A fresh, contemporary interpretation of the classic whodunit.
Like today, the crime market was filled with novels and TV series, filling a seemingly insatiable appetite for murder. When the first urge to write a murder mystery grabbed me, there was no shortage of detectives, both police officers, private investigators and amateur sleuths.
Could I come up with something new and different in such a crowded market?
Could I write an exciting and enthralling story to keep readers glued to the page?
I found the answers while watching an episode of Miss Marple on TV. Here was a different kind of detective, both unique and yet somehow familiar. The complex plot she unravelled, the wonderful characters, and the attention to detail set a standard I wanted to emulate.
“Robert Crouch has the skill of being able to make the reader a part of the story.” Beyond the Books, 24 May 2023.
The idea of an ordinary person solving murders gripped me. There was something romantic and heroic about the idea. People love an underdog, especially one who battles superior minds and forces to solve murder.
There was even a hint of Columbo, who solved many a perfect murder in his TV series.
Could I give readers a classic whodunit that would keep them guessing to the final pages?
“Some crime series get a bit formulaic after a few books, not this one. There’s a new surprise on every page.” Silver surfer, 13 September 2022.
Creating a unique and different sleuth eluded me until I came across Sue Grafton, the author of the Alphabet Murder series. Her feisty private eye, Kinsey Millhone, had courage, determination and an irreverent sense of humour that appealed.
Sue Grafton’s books showed me a template I could adapt.
I created Kent Fisher, who became an environmental health officer like me.
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 in the series, No Accident, was released in June 2016 by US publisher, Penmore Press.
It was the start a series that has now reached ten novels, encompassing everything I wanted to bring to crime fiction and readers of murder mysteries. Over the years, reviewers have confirmed many of the features I wanted to incorporate into the novels.
They love the characters and backstory, which continue to evolve through the series, providing a familiar and constant presence. They add another layer of conflict and challenges to the stories, along with some heart-warming, and occasional heart-stopping moments.
“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.
If you’d like to learn more, please take a look at the books.
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In case you’re wondering – answers to some of the questions you may have about the novels and more.