George Bellairs

George Bellairs was the pen name of Harold Blundell, a British author best known for his crime fiction novels. Born in Heywood, Greater Manchester in 1902, Blundell worked as a bank manager in Lancashire before retiring to the Isle of Man. It was there that he wrote over 50 novels, many of which featured his famous character, Chief Inspector Littlejohn.

In addition to writing under the pseudonym George Bellairs, Blundell also published books under the name Hilary Landon. He was a prolific writer, producing four novels under this alternative pen name. Blundell was not only a writer but also a bank manager, a talented crime author, part-time journalist, and Francophile. He was known for his detective stories, which combined wicked crimes and classic police procedurals, set in small British communities.

Blundell was married in 1930 to Gladys Mabel Roberts and was believed to be a Francophile, often traveling to France. He wrote articles for English magazines and newspapers, sharing views and news from France. Blundell was also a notable philanthropist and was quite popular in the public life of Manchester, serving as a member of the Board of United Manchester Hospitals and as the Chairman of the Private Patient's Home. He passed away on April 18, 1982.

George Bellairs' writing style has been described as subtle and witty, with each character having a particular trait exaggerated to the point of obsession or caricature. He has been celebrated as one of Britain's great crime classic authors, and his Detective Littlejohn stories have been particularly well-received. The New York Times has referred to him as "one of the subtlest and wittiest practitioners of the simon-pure British detective story," while The Sunday Times has praised him for always giving good value.