Picture a British storyteller who swapped naval ships for Newcastle’s gritty streets, weaving mysteries that pulse with heart and soul—meet Trevor Wood! This former Royal Navy officer turned playwright and novelist has carved a unique niche in the crime fiction world with his Jimmy Mullen series, blending raw social commentary with edge-of-your-seat plots. From his debut, The Man on the Street, Wood’s knack for giving voice to the overlooked has captivated readers and critics alike.
The Making of Trevor Wood
Born with a storyteller’s spirit, Trevor Wood spent 16 years in the Royal Navy, joining as a Writer and serving during the Falklands War. This intense period shaped his understanding of trauma, later fueling his authentic portrayals of characters like Jimmy Mullen, a homeless veteran battling PTSD. After leaving the Navy, Wood retrained as a journalist, honing his knack for observation, and later co-wrote successful plays like Good to Firm and Dirty Dusting with friend Ed Waugh. His MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from the University of East Anglia sharpened his craft, setting the stage for his literary leap.
Trevor Wood’s Unforgettable Stories
Wood’s debut, The Man on the Street (2019), introduces Jimmy Mullen, a homeless ex-sailor who stumbles into a mystery after hearing a splash in the Tyne River. This gripping tale, set in Newcastle, won the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger and the Crimefest Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award, praised for its vivid characters and unflinching look at homelessness. The sequel, One Way Street (2020), dives into the city’s drug crisis, following Jimmy’s quest to save his friend Deano from a deadly batch of spice. Dead End Street (2022) concludes the trilogy, tackling vigilante attacks on the homeless with emotional depth. Wood’s standalone thriller, You Can Run (2024), shifts to rural Northumberland, proving his versatility. His style—gritty, authentic, and laced with camaraderie—brings Newcastle’s underbelly to life, earning comparisons to Lee Child and Val McDermid.
Wood’s narratives shine through their social lens, humanizing the marginalized while delivering twists that keep readers hooked. His research, including volunteering at Newcastle’s People’s Kitchen for the homeless, infuses his work with raw authenticity, making characters like Jimmy, Gadge, and Dog unforgettable.
Why Trevor Wood Matters
Trevor Wood’s impact lies in his ability to merge thrilling crime fiction with poignant social commentary. By centering a homeless protagonist, he challenges stereotypes, offering readers a window into lives often ignored. His Jimmy Mullen series has not only garnered critical acclaim but also sparked conversations about PTSD, homelessness, and addiction. As an adopted Geordie, Wood’s love for Newcastle shines, making the city a vibrant character in his stories. His transition to new series, like the DCI Jack Parker novels, signals a lasting presence in the genre.
- Years in Royal Navy: 16, serving during the Falklands War.
- Key Works: The Man on the Street, One Way Street, Dead End Street, You Can Run.
- Awards: CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger (2020), Crimefest Specsavers Debut Crime Novel (2020).
- Fun Fact: Volunteers as a chef at Newcastle’s People’s Kitchen.
About Trevor Wood
Snag The Man on the Street and dive into Trevor Wood’s gritty, heart-pounding world of crime fiction!