Meirion James Trow (born 16 October 1949) is a Welsh author of crime fiction, who writes under the name M. J. Trow. He has written mysteries featuring Inspector Lestrade, Peter Maxwell, Kit Marlowe and Margaret Murray.

Biography

Trow was born in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales. He went to Warwick School from 1961 to 1968. In 1968 he went to King's College London to read history. After graduation he spent a year at Jesus College, Cambridge. From 1972 he was a history teacher in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. On 14 July 1973 he married Carol Mary Long, and in 1976 moved to the Isle of Wight where he worked as a teacher of History and Politics at Ryde High School. He is a member of the Society of Authors and of the Crime Writers' Association. Trow is also known for his work in theatre and dramas, organising and participating in many performances. In 2008 he appeared on the Channel 4 show Richard & Judy talking about his book Spartacus: The Myth and the Man.

Works

Fiction

Trow has written over 50 fiction books, principally in three series.

"Inspector Lestrade" series

Featuring the character from the Sherlock Holmes stories.

"Peter Maxwell" series

Featuring a teacher and amateur sleuth.

"Kit Marlowe" series

Featuring the 16th-century playwright and poet as detective. The Kit Marlowe series is published by Severn House.

"Margaret Murray"

Featuring the 19th/20th-century archaeologist and feminist.

"Britannia" series

Co-written with Richard Denham, and set in Sub-Roman Britain.

Non-fiction