Mark Billingham

Author:
Mark Billingham

Date of birth: 02-Jul-1961
Place of birth: Solihull, England UK

About the author:
Mark Billingham is a British author and actor, best known for his gripping and critically acclaimed crime thrillers featuring Detective Inspector Tom Thorne. His work is praised for its intricate plotting, dark themes, and vivid character development.

Born in 1961 in Solihull, England, Billingham initially pursued a career in acting, appearing in television series such as EastEnders and The Bill. However, his passion for writing led him to become one of the UK’s most popular crime writers.

Billingham’s debut novel, Sleepyhead (2001), introduced Detective Inspector Tom Thorne, a complex and determined police officer tackling some of the darkest crimes. The success of Sleepyhead launched a series that now spans over 20 books, many of which have been adapted for television.

His novels often explore the psychology of both criminals and investigators, combining suspense with realistic police procedures. Billingham has won several awards, including the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger and the Theakston Old Peculier Award for Best Crime Novel.

Apart from his novels, Billingham is active in promoting crime fiction, hosting podcasts and events, and advocating for literacy and libraries. He lives in London and continues to write and act.