Picture a British storyteller who crafts quirky children’s tales, dark comedies, and gripping crime thrillers with equal flair—meet Simon Mason! Born in Sheffield in 1962, this versatile author has spent decades weaving emotionally rich stories that captivate readers of all ages. From the lovable chaos of The Quigleys to the razor-sharp DI Ryan Wilkins Mysteries, Mason’s knack for vivid characters and immersive settings has earned him awards and a loyal following.
Now based in Oxford, Mason balances writing with a storied career in publishing and academia, shaping the literary world one page at a time. Curious about the man behind the mysteries? Let’s dive into his journey!
The Making of Simon Mason
Born on February 5, 1962, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Simon Mason grew up with a footballer father, Cliff Mason, and a mother who worked as a sex therapist. His love for poetry blossomed in local comprehensive schools, leading him to study English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Though he found Oxford’s erudition a bit stifling, it set the stage for a dual career in publishing and writing. Starting at Oxford University Press, Mason later became Managing Director at David Fickling Books, working with luminaries like Philip Pullman. His first novel, The Great English Nude, published in 1990, won the Betty Trask Award, marking his arrival as a bold new voice.
Simon Mason’s Unforgettable Stories
Mason’s bibliography spans genres, reflecting his restless creativity. His early adult novels, like The Great English Nude (1990) and Death of a Fantasist (1994), blend dark humor with sharp social commentary, earning comparisons to Martin Amis. In 2002, he pivoted to children’s literature with The Quigleys, a heartwarming series about an eccentric family, shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award. His 2011 novel Moon Pie, a tender coming-of-age tale, earned a Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize nomination.
In his teens, Mason devoured crime novels by Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, which inspired his YA Garvie Smith Mysteries, starting with Running Girl (2014), a Costa-shortlisted thriller featuring a slacker-genius detective. His latest triumph, the DI Ryan Wilkins Mysteries, kicked off with A Killing in November (2022), a CWA Gold Dagger nominee praised for reinventing the Oxford crime novel. With richly drawn characters like the rough-edged Ryan Wilkins and polished Ray Wilkins, Mason’s crime thrillers pulse with suspense and humanity.
Mason’s style is a masterclass in versatility: playful and warm in children’s books, gritty and incisive in crime fiction. His Oxford settings, from dingy streets to grand colleges, feel alive, while his themes—family, identity, and redemption—resonate deeply.
Why Simon Mason Matters
Simon Mason’s impact lies in his ability to bridge genres, crafting stories that feel both timeless and fresh. His children’s books, like The Quigleys, charm young readers with humor and heart, while his crime novels, hailed by critics like Val McDermid, breathe new life into the police procedural. By mentoring writers at Oxford Brookes University and editing works like Philip Pullman’s Daemon Voices, Mason shapes the next generation of storytellers. His knack for emotionally engaging narratives ensures his stories linger with readers long after the final page.
- Born: February 5, 1962, Sheffield, Yorkshire
- Key Works: The Great English Nude, The Quigleys, Moon Pie, A Killing in November
- Awards: Betty Trask Award (1991), Crimefest Prize (2017), CWA Gold Dagger nominee (2022)
Snag A Killing in November and dive into Simon Mason’s thrilling world of Oxford crime—or charm your kids with The Quigleys for a cozy read-aloud!