Barbara Nadel

Barbara Nadel is a renowned author of crime fiction and historical fiction novels, hailing from London, England. She is best known for her Inspector Ikmen, Francis Hancock, and Hakim & Arnold series. Nadel's writing has often been compared to that of Donna Leon, but set in Turkey instead of Italy, earning her the nickname "The Donna Leon of Istanbul." Her deep connection to Turkey can be attributed to her frequent visits to the country for over 25 years.

Nadel was born and raised in London's East End and has had a varied career before becoming a successful author. She received training as an actress in her youth, but life had other plans for her. Nadel is now a loving wife, mother, and cat lover who lives in a small village in Essex near London with her family and six cats. Her charitable nature is evident in her work with various causes related to mental illnesses. She has worked with sexually abused teenagers, served as a patron for The Acorn Group of Shrewsbury, and worked as a mental health advocate in a psychiatric hospital. Unfortunately, The Acorn Group of Shrewsbury was shut down in 2011 due to funding problems. Despite these challenges, Nadel remains committed to supporting mental health causes and is currently the patron of a charity that cares for those in emotional and mental distress.

In addition to her work as an author and mental health advocate, Nadel has also worked as a public relations officer for the National Schizophrenia Fellowship's Good Companion Service. She has taught psychology in schools and colleges, showcasing her passion for the subject. Nadel's writing is heavily influenced by her frequent visits to Turkey, a country she has visited over 25 times. She is a regular visitor to Turkey and has a deep connection to the country, which is reflected in many of her books. Nadel's unique background, diverse experiences, and commitment to mental health causes have all contributed to her success as a crime fiction writer.