From hygiene to high drama.
It starts with a traditional tearoom in an idyllic village. The chink of delicate china teacups is barely audible above the murmur of convivial conversation.
Nearby, among the tranquil hills of the South Downs, a murder is committed.
This vivid image filled my thoughts while I drove through the rolling landscape to my next food hygiene inspection.
What if an ordinary person like me, an environmental health officer, stumbled across a murder while working?
In a busy crime fiction market, was there room for something fresh and contemporary that would appeal to readers who enjoy a traditional murder mystery? Or a classic whodunit that would keep them guessing to the final pages?
It was time to channel my inner Miss Marple.
“Robert Crouch has the skill of being able to make the reader a part of the story.” Beyond the Books, 24 May 2023.
It was time to take a look at the detectives and sleuths who inspired me.
Columbo, who solved many a perfect murder in his TV series, would make a great role model.
Sue Grafton, the author of the Alphabet Murder series had created feisty private eye, Kinsey Millhone, who had courage, determination and an irreverent sense of humour that appealed to me.
Along with Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, these characters encouraged me to create Kent Fisher, an environmental health officer who finds himself investigating a murder.
Like me he had a difficult childhood, suffering unfairness and injustice, which became a theme for many of the stories I went on to write. He was also determined to make sure good triumphed over evil.
“The characters are what make the book so good. They are all very believable, and I instantly found myself engrossed in them and the story. It flows well, and builds nicely, with the wonderful characters interacting well to produce an Agatha Christie style ending that made me want more.” Captain David Burton, 25 August 2020.
The first novel, No Accident, was released in June 2016 by US publisher, Penmore Press.
It started a series that has now reached ten novels.
Readers and reviewers love the characters and backstory, which continue to evolve, providing a familiar and constant presence. They add another layer of conflict and challenge to the stories, along with some heart-warming, and occasional heart-stopping moments.
If you’d like to learn more, please take a look at the books.
“Robert Crouch brings these characters and the story to life with humour and warmth, frustrations and heart in your mouth moments.” Susan Hampson, January 2020.
