Picture a British storyteller who traded the spotlight of the stage for the suspense of the page—meet Robert Daws! Known for his charismatic roles in beloved TV series like Jeeves and Wooster and Outside Edge, Daws has captivated audiences for decades. But it’s his pivot to crime fiction, with the gripping Sullivan and Broderick Murder Investigations Series set in sun-soaked Gibraltar, that’s got readers buzzing. His debut novel, The Rock, even caught the eye of TV producers, proving Daws’s knack for storytelling knows no bounds.
With a career spanning acting, writing, and even a bit of trumpet-playing, Daws brings a unique flair to the mystery genre. His tales of murder and intrigue, woven against the vibrant backdrop of Gibraltar, are as thrilling as they are vivid. Let’s dive into the life and works of this multifaceted talent!
The Making of Robert Daws
Born on May 4, 1959, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Robert Daws was destined for the spotlight. Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), he honed his craft on stage before becoming a familiar face on British television. From playing the pompous Tuppy Glossop in Jeeves and Wooster to the gruff Roger Dervish in Outside Edge, Daws’s versatility earned him a nomination for Best Comedy Actor at the British Comedy Awards. His love for storytelling didn’t stop at acting—Gibraltar, a place he grew to adore, inspired him to pick up the pen and craft his own mysteries.
Robert Daws’s Unforgettable Stories
Daws’s Sullivan and Broderick Murder Investigations Series is a masterclass in crime fiction. The series kicks off with The Rock (2012), where Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan, exiled to Gibraltar after a misstep in London, teams up with the old-school Chief Inspector Gus Broderick. Together, they unravel a dark secret tied to a 1966 murder, blending fast-paced plotting with vivid descriptions of Gibraltar’s narrow streets and sunlit vistas. Readers praise its cinematic quality, and it’s no surprise the book’s been optioned for television.
The sequel, The Poisoned Rock (2016), dives into espionage, connecting a 1942 murder to a modern-day film shoot. Daws’s acting background shines here, with authentic depictions of a film set’s chaos. Killing Rock (2020), the third installment, raises the stakes as Sullivan and Broderick tackle mummified remains and a massacre in Spain, delivering twists that keep readers guessing. Daws’s style—tight prose, rich settings, and flawed, relatable characters—makes each book a page-turner, earning comparisons to John le Carré and Ian Rankin.
Beyond the series, Daws co-hosts the Partners in Crime podcast with author Adam Croft, dishing on the art of mystery writing. His ability to craft compelling narratives across mediums underscores his storytelling prowess.
Why Robert Daws Matters
Robert Daws has carved a unique niche in crime fiction by bringing Gibraltar to life as a character in its own right. His intimate knowledge of the Rock’s culture and history infuses his stories with authenticity, making them stand out in a crowded genre. Fans and critics, including bestselling author Peter James, laud his elegant storytelling and sense of place. By transitioning from a celebrated actor to a bestselling author, Daws inspires aspiring creatives to embrace reinvention, proving it’s never too late to chase a new passion.
- Born: May 4, 1959, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
- Key Works: The Rock, The Poisoned Rock, Killing Rock
- Notable Roles: Jeeves and Wooster, Outside Edge, Poldark
- Fun Fact: He’s a trumpet player and co-hosts a crime fiction podcast!
Snag The Rock and dive into Robert Daws’s thrilling world of Gibraltar mysteries—you won’t put it down!