Ken Webb: From History to Crime Fiction – A Dual Legacy

A Historian’s Journey Into The World Of Crime Fiction Writing

Ken Webb, historian and crime fiction author, discusses his creative process, the influence of his upbringing, and how his teaching career shaped the Spence Hargreaves series’ compelling characters and narratives.

Ken Webb, a celebrated historian and award-winning author, has once again captured the literary spotlight. Featured in the latest issue of Reader’s House Magazine, Webb’s journey from writing acclaimed history textbooks to crafting gripping crime fiction has been lauded as a remarkable evolution. The magazine not only praised his work but also honored him with the prestigious Editor’s Choice Award of Excellence, recognizing his contributions to literature across genres.

Webb, whose history books have been a cornerstone for students and educators worldwide, has seamlessly transitioned into the world of crime fiction under the pseudonym A L Masters. His Detective Inspector Spence Hargreaves series has garnered widespread acclaim for its intricate plots, psychological depth, and vivid sense of time and place. In the interview, Webb reflected on his dual career, sharing insights into his creative process and the inspirations behind his work.

“It was not really a pivot,” Webb explained when asked about his shift from history to fiction. “I still write history books and get much pleasure from that. It was a case of finally having the time to fulfill a desire I had had for a long time to delve into crime fiction. The process of imagination, development of characters, and creating plot twists I find great fun.”

Webb’s latest installment, Julie Trax Down, takes readers back to the 1980s, exploring the early days of Spence Hargreaves as a young detective. The setting, deeply influenced by Webb’s upbringing in Swindon, England, adds authenticity and nostalgia to the narrative. “I wanted my readers to fully understand the temporal and geographical context of my stories,” Webb shared. “I chose Swindon as the location for ‘Spence’ because I grew up there, and the 1980s works well because my first four ‘Spence’ novels are set in the early 2010s. Discovering his early days was a lot of fun.”

Webb’s background as a teacher and lecturer has also played a significant role in shaping his approach to storytelling. “Decades of teaching and lecturing have brought me into contact with hundreds, perhaps thousands of people. You learn much about character and personality in a teaching environment,” he noted. This experience has enriched his ability to create compelling characters and realistic scenarios, though he humorously added, “I hasten to add I have not worked with or taught any of the nefarious types that appear in my stories (at least as far as I know).”

The Spence Hargreaves series stands out for its focus on motive and psychology over procedural details. “For me, motive and psychology are always far more fascinating,” Webb said. “I like my ‘villains’ to be smart, complex, and imaginative, if not exactly someone you invite around for dinner.”

Webb also revealed how music plays a key role in shaping his protagonist. Spence Hargreaves’ love for blues music, particularly Eric Clapton, adds a relatable and humanizing touch to his character. “The blues obsession adds some color to Spence Hargreaves. He can be tough, he is smart, he bends the rules at times, but he is someone essentially likeable. The music aspect humanizes him.”

Looking ahead, Webb expressed his excitement about continuing the Spence Hargreaves series while also exploring new creative avenues. “I hope to continue Spence’s investigations as both a world-weary DI in the early 2010s and as a young enthusiastic DC in the 80s/early 90s. In the future, I hope to create a new set of characters, perhaps based in Sydney—who knows?”

Ken Webb’s ability to bridge the worlds of history and fiction has solidified his place as a literary force to be reckoned with. Whether through his meticulously researched history books or his thrilling crime novels, Webb continues to captivate readers with his storytelling prowess. As Reader’s House Magazine aptly put it, “Ken Webb is a master of both fact and fiction, a writer who brings history to life and crime to the page with equal brilliance.”