Charles Philipp Martin

Charles Philipp Martin grew up in Greenwich Village in New York City. After attending Columbia University and Manhattan School of Music, he took off to become a bass player in the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Six years later he put down his bow and became a full-time writer.

In addition to spending four years as a Sunday Magazine columnist for the South China Morning post, he wrote and presented several radio series on Radio Television Hong Kong. For some two decades his jazz radio show, 3 O'Clock Jump, was be heard every Saturday on Hong Kong's Radio 3.

After seventeen years in Hong Kong he moved to Seattle, where he now lives with his wife Catherine.

His most recent novel, East Hell, was released by Level Best Books in 2026. It features Inspector Herman Lok of the Hong Kong Police. Previous Inspector Lok books include Rented Grave, also from Level Best Books (2024), and Neon Panic (2011). Martin's books have earned critical praise for shedding light on the fascinating world of Hong Kong crime. His short stories have appeared in various anthologies, most recently the Bouchercon 2026 collection The Lines We Cross.

PRAISE FOR EAST HELL

"The Asian Noir choir has a new lead singer. Charles Philipp Martin depicts the culturally complex and crime-saturated city of Hong Kong like no other crime novelist of recent memory. This is fine, fine crime fiction."

— Ron McMillan, author of YIN ANG TATTOO and BANGKOK COWBOY

“An engrossing and macabre thriller of the highest order.”

— Gerald Elias, award-winning author of the Daniel Jacobus mysteries

"A masterclass in atmospheric crime fiction. Set against the vibrant, tense backdrop of post-handover Hong Kong, East Hell features Detective Inspector Herman Lok—a deeply human protagonist haunted by the past and hunting a clinical killer in the present. With razor-sharp procedural details and a chillingly effective opening, this is a must-read for fans of gritty, authentic international noir. You won't look at a city alleyway the same way again..”

— Les Bird, Hong Kong Marine Police (ret.) author of A SMALL BAND OF MEN

PRAISE FOR RENTED GRAVE

"An atmospheric crime story savvily blending the sleek modernity of Hong Kong with China’s tumultuous past."

— Kirkus Reviews

"In noir, nothing goes according to plan. In Charles Philip Martin’s RENTED GRAVE we have a crime, done in a different culture, against an alien political backdrop. Everything is different to Western eyes, from corruption to police procedure, women, and justice. Told in a crisp, vivid and relentless style that keeps the story moving forward and the mindset and values of a foreign city and its people at the fingertips, yet out of reach, Martin delivers noir in the darkest of shades."

— Gabriel Valjan, Agatha, Anthony, and Shamus-nominated author of the Shane Cleary series​

"...lean and masterfully written...This book pulls you in and won't let go."

— Carl Vonderau, award-winning author of MURDERABILIA and SAVING MYLES​

"An as-authentic-as-you're-likely-to-get insider's view of Hong Kong police work…Martin pulls the reader through a twisty international thriller that ultimately satisfies while leaving us ready for the next installment. Exactly what you want in a thriller."

— Bobby Mathews, Anthony-nominated author of MAGIC CITY BLUES, LIVING THE GIMMICK, and NEGATIVE TILT

​“A suspenseful read. Exotic in its locale, so human in its telling. Inspector Lok is back on the job in this thrilling new novel from Charles Philipp Martin. RENTED GRAVE is a page-turning mystery, filled with characters as unique as its setting. Smartly written, it’s a welcome return for the many fans of NEON PANIC.”

— Adam Carpenter, author of the JIMMY McSWAIN FILES

PRAISE FOR NEON PANIC

"OUTSTANDING ... A SUPERIOR CRIME NOVEL ... STRONG, SUSPENSEFUL"

— William Bayer

Million-selling author of "Switch"

"ENGROSSING ... evokes the fizzy chaos of modern Hong Kong."

— Adam Woog

The Seattle Times

"...A WORTHY DEBUT FROM AN EXCITING NEW TALENT. CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE."

— Steve Berry

New York Times Bestselling Author