David Fennell's Blog

By day I'm an author, by night I run the Untamed Chapter , a brand new store for people who love bookish and writing merchandice. From mugs, to clothing and home decor, it has become a passion of mine with new products dropping weekly. I wrote an article on why I set it up. I'd love you to read it. If it resonates, why not subscribe to the Untamed Chapter store for behind the scenes, the latest news and offers. Sign up today and you'll receive 20% off your first purchase as a quiet thank you...

“Strike a pose.” Madonna said it best in Vogue. I never thought I would borrow the line for myself, yet there I was, on the cover of Ulster Weekend . The feature focused on my novel A Violent Heart , and on growing up in Belfast. Two things tied together in ways I did not fully see until I had to talk them through. Belfast shaped my voice. It shaped how I see conflict, loyalty, and silence. Those ideas sit at the core of the book. Being asked to talk about both felt grounding. Pride mixed...

In June 2025, something rare happened. A Violent Heart  won the public vote Capital Crime Fingerprint Award  for Thriller of the Year. The room at the Leonardo Hotel St Paul’s  was packed. Writers, readers, industry folk. And there I was, standing there, trying to take it in. I felt proud. Proper proud. This award came from readers, not judges or panels. People who spent time with the book. People who chose it. That matters. I wrote this story quietly, over long days, trusting my instincts...

I’m stoked to see A Violent Heart shortlisted for the Capital Crime Thriller of the Year Award. It’s now gone to the public vote and it’s...

Publishing 27 February, 2025. The fourth in the Grace Archer and Harry Quinn series. Can be read as a standalone though. Available from all the usual places.

Six months old yesterday. Happy half-birthday to this little fella.

I’m alone in France with the dogs right now. Took them for a walk this morning and captured the shot of Arthur with his giant ears taking flight.

The Art of Death was published in Athens in 2024. I had a wonderful time visiting the publisher, Bell Books, meeting the staff and of course readers and bloggers too. I love the paperback and the Gothic body count map of Central London translated into Greek.

We have a new puppy. Arthur is his name. He is sweet but also a handful, in a demonic way. At times we've had to call in the services of the local priest.

A massive thank you to all the bloggers who read A Violent Heart and submitted their thoughts. I was blown away by their reviews. Here's a snapshot.