Picture a British storyteller who traded a detective’s badge for a pen, crafting crime thrillers that pulse with gritty realism—meet Roger A. Price! A retired detective inspector with over 30 years in the Lancashire Police, Price channels his covert operations and murder investigations into novels that grip you like a late-night stakeout. His authentic portrayals of crime and corruption have made him a rising star in crime fiction.
From busting drug cartels to penning page-turners, Price’s journey is as thrilling as his stories. His Badge and the Pen series, starring Detective Inspector Vinnie Palmer and TV reporter Christine Jones, blends meticulous police procedurals with heart-pounding action, earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
The Making of Roger A. Price
Roger A. Price’s life reads like the opening chapter of a crime novel. After serving over three decades in the Lancashire Police, the Regional Crime Squad, and the National Crime Squad, he retired as a detective inspector. His career took him across the UK, Europe, and the Far East, where he tackled murders, drug trafficking, and even a US Mafia-ordered hit. Commended multiple times for his work, Price’s real-world grit now fuels his fiction. Upon retiring, he swapped catching criminals for crafting stories, drawing on his experiences to create authentic, high-stakes narratives.
Price always harbored a passion for writing but was ‘too busy’ chasing bad guys until retirement gave him the chance to focus. Now a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, he’s also developing a TV crime drama, Bristol 5-0, proving his storytelling prowess extends beyond the page.
Roger A. Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s novels are a masterclass in crime fiction, blending procedural precision with relentless suspense. His debut, By Their Rules, and its follow-up, A New Menace, dive into the shadowy world of covert operations, introducing readers to his knack for gritty realism. Published by Pegasus, these Burrows & Lee novels set the stage for his later successes.
The Badge and the Pen series, published by Lume Books, is where Price truly shines. Nemesis introduces Detective Inspector Vinnie Palmer, who faces off against a vengeful psychopath, Daniel Moxley, in a cat-and-mouse chase packed with gruesome twists. Vengeance ramps up the stakes with political intrigue and seasoned killers, while Hidden tackles modern-day slavery, weaving a race-against-time thriller. Fans praise the series for its authentic police work and electrifying pace, with Amazon reviews calling Hidden a ‘rollercoaster ride.’
Price’s DS Draker series, including Inside Threat, Double Cross, and Red Herring, published by Sharpe Books, showcases Detective Sergeant Martin Draker navigating corruption and betrayal. His 2024 standalone thriller, The Cabal, and the SAS thriller With Prejudice further cement his versatility. Price’s unflinching portrayal of violence, corruption, and moral ambiguity, paired with his insider knowledge, makes his work a must-read for crime fiction fans.
Why Roger A. Price Matters
Roger A. Price’s impact lies in his ability to bridge reality and fiction. His novels don’t just entertain—they immerse readers in the raw, unfiltered world of law enforcement, where heroes grapple with moral gray areas. Critics like Gary Donnelly call him ‘the real thing’ for his procedural authenticity, while Rob Parker praises his ‘enthralling, bruising thriller-writing.’ Price’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that feel lived-in, not fabricated.
As a former detective turned author, Price also inspires aspiring writers, showing how real-world experience can fuel compelling fiction. His growing fanbase and TV projects signal a lasting presence in the crime genre, making him a name to watch.
- Born: United Kingdom
- Key Works: Nemesis, Vengeance, Hidden, Inside Threat, The Cabal
- Genres: Crime Fiction, Thriller
- Notable: Retired detective inspector; member of the Crime Writers’ Association
Snag Nemesis and dive into Roger A. Price’s thrilling crime world—your next late-night read awaits!