Ken Webb Explores the Dark Intrigue of Crime Fiction After Decades of Historical Writing

Ken Webb, author of the Detective Spence Hargreaves series, embraces the world of crime fiction after a successful career in history writing.

The Journey from History Books to Crime Novels with Detective Spence Hargreaves

Ken Webb, historian turned crime fiction author, discusses his creative process, character development, and the influences behind his detective series.

Ken Webb, renowned historian and author, has made a remarkable transition from academic writing to the world of crime fiction. Best known for his historical works, which have become essential resources for students and educators around the globe, Webb’s career has spanned decades. His history books, covering topics such as the Weimar Republic and the Vietnam War, are celebrated for their depth and clarity. Yet, under the pseudonym A L Masters, Webb has now embarked on a thrilling new chapter, delving into the intricacies of crime fiction with his Detective Inspector Spence Hargreaves series.

Born and raised in Swindon, England, Webb’s upbringing plays a significant role in shaping the settings and tone of his crime novels. His latest installment, Julie Trax Down, takes readers back to the 1980s, offering a glimpse into Spence Hargreaves’ early career as a detective. This era and location are personally significant to Webb, as he draws on his memories of growing up in Swindon to craft an authentic sense of time and place in his stories.

For Webb, the shift from history to crime fiction was not a dramatic pivot, but rather a natural progression fueled by a long-held desire to explore the world of imagination and narrative. Despite his success in the academic world, Webb has found immense joy in the creative freedom of writing crime fiction, where he can develop characters and plot twists without the constraints of historical fact. His extensive background in teaching has further enriched his approach, helping him bring depth to the characters and settings in his novels.

“Ken Webb’s seamless blend of historical insight and captivating crime fiction creates a unique and compelling literary experience.”

The Spence Hargreaves series delves into complex psychological themes such as obsession, fantasy, and the macabre, often exploring the ‘why’ behind the crimes rather than focusing solely on the mechanics of the investigation. Webb’s approach to crime fiction is driven by his passion for strong narratives and compelling character development. His detective, Spence, is a multifaceted character, with a deep love for blues music—a detail that adds color and humanity to his persona. Webb’s own connection to music informs this aspect of the character, as he shares Spence’s appreciation for the emotional depth of blues.

While the transition to fiction has been both rewarding and challenging for Webb, he finds immense satisfaction in the creative process of writing crime novels. The joy of allowing his imagination to wander into darker, more unpredictable realms has breathed new life into his writing career. Looking ahead, Webb plans to continue Spence Hargreaves’ investigations, both as a seasoned DI in the early 2010s and as a young detective in the 1980s and early 1990s. Additionally, he is considering expanding into new settings, potentially creating a new set of characters based in Sydney.

Ken Webb’s foray into crime fiction demonstrates the power of creativity and the timeless appeal of well-crafted characters and stories. As he continues to explore the world of Detective Inspector Spence Hargreaves, readers can look forward to more thrilling adventures from this accomplished author, who seamlessly bridges the gap between historical fact and fictional intrigue.