Picture a British storyteller weaving chilling mysteries in the misty hills of Derbyshire—meet Sarah Ward! A master of crime fiction, Ward rose from a passionate reviewer to an acclaimed novelist, captivating readers with her intricate plots and vivid settings. Her 'DC Connie Childs Mystery' series has earned her a loyal following, blending gritty police procedurals with the haunting beauty of England’s Peak District.
But Ward’s journey is more than just writing novels. Her deep dive into Scandinavian crime fiction and her role as a judge for the Petrona Award have made her a respected voice in the genre. Ready to uncover the story behind this thrilling author? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Sarah Ward
Sarah Ward’s love for crime fiction sparked in her teens, devouring Agatha Christie novels in Cheshire, England. After studying in Liverpool and living in London and Athens, Greece, she settled in the rugged beauty of Derbyshire’s Peak District. Her time abroad, especially in Greece, gave her the space to write, fueled by homesickness for the English countryside. Before her novels, Ward built a name through her blog, Crimepieces, where her sharp reviews of global crime fiction—especially Scandinavian noir—gained a devoted audience.
Her transition from critic to author was a natural leap. Years of analyzing the genre honed her craft, and her insider knowledge of Derbyshire’s landscapes and communities shaped her authentic storytelling. Ward’s debut came in 2015, launching her into the literary spotlight with a voice both fresh and familiar.
Sarah Ward’s Unforgettable Stories
Ward’s 'DC Connie Childs Mystery' series, set in the fictional town of Bampton (inspired by Buxton, Bakewell, and Cromford), is her hallmark. Her debut, In Bitter Chill (2015), follows Detective Constable Connie Childs as she unravels a decades-old kidnapping case, earning praise from the Daily Mail for its “tense, well-told story of loss and family secrets.” A Deadly Thaw (2016) dives into a murder mystery with a relentless grip, as the Financial Times noted, while A Patient Fury (2017), an Observer Thriller of the Month, showcases Ward’s knack for complex plots.
Her fourth novel, The Shrouded Path (2018), described by the Lancashire Evening Post as “moody, menacing, and with a hint of the macabre,” cements her skill in evoking Derbyshire’s eerie atmosphere. Beyond crime, Ward, writing as Rhiannon Ward, penned Gothic thrillers like The Quickening (2020), a Radio Times Book of the Year, and The Shadowing (2021), a Daily Express favorite. Her newer series, featuring Mallory Dawson in West Wales and Carla James in New England, shows her versatility, with titles like The Birthday Girl (2023) and Death Rites (2024) expanding her reach.
Ward’s style blends classic British procedural with Nordic noir’s atmospheric depth. Her characters, like the resilient Connie Childs, feel real, their struggles grounded in human emotion. Derbyshire’s caves, canals, and post-industrial relics become characters themselves, adding a chilling backdrop to her tightly woven narratives.
Why Sarah Ward Matters
Sarah Ward’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into crime fiction. Her authentic portrayal of Derbyshire has made her a standout in the “Derbyshire Noir” subgenre, alongside authors like Val McDermid. As Vice-Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association and a judge for the Petrona Award, she champions both British and translated crime fiction, elevating the genre globally. Her reviews on Crimepieces continue to guide readers, while her Doctor Who audio dramas show her creative range.
Ward’s stories resonate because they explore trauma, resilience, and community with heart and grit. Her growing fanbase, from the UK to the US, proves her universal appeal. For fans of intricate mysteries and vivid settings, Ward is a must-read, pushing the boundaries of crime fiction with every book.
- Born: Cheshire, England
- Key Works: In Bitter Chill, A Deadly Thaw, The Quickening, The Birthday Girl
- Awards: Judge for Petrona Award, shortlisted for Dracula Society’s Children of the Night Award
- Fun Fact: Ward’s Bampton is a love letter to Derbyshire’s Buxton, Bakewell, and Cromford.
Snag In Bitter Chill and dive into Sarah Ward’s gripping world of Derbyshire mysteries!