s contradictions.
- Born: March 26, 1962, Northampton, England
- Key Works: Fathomless Riches, Murder Before Evensong, The Madness of Grief
- Notable Roles: Vicar, broadcaster, Communards musician
- Awards: Jerusalem Award (2014) for radio work
Snag Murder Before Evensong and dive into Richard Coles’s cozy crime world—or curl up with Fathomless Riches for a wild ride from pop to pulpit!