Picture a British storyteller who turned a Caribbean island into a hotbed of cozy crime—meet Robert Thorogood! Born in 1972 in Colchester, Essex, this Sunday Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter is the mastermind behind the BBC’s beloved murder mystery series Death in Paradise. With a knack for blending humor, suspense, and clever puzzles, Thorogood’s journey from a struggling writer to a celebrated creator is as gripping as his whodunits.
The Making of Robert Thorogood
Thorogood’s love for mysteries sparked young, when he devoured Agatha Christie’s Peril at End House at age ten. Educated at Uppingham School and later reading History at Cambridge’s Downing College, he dabbled in comedy as president of the Footlights troupe. After graduating, he founded a theater company, directing and acting alongside future stars like David Mitchell and Olivia Colman in Molière’s The Miser. Yet, his writing dreams faced setbacks—years of pitching scripts to the BBC and ITV yielded just one Radio 4 play before his big break.
Undeterred, Thorogood entered the 2008 Red Planet Prize, pitching his ‘Copper in the Caribbean’ idea. It caught the eye of producer Tony Jordan, and by 2011, Death in Paradise hit screens, launching his career at 39. His persistence paid off, proving that even late bloomers can rewrite their story.
Robert Thorogood’s Unforgettable Stories
Thorogood’s flagship creation, Death in Paradise, is a love letter to Agatha Christie, blending fish-out-of-water detectives with intricate locked-room mysteries. Set on the fictional Saint Marie (filmed in Guadeloupe), the series premiered in 2011 to nearly 6 million viewers and has since spawned spin-offs Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise. Thorogood wrote key episodes, infusing them with witty dialogue and clever twists.
His novels expand this universe. The Death in Paradise series, starting with A Meditation on Murder (2015), follows DI Richard Poole tackling Caribbean crimes. The Killing of Polly Carter (2015) and Murder in the Caribbean (2018) showcase his knack for vibrant characters and head-scratching plots. In 2021, Thorogood launched The Marlow Murder Club, a cozy mystery series set in his Buckinghamshire hometown. Featuring a trio of women—led by 77-year-old crossword setter Judith Potts—it’s been adapted for PBS and UKTV, with a second season slated for 2025.
Thorogood’s style is playful yet precise, weaving humor and heart into tightly plotted puzzles. His heroines, especially in Marlow, challenge stereotypes, celebrating overlooked women as brilliant sleuths. Fans adore his ability to balance escapist fun with emotional depth.
Why Robert Thorogood Matters
Thorogood’s impact lies in his revival of cozy crime for modern audiences. Death in Paradise has aired in over 200 countries, offering sunshine-soaked escapism that lifts spirits, especially in dreary winters. His novels, praised for their charm and wit, have earned him a devoted following and accolades like the 2012 France Film’s 'En Route to France' award. By championing diverse, authentic settings and strong female leads, he’s reshaped the genre, proving cozy mysteries can be both timeless and fresh.
His journey inspires aspiring writers, showing that persistence can turn dreams into reality. Thorogood’s stories remind us that even in the darkest mysteries, there’s room for laughter and light.
- Born: 1972, Colchester, Essex
- Key Works: Death in Paradise, The Marlow Murder Club, A Meditation on Murder
- Awards: France Film’s 'En Route to France' (2012)
Ready for a dose of clever crime-solving? Grab The Marlow Murder Club or binge Death in Paradise to dive into Thorogood’s delightful world of mysteries!