Bristol authors: writers from my home city

Written By Emily Koch

Bristol has a steady stream of interesting, commercially successful, and often slightly unconventional authors. 

Here are some Bristol authors worth knowing. Some were born here, and many are based in or near the city. This is not a complete list - there are plenty more writers I’ve had to leave out, including poets, playwrights, and short story writers. Please add your favourite other Bristol writers in the comments.

Psychological thrillers / crime / suspense

  • Gilly Macmillan - an internationally bestselling author known for her gripping psychological thrillers

  • Sanjida Kay - domestic suspense with a sharp, unsettling edge

  • C. L. Taylor - high-concept thrillers that don’t let up

  • Jane Shemilt - expect character-driven suspense with real depth from this former Bristol GP

  • Sian Gilbert - writes psychological thrillers about messy, complex women

  • Tom Murdock - author of The Date, working in the psychological suspense space

  • Jen Faulkner - author of crime and suspense novels focused on psychological tension and the consequences of hidden truths

  • Emylia Hall - writes the Shell House Detectives cosy crime series alongside bestselling contemporary fiction

  • Charlotte Philby - known for sharp, modern spy thrillers that bring a fresh perspective to the espionage genre

Literary fiction / crossover / book club fiction

  • Emma Stonex - author of The Lamplighters, blending literary fiction with atmospheric mystery and compelling emotional depth

  • Jo Leevers - author of bestselling women's book club fiction including BBC Radio 2 Book club pick Tell Me How This Ends

  • Tess Bickers - writes emotional, character-driven romance and women’s fiction

  • Moses McKenzie - bold, voice-driven literary fiction - his first book was set in Easton and his second in St Paul’s

  • Nikesh Shukla - a central figure in Bristol’s literary and cultural landscape writing a mix of fiction and non-fiction

Literary / historical / speculative crossover

  • Imogen Hermes Gowar - acclaimed for The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock, a richly imagined historical novel blending meticulous research, folklore, and unforgettable characters

  • Natasha Pulley - genre-bending historical fiction and sci-fi like The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Mars House

Genre-blending / dark / speculative / horror

  • Gemma Amor - known for blending horror with speculative, dark, and emotionally charged fiction

  • Becky Hunter - writes speculative romance under her own name and is one half of the fantasy writing partnership Ellis Hunter

And finally… my place in the Bristol writing scene

I write psychological suspense - If I Die Before I Wake, Keep Him Close, and What July Knew - with a focus on voice, character, and the slow unravelling of truth.

I’m very proud to be part of the brilliant Bristol writing scene and proud to count a lot of the writers above as friends - they’ve helped me through a lot of difficult writing moments. My first two novels were set in the city - and all have been written here. My BBC Radio 4 short story Lane Seven was inspired by swimming at my local Bristol leisure centre.

You can listen to me talking to Bristol24/7’s podcast about the city’s literary scene here, and read more about my favourite parts of the city here.

Emily Koch
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