Quentin Bates is a British novelist known for his mystery and crime fiction novels. Born in southern England around the time of the Cuban missile crisis, Bates made the decision to work in Iceland for a year, a stint that ultimately turned into a decade. This experience in Icelandic culture and society would later provide valuable material for his writing.
In addition to his time in Iceland, Bates also took a writing course at a university, which helped him develop his craft. His work is often compared to that of Scandinavian crime fiction authors, suggesting a strong influence from that region's literary traditions. This is perhaps unsurprising given his long-term residence in Iceland.
Beyond his work as a novelist, Bates is also a full-time journalist and feature writer for a nautical trade magazine. This background in journalism is evident in his clear and concise writing style, which serves him well in both his non-fiction and fiction work. Despite his success as a writer, Bates remains somewhat enigmatic, preferring to let his work speak for itself rather than seeking the spotlight through social media or other platforms.