Chris Nickson is a British author with a passion for historical mystery novels and non-fiction books. Born in Leeds, Nickson began writing at a young age and discovered his love for it, as well as for playing and writing music. After spending thirty years living in the United States, where he played in bands and wrote in the music journalism genre, Nickson has been making a living as a writer since 1994.
Nickson is well-known for his Richard Nottingham and D.I. Tom Harper series. Much of his writing is set in Leeds, a place he knows and loves deeply. His novels are not just mysteries, but books about people and their relationships, using crime as a moral framework for the story. Nickson's works are total immersion experiences in the underbelly of 18th century Leeds, vividly bringing to life the people, culture, and gritty reality of early industrial culture. His writing is known for its vibrant sense of living history, well-drawn characters, and clever use of period slang.
In addition to his Leeds-based series, Nickson has written about medieval Chesterfield and 1980s Seattle. He has also written non-fiction books and has been involved in arranging exhibitions celebrating the march to women's suffrage in Leeds. Nickson is the writer-in-residence for Abbey House Museum in Leeds. His writing journey has led him to write plays and arrange exhibitions, showcasing his versatility as a writer.