Picture a British storyteller who turned the gritty streets of Peterborough into a thrilling canvas for crime and mystery—meet Ross Greenwood! This award-winning author weaves tales of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, blending humor, heart, and suspense. From his days as a prison officer to crafting bestsellers like The Snow Killer, Greenwood’s journey is as captivating as his novels.
Born in 1973 in Peterborough, England, Greenwood’s deep connection to his hometown shapes his stories. His unique path—from global wanderer to crime fiction maestro—has made him a standout voice in the mystery and thriller genre, with fans flocking to explore his vivid, character-driven worlds.
The Making of Ross Greenwood
Ross Greenwood’s early life in Peterborough set the stage for his storytelling. Raised in the Cambridgeshire city and educated at The King’s School, he opted for adventure over university, working eclectic jobs like managing a Blockbuster Video, flipping burgers at McDonald’s, and even tending a farm in the Australian outback. His nomadic lifestyle took him across the globe, but Peterborough remained his anchor, drawing him back during life’s twists and turns. A health scare at 28—a tumor removed from his head—sparked a period of soul-searching, leading to his unexpected stint as a prison officer at HMP Peterborough from 2011 to 2015. There, working with both male and female inmates, he gained a raw, insider’s view of human nature, fueling his writing.
It was during sleepless nights at the prison, battling insomnia, that Greenwood penned his debut novel, Fifty Years of Fear. Inspired by his experiences and a desire to portray Peterborough in a fresh, authentic light, he began crafting stories that resonate with readers worldwide. Meeting his partner while walking his dog in 2010 and raising two children grounded him, giving him the stability to pursue writing full-time.
Ross Greenwood’s Unforgettable Stories
Greenwood’s novels are a masterclass in blending gritty realism with compelling characters. His Dark Lives series, including Fifty Years of Fear and Lazy Blood, explores the struggles of Peterborough’s residents with a mix of humor and heartbreak. Fifty Years of Fear follows Vinnie, a lifelong victim navigating a world of bullies and family dysfunction, while Lazy Blood traces the bonds of four misfit boys growing up in the city. These standalone novels feature recurring characters, creating a rich, interconnected tapestry of Peterborough life.
The DI Barton series, starting with The Snow Killer in 2019, catapulted Greenwood to bestseller status, selling over 40,000 copies in its first six months. Set in Peterborough’s Thorpe Wood police station, the series follows Detective Inspector John Barton, a refreshingly grounded family man tackling chilling crimes. From The Ice Killer’s serial killer trilogy to The Santa Killer’s festive thriller, each novel balances pulse-pounding suspense with relatable characters. Greenwood’s Norfolk Murders series, including Death on Cromer Beach, shifts the action to Norfolk’s coast, with DS Ashley Knight investigating eerie cases, earning acclaim for its authentic local flavor.
His time as a prison officer infuses his work with authenticity, particularly in standalone thrillers like Prisoner and Jail Break, which delve into the psychological toll of incarceration. Greenwood’s style—fast-paced, humorous, and emotionally resonant—avoids clichés, earning praise for its vivid portrayal of human resilience.
Why Ross Greenwood Matters
Ross Greenwood’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the crime genre. By drawing on his prison experiences and Peterborough roots, he crafts stories that explore the blurred lines between victim and villain, challenging readers to rethink societal failures. His DI Barton series, with nearly 250,000 copies sold, has turned Peterborough into a literary destination, with fans visiting locales like Cathedral Square and Netherton. His Norfolk Murders series, selling over 50,000 copies of Death on Cromer Beach alone, celebrates Norfolk’s charm while delivering gripping mysteries.
Greenwood’s legacy is his knack for making readers care—about flawed characters, overlooked towns, and the quiet struggles of everyday life. His 2017 Raven Award for Lazy Blood underscores his growing influence, proving that even a former prison officer can redefine crime fiction.
- Born: 1973, Peterborough, England
- Key Works: The Snow Killer, Fifty Years of Fear, Death on Cromer Beach, Lazy Blood
- Awards: 2017 Raven Award for Favorite Mystery/Suspense (Lazy Blood)
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag The Snow Killer and dive into Ross Greenwood’s gripping world of mystery and heart!