Picture a British storyteller who weaves gritty post-war mysteries with the romantic clatter of steam trains—meet Stephen Done! As the curator of Liverpool Football Club’s museum and the author of the acclaimed Inspector Vignoles mystery series, Done brings 1940s Britain to life with a historian’s precision and a novelist’s flair. His tales of crime along the Great Central Railway capture the austerity and intrigue of a bygone era, making him a hidden gem in historical fiction.
Born in 1960, Done’s unique blend of football fandom and railway obsession has shaped a career that’s as fascinating as his stories. From Anfield’s hallowed halls to the smoky platforms of his novels, he’s a master of preserving history and spinning yarns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Making of Stephen Done
Growing up on the outskirts of Scarborough, a young Stephen Done donned a Batman cape on his eighth birthday in 1968, boldly declaring his dream to drive steam engines—only to learn the last ones were chugging away the next day. This childhood disappointment fueled his lifelong passion for railways, which later became the backbone of his writing. After studying fine arts at Leeds University, Done found painting wasn’t his calling and retrained as a museum curator, working at Bristol Industrial Museum and Cyfarthfa Castle before landing his dream role in 1997 as the founding curator of Liverpool FC’s museum at Anfield. His love for history, football, and steam trains set the stage for his literary journey.
Stephen Done’s Unforgettable Stories
Done’s Inspector Vignoles mystery series, launched with Smoke Gets in Your Eyes in 2007, immerses readers in the grim yet captivating world of post-war Britain. Set along the Great Central Railway, the novels follow Detective Inspector Charles Vignoles as he untangles murders amid rationing, black markets, and crumbling infrastructure. The debut novel tracks Vignoles chasing counterfeiters, only for a shocking discovery to spiral the case into chaos. The Murder of Crows (2008) pits him against a killer during the 1947 Big Freeze, with snowbound railways and desperate refugees adding to the tension.
The Torn Curtain (2009) ventures into Cold War intrigue, while Cold Steel Rail (2018) sees a sinister Father Christmas derail a cozy 1954 Christmas. Done’s meticulous research—honed by his curator’s eye—brings authenticity to every steam whistle and ration book. His atmospheric prose and vivid characters evoke the era’s struggles and resilience, blending suspense with nostalgic charm that appeals to both mystery buffs and railway enthusiasts.
With 12 books in the series, including Murder on Broadway (2020), Done’s storytelling remains fresh, often drawing on his teenage years in Brackley, where he watched the Great Central’s viaduct being demolished. His novels breathe life into silent tracks, preserving a lost era for modern readers.
Why Stephen Done Matters
Stephen Done’s work is more than just crime fiction—it’s a love letter to Britain’s railway heritage and post-war spirit. His novels offer a window into the challenges of the 1940s and 1950s, from displaced persons’ camps to the decline of steam. As a member of the Friends of the Great Central Railway, he champions preserving railway history, while his curatorial work at Liverpool FC ensures the club’s legacy endures. Done’s ability to merge historical accuracy with gripping narratives has earned him a loyal following, with fans hoping to see Inspector Vignoles on screen someday.
- Born: 1960, Scarborough, England
- Key Works: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, The Murder of Crows, Cold Steel Rail
- Hobbies: Bird watching, gardening, railway modeling, and enjoying real ale
Snag Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and dive into Stephen Done’s thrilling world of steam and suspense!