Picture a Canadian storyteller who traded boardrooms for gritty crime scenes—meet Robert P. French! This former tech executive turned indie author crafts thrilling mysteries that pulse with Vancouver’s raw energy. His Cal Rogan Mysteries series, a rollercoaster of addiction, redemption, and cunning detective work, has hooked readers with its flawed hero and twisty plots. French’s journey from corporate life to gripping storytelling is as compelling as his novels.
The Making of Robert P. French
Born in Oxford, England, Robert P. French eventually found his home in Vancouver, Canada, a city that became the vivid backdrop for his novels. Before picking up the pen, French navigated diverse careers as a software developer, actor, and Chief Technology Officer. His leap into writing began in 2003 after resigning from his tech role, driven by a long-buried dream to tell stories. Despite battling writer’s block, French honed his craft with persistence, transforming his varied experiences into the gritty authenticity of his mysteries.
Robert P. French’s Unforgettable Stories
French’s Cal Rogan Mysteries series is the heart of his literary legacy, blending noir crime with deep emotional resonance. The series kicks off with Junkie, where ex-cop Cal Rogan, a heroin addict, hunts his friend’s killer through Vancouver’s underbelly. Oboe sees Rogan reinstated as a detective, tackling a ritualistic murder with haunting personal stakes. Lockstep shifts gears as Rogan, now a private investigator, juggles a kidnapping and political intrigue. Cabal amps up the thrills, linking a homeless man’s death to a terrorist bombing, showcasing French’s knack for weaving complex conspiracies.
French’s writing style is fast-paced and immersive, with a keen eye for Vancouver’s gritty Downtown Eastside. His protagonist, Cal Rogan, is a flawed yet magnetic hero whose battle with addiction adds raw humanity to the hard-boiled detective genre. Readers praise French’s ability to balance heart-pounding suspense with believable characters and unexpected twists, making each book a page-turner that lingers.
Why Robert P. French Matters
Robert P. French has carved a niche in the indie mystery scene, proving that self-published authors can deliver blockbuster thrills. His Cal Rogan series resonates with readers for its unflinching portrayal of addiction and redemption, set against Vancouver’s vibrant yet shadowy streets. French’s transition from tech to storytelling inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and perseverance can birth a gripping series. His work elevates Canadian crime fiction, offering a fresh voice in a genre dominated by big names.
- Born: Oxford, England
- Key Works: Junkie, Oboe, Lockstep, Cabal, Three, Captive, Jailed
- Genre: Noir Crime, Mystery Thriller
- Fun Fact: French writes six days a week at the Vancouver Public Library!
Snag Junkie and dive into Robert P. French’s thrilling world of crime and redemption!