Gary Bell is an English author who specializes in writing legal thriller novels. He is well-known for his Elliot Rook QC series, which has gained popularity among readers who enjoy legal thrillers. Bell's own experiences in the legal field have significantly influenced his writing, as he has spent over thirty years working as a barrister, specializing in major fraud and murder trials. His expertise in the field has earned him the prestigious title of Queen's Counsel (QC) in 2012.
Before finding success as an author and legal professional, Bell had a varied and tumultuous past. He was born into a coal mining family and left school without any qualifications. In his early years, he worked a series of blue-collar jobs, including being an apprentice mechanic, fork lift truck driver, production line worker, builder, fireman, and door-to-door salesman. Bell also had a stint as a notorious football hooligan, which led to his arrest for fraud when he was 18 years old. After serving time in prison, he traveled around Europe, only to find himself penniless and homeless after two years.
Determined to turn his life around, Bell enrolled in a FE College to study his O and A levels. He then went on to study law as a mature student at Bristol University, where he became an Old Etonian. After graduating, he spent a year as a litigation lawyer in Beverly Hills, California before returning to England to become a barrister. Bell's personal experiences have given him a unique perspective on life, which is reflected in his writing and approach to his legal career.