John Pye

John Pye is a retired UK detective turned award-winning crime author. Since hanging up his handcuffs, he’s channelled decades of frontline experience into gripping thrillers laced with dark humour and unforgettable characters.

His debut memoir, The Nick of Time, a humorous account of life in the force, continues to delight readers with its wit and authenticity. In 2013, he launched the Of Lies series with Cathedral of Lies, followed by Field of Lies and Guardian of Lies—fast-paced thrillers inspired by real cases and the eccentric personalities he encountered on the job.

In 2022, John won the Arnold Bennett International Book Prize for Where the Silent Screams Are Loudest, a chilling modern-day thriller praised for its meticulous research and compelling plot. Its sequel, Pray to the Devils (2025), raises the stakes with a history-obsessed serial killer and a formidable investigative duo.

Whether drawing from high-profile cases or the peculiarities of everyday policing, John's stories blend authenticity, suspense, and the occasional mischievous twist—just like the life he lived.