Stephen Booth

Stephen Booth (born 1952) is a British author best known for his crime fiction. He grew up in Derbyshire, England, and worked as a teacher before becoming a full-time writer in 1986. Booth's debut novel, Death of a Cad, introduced Detective Sergeant Peter Barlow of the Derbyshire Constabulary, a character who would feature in over 30 subsequent novels. The series is known for its intricate plotting, vivid characters, and strong sense of place. Booth has received numerous awards, including the Crime Writers' Association John Creasey Memorial Award (1989) and the CWA Diamond Dagger (2022) for lifetime achievement. His work has been praised for its psychological depth, atmospheric settings, and exploration of social issues. Booth continues to write crime fiction and has also published two culinary mysteries featuring food writer and detective Leo Trentham. His work remains highly regarded by critics and readers alike.