Alex Barclay is an Irish author, known for her crime fiction novels. She was born in Dublin in 1974 and studied journalism at university. After working in fashion and beauty journalism as a copywriter for the RTÉ Guide, she decided to leave the fashion industry in 2003 to pursue her passion for writing.
Barclay's debut novel, Darkhouse, was the first of two books to feature New York Police Department detective Joe Lucchesi. Her subsequent novels, The Caller and Last Call, continued to establish her reputation in the crime fiction genre. In 2010, Barclay's novel Blood Runs Cold won the Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award at the Irish Book Awards, marking a significant milestone in her career. This novel also introduced the character of Agent Ren Bryce, who has since become a central figure in several of Barclay's subsequent books, including Time of Death and Blood Loss.
When researching her novels, Barclay leaves no stone unturned. She reads extensively on the subject, watches documentaries, and spends time in the settings of her books to ensure authenticity. Her favorite authors include Jim Thompson, Daphne du Maurier, Declan Hughes, Scott Phillips, Stephen White, Megan Abbott, Dennis Lehane, and David Sedaris, whose writing styles and storytelling techniques have undoubtedly influenced her own work. Barclay's ability to create complex and compelling characters, combined with her meticulous research and gripping storytelling, has earned her a devoted following among crime fiction fans.