J.J. Salkeld is the pen name of the accomplished English author Richard Simpson, who is well-known for his mystery, suspense, and thriller novels. Prior to his writing career, Simpson worked as a national newspaper journalist and a documentary filmmaker. He has spent many years in Cumbria, covering its events, people, and places for a national newspaper. However, his fiction writing has taken a different turn, focusing on crime and criminals, particularly in the Lake District.
Simpson has written mind-blowing mystery and detective novels under three distinct series: the Border City Blues series, the Lakeland Murders series, and the Tom Atkins series. His work as a journalist and filmmaker has significantly influenced his writing, providing him with a wealth of knowledge and experience in researching and presenting factual information. This background is evident in his crime novels, which are known for their intricate plotlines, well-developed characters, and realistic settings.
Simpson's books, particularly the Lakeland Murders series, feature the chief protagonists Jane Francis and Andy Hall as detectives who tackle ugly crimes in some of Britain's most beautiful locations. Despite the seriousness of the crimes depicted in his novels, Simpson's writing is not blood-soaked or gratuitously violent. Instead, he addresses the consequences of crime on individuals and society, creating a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.
Simpson's writing is varied in tone, content, and setting, with each series having its unique style and focus. His second Cumbrian crime series, Border City Blues, is a gritty, urban, and violent series featuring DS Samantha 'Pepper' Wilson. In contrast, his A Natural Detective series features reluctant private investigator Owen Irvine, a man deeply connected to the Lake District landscape. Simpson's latest series, set in the early 1980s, explores the origins of his popular character, DI Andy Hall.
In addition to his writing, Simpson is an internationally collected fine-art photographer, showcasing his work on his website. He is always happy to hear from his readers and is active on social media, engaging with his fans and promoting his work. Simpson's love for the Lake District and his commitment to creating engaging and thought-provoking crime novels have earned him a reputation as a talented and versatile author.