Picture a Scottish storyteller weaving dark, pulse-pounding mysteries against the moody backdrop of the Campsie Fells—meet T.G. Reid! This bestselling crime novelist has gripped over 600,000 readers worldwide with his DCI Bone series, blending gritty police procedurals with Scottish humor. Writing under his own name and as Tom Gillespie, Reid’s knack for vivid characters and twisty plots has cemented his place in contemporary crime fiction.
From his roots in Scotland to his current home in Bath, Reid’s journey is one of reinvention, trading music and academia for the thrill of storytelling. His tales, steeped in the rugged beauty of his homeland, offer readers an unforgettable dive into the shadows of human nature.
The Making of T.G. Reid
Born in Scotland, T.G. Reid grew up surrounded by the dramatic hills and glens of the Campsie Fells, a setting that would later star in his DCI Bone series. Before becoming a full-time writer, Reid wore many hats—musician, English lecturer, and even a dabbler in dark literary fiction under the pseudonym Tom Gillespie. His shift to crime thrillers was sparked by a desire to explore the murky depths of human conflict, blending his love for storytelling with the raw intensity of police procedurals. Inspired by Scotland’s rich literary tradition, from Robert Louis Stevenson to Ian Rankin, Reid found his voice in crafting stories that pulse with atmosphere and authenticity.
T.G. Reid’s Unforgettable Stories
Reid’s DCI Bone series, launched with Dark is the Grave in 2021, follows the haunted Detective Chief Inspector Duncan Bone as he tackles grisly crimes in the fictional town of Kilwinnoch. The series, now spanning eight novels, including Blood Water Falls and The Killing Parade, is a masterclass in suspense, with each book delivering heart-stopping climaxes and intricate conspiracies. Reid’s novella What Hides Beneath introduces Bone’s world, where a body in a submerged car unravels a web of secrets.
Under the pseudonym Tom Gillespie, Reid explores darker, more literary terrain. His novel The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce has been praised as “utterly spellbinding,” weaving psychological depth with unsettling narratives. Reid’s style shines through in both personas: vivid descriptions, authentic Scottish vernacular, and characters so real they practically leap off the page. His ability to balance gritty realism with touches of humor makes his work accessible yet deeply immersive, appealing to fans of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid.
The DCI Bone series has topped Amazon charts in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, with plans for a TV adaptation in the works. Reid’s stories don’t just entertain—they pull readers into the rugged heart of Scotland, where every glen hides a secret.
Why T.G. Reid Matters
T.G. Reid has carved a unique niche in Scottish crime fiction, bringing the Campsie Fells to life with the same intensity as Ian Rankin’s Edinburgh or Ann Cleeves’ Shetland. His authentic use of Scottish culture and vernacular adds a layer of richness, making his stories resonate with readers globally. With over 600,000 books sold and 100 million Kindle Unlimited page reads, Reid’s impact is undeniable, proving that even lesser-known authors can dominate the genre with talent and tenacity.
Beyond sales, Reid’s exploration of flawed, relatable characters like DCI Bone—battling personal demons while chasing killers—offers a fresh take on the detective archetype. His work bridges the gap between literary depth and genre thrills, earning him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
- Born: Scotland (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: DCI Bone series, The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce (as Tom Gillespie)
- Awards: Multiple awards for novels and short stories
- Fun Fact: Reid lives in Bath with his wife, daughter, and a “hyper-neurotic” cat
Ready to dive into a thrilling Scottish mystery? Snag Dark is the Grave and lose yourself in T.G. Reid’s gripping world of crime and secrets!