William Garner (novelist)

William Garner (born 1920, in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England) was an English thriller writer. He died in 2005.[1]

Life and work

Garner graduated from the University of Birmingham in 1941 with a BSc (with honors). He served with the Royal Air Force from 1941 to 1946, rising to the rank of flight lieutenant.[2]

He married Gwen Owen in 1944 while she was in the WAAF.[1] Their daughter Lesley Garner is the Daily Telegraph's self-help columnist. [1]

He was public relations director for Monsanto Company, London, from 1949 to 1964, and for Massey Ferguson Ltd. (London office) from 1964 to 1966. He became a full-time writer in 1967.[2]

His early novels feature British spy Michael Jagger, a high-living, self-hating, risk-loving ex-agent (in disgrace).

Marghanita Laski writing in The Listener, called Garner "Our cleverest thriller writer".[3] The Observer believed Garner was "A novelist of stature who leaves his own distinctive imprint on the le Carré scene."[4] The Crime Writers' Association short-listed Rat's Alley for their Gold Dagger award.[5]

When asked to describe himself, Garner replied "Strongly motivated. Views on almost everything that matters. Views on what matters might differ from those of many."[2]

He is also the author of the article "Spies and sex make a puzzling mix", first published in The Observer in 1987.

Arthritis increasingly crippled Garner's hands later in life, preventing him from writing.[1]

Bibliography

Michael Jagger novels

John Morpurgo trilogy

Novels

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Garner, Leslie. Life Lessons: Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier. Hay House, 2009.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Contemporary Authors Online. Detroit: Gale, 2001.
  3. ↑ Review of Rats' Alley, quoted on 1985 Methuen paperback edition.
  4. ↑ Review of Paper Chase, quoted on 1987 Methuen paperback edition.
  5. ↑ Sobin, Roger. The Essential Mystery Lists: For Readers, Collectors, and Librarians. Poisoned Pen Press: 2007.

Further reading