Picture a British storyteller who swapped scientific studies for scuba diving and spun a world of quirky, magical mysteries—meet Wilkie Martin! This Nottingham-born, Cotswolds-dwelling author has charmed readers with his bestselling Unhuman series, a delightful blend of comedy, cozy mystery, and fantasy that’s as spicy as the curries he loves.
Martin’s tales, set in the fictional Cotswolds town of Sorenchester, follow the enigmatic Inspector Hobbes, an ‘unhuman’ detective with a knack for sniffing out crime and chomping on bones. With a style that’s been called ‘odd, inventive, and genuinely very funny’ by Cotswold Life, Martin’s books are a must-read for fans of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams.
The Making of Wilkie Martin
Born in Nottingham, the land of Robin Hood, Wilkie Martin grew up with a love for stories, even fancying himself a descendant of the legendary outlaw as a child. He studied Agricultural Science at the University of Leeds, where he also indulged in beer, rock music, and the occasional gig. But science wasn’t his destiny. After moving to the Cotswolds, he traded lab coats for creative writing, honing his craft with the Catchword writers’ group in Cirencester. His passion for scuba diving—over 20 years as an instructor and shark enthusiast—infuses his work with a sense of adventure and curiosity.
Wilkie Martin’s Unforgettable Stories
Martin’s Unhuman series, launched in 2013 with Inspector Hobbes and the Blood, is a five-book saga (with a sixth on the way) that blends cozy mystery with fantastical flair. The series follows Andy Caplet, a clumsy journalist turned sidekick, as he narrates the exploits of Inspector Hobbes, a not-quite-human detective. From investigating murders and vampire wannabes in Inspector Hobbes and the Blood to uncovering sinister plots in Inspector Hobbes and the Bones, each book is a standalone adventure packed with humor and heart.
Beyond the series, Martin’s standalone novel Razor, a dark fantasy thriller, showcases his versatility, while his children’s books, written as Wilkie J. Martin, reveal a playful side. His cookbook, penned as the fictional Andy Caplet, offers recipes inspired by the series’ culinary star, Mrs. Goodfellow. Martin’s writing sparkles with witty dialogue, vivid Cotswolds settings, and a knack for turning ordinary towns into extraordinary worlds, much like his literary hero, Terry Pratchett.
Why Wilkie Martin Matters
Wilkie Martin’s work brings a fresh twist to the cozy mystery genre, blending supernatural quirks with laugh-out-loud humor. His ability to craft relatable, flawed characters like Andy Caplet alongside larger-than-life figures like Hobbes has earned him a loyal following in the UK and US. Shortlisted for the Impress Prize for New Writers in 2012 and praised for his audiobooks, Martin’s stories offer escapism and warmth, reminding readers that even in a world of trolls and ghouls, kindness and humor prevail.
About Wilkie Martin
- Born: Nottingham, UK
- Key Works: Inspector Hobbes and the Blood, Inspector Hobbes and the Bones, Razor
- Awards: Shortlisted for Impress Prize for New Writers (2012); Audiobook Reviewer Award nominee (2018)
- Fun Fact: A qualified scuba diving instructor, Martin loves shark-watching and spicy curries.
Ready for a quirky, cozy adventure? Snag Inspector Hobbes and the Blood and dive into Wilkie Martin’s hilarious, fantastical world!