Picture two British storytellers weaving a chilling tale of ancient secrets and supernatural twists—meet Will Peterson, the pseudonym of Mark Billingham and Peter Cocks! This dynamic duo, known for their work in crime fiction and children’s television, joined forces to create the Triskellion trilogy, a young adult series that blends mystery, paranormal adventure, and coming-of-age drama. From 2008 to 2010, their books captivated readers with eerie villages, cryptic artifacts, and unforgettable characters.
Will Peterson isn’t just a name—it’s a creative partnership that thrives on Billingham’s knack for suspense and Cocks’ flair for vibrant storytelling. Their collaboration is a masterclass in crafting tales that keep you guessing, making them a hidden gem in YA literature. Let’s dive into the world of Will Peterson and uncover what makes their work so spellbinding!
The Making of Will Peterson
Will Peterson is the brainchild of Mark Billingham, born in 1961 in Solihull, Warwickshire, and Peter Cocks, a Kent native with a background in performance art and children’s TV. Billingham, a drama graduate, honed his craft in comedy and crime writing, earning acclaim for his Tom Thorne novels. Cocks, meanwhile, brought a playful energy from writing BAFTA-nominated shows like Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. Their paths crossed in the 1990s while scripting children’s TV, sparking a 12-year partnership that laid the groundwork for their literary venture. Inspired by their shared love for drama and suspense, they adopted the pseudonym Will Peterson to explore a darker, more mysterious side of storytelling aimed at young readers.
Will Peterson’s Unforgettable Stories
The Triskellion trilogy, published by Candlewick Press, is Will Peterson’s crowning achievement. The series kicks off with Triskellion (2008), where twins Rachel and Adam uncover sinister secrets in an eerie English village. The story weaves archaeology, paranormal twists, and a three-bladed artifact—the Triskellion—that holds the key to their family’s past. Readers praised its nail-biting suspense, with one 12-year-old calling it “a bone-chilling read that won’t let you go.”
The saga continues in Triskellion: The Burning (2009), which takes the twins across Europe, deepening the mystery with the shadowy Hope Project and their emerging supernatural powers. The trilogy concludes with Triskellion: The Gathering (2010), a fast-paced finale that ties together ancient prophecies and high-stakes adventure. The series’ hallmark is its blend of folklore, sci-fi, and psychological drama, creating a world where nothing is as it seems. Billingham and Cocks’ writing style—taut, atmospheric, and layered with clues—makes each book a page-turner that appeals to teens and adults alike.
Their ability to craft relatable characters, like the telepathic twins, alongside creepy villains and cryptic symbols, sets the trilogy apart. While some criticized the first book’s unresolved questions, the sequels deliver satisfying answers, cementing Will Peterson’s reputation for intricate plotting and vivid world-building.
Why Will Peterson Matters
Will Peterson’s work resonates because it bridges genres—mystery, fantasy, and coming-of-age—while grounding supernatural elements in relatable human struggles. The Triskellion trilogy introduced young readers to Britain’s prehistoric lore, sparking curiosity about archaeology and folklore. Its dark, immersive tone paved the way for YA series that don’t shy away from complex themes, influencing authors who blend genres with similar boldness.
Billingham and Cocks’ collaboration also highlights the power of creative partnerships. By merging their expertise, they crafted a series that feels fresh yet timeless, earning praise from readers and critics for its originality. Though Will Peterson remains a niche name, their trilogy continues to captivate fans who stumble upon its haunting world.
- Pen Name: Will Peterson (Mark Billingham and Peter Cocks)
- Key Works: Triskellion (2008), Triskellion: The Burning (2009), Triskellion: The Gathering (2010)
- Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy
- Publisher: Candlewick Press
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Triskellion and dive into Will Peterson’s world of secrets, suspense, and supernatural surprises!