David J Gatward is the author and creator of the DCI Harry Grimm fictional crime series, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. He has also written numerous books for children, teenagers and young adults, and ghost-written for many well known titles’. He lives in rural Somerset with his two sons. 

In 1992, at the age of eighteen, David published his debut novel, but it would take many more years before he achieved his dream of becoming a full time author. During this time, he drew on his many experiences for his writing, including almost drowning, seeing two ghosts, working on a salmon farm, and being mistaken for a homeless person. 

Over the years he went on to write for several publishers such as Oxford University Press, Puffin and Random House, including publishing the “Dead Trilogy” under Hodder Children. In 2020, he published Grimm Up North – the first in the acclaimed  ‘DCI Harry Grimm’ crime series – and David never looked back. 

David grew up in Hawes, Wensleydale, a place of rolling hills and moors that sealed his love of outdoor adventuring. Such is his affection for the place that it became the setting for the DCI Harry Grimm crimes series, with local scenic spots, landmarks and venues featuring heavily in the books. 

When David is not writing, he can often be found hanging out with his two sons, running, cycling or camping. He believes in hard work and good fortune.