Picture a German-born storyteller who swapped the classroom for the shadowy world of financial crime—meet Susan Grossey! With her gripping Sam Plank series, this Cambridge-educated author weaves historical mysteries set in 1820s London, blending her anti-money laundering expertise with a knack for vivid storytelling. Her novels don’t just entertain; they unravel the timeless allure of greed and deception.
From her early days editing school newspapers to becoming a Regency crime aficionado, Grossey’s journey is as fascinating as her books. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this unique voice in historical fiction!
The Making of Susan Grossey
Born in Germany and raised in England, Susan Grossey graduated from Cambridge University in 1987 with an English degree. Her early career took her from teaching secondary English—where she found the curriculum stifling—to documenting a choc-ice wrapping machine as a technical author (complete with a memorable blue hairnet). A pivotal moment came when she wrote a staff manual chapter on money laundering, sparking a lifelong obsession. By 1998, she was running her own anti-money laundering consultancy, advising banks and casinos, and laying the foundation for her literary career.
Susan Grossey’s Unforgettable Stories
Grossey’s Sam Plank Mysteries, set in the gritty streets of 1820s London, are her crowning achievement. The series follows magistrates’ constable Sam Plank, a principled investigator tackling financial crimes in an era before the Metropolitan Police. Her debut, Fatal Forgery (2013), inspired by the real-life case of banker Henry Fauntleroy, explores forgery and betrayal with meticulous historical detail. The Man in the Canary Waistcoat (2014) dives into investment fraud, while Portraits of Pret Penal Code (2016) tackles art crime, earning the 2017 Book of the Year award from Discovering Diamonds. Faith, Hope and Trickery (2018), shortlisted for the 2019 Selfies Award, weaves a tale of religious fraud.
Grossey’s style is crisp and immersive, painting Regency London with such clarity that readers feel the cobblestones underfoot. Her focus on the 'why' of crime—greed, desperation, or gullibility—mirrors modern financial scandals, making her stories resonate across centuries. She’s since launched the Cambridge Hardiman Mysteries, starting with Ostler (2023), shifting to 1820s Cambridge with university constable Gregory Hardiman.
Why Susan Grossey Matters
Susan Grossey has carved a niche in historical financial crime fiction, a genre she practically invented. Her ability to blend rigorous research with compelling narratives has earned her a devoted readership and critical acclaim. By illuminating the human motivations behind crime, she offers timeless insights into society’s underbelly. Her transition to the Cambridge Hardiman series signals her enduring creativity, promising more tales that bridge past and present.
Grossey’s impact extends beyond fiction. Her consultancy work has shaped anti-money laundering practices globally, and her non-fiction guides, like Anti-Money Laundering: A Guide for the Non-Executive Director, are industry staples. She’s a storyteller who proves that niche passions can captivate a wide audience.
- Born: Germany, later moved to England
- Education: Cambridge University, English degree (1987)
- Key Works: Fatal Forgery, Portraits of Pretence, Ostler
- Awards: Discovering Diamonds Book of the Year (2017), Selfies Award shortlist (2019)
Snag Fatal Forgery and dive into Susan Grossey’s thrilling world of Regency crime—you’ll be hooked!