Matthew Ross

Matthew Ross was born and raised in the Medway Towns, England. He still lives in Kent with his Kiwi wife, his children and a very old cat.

He was immersed in the building industry from a very early age helping out on his father’s sites during school holidays before launching into his own career at 17. He’s worked on projects ranging from the smallest domestic repair to £billion+ infrastructure, and probably everything in between.

A lifelong comedy nerd, he ticked off a bucket-list ambition and tried his hand at stand-up comedy. Whilst being an experience probably best forgotten (for both him and audiences alike) it ignited a love for writing, leading to various commissions including for material broadcast on BBC Radio 4 comedy shows.

Matthew moved into the longer format of novel writing after graduating from the Faber Academy in London in 2017.

Matthew enjoys reading all manner of books – especially crime and mystery; 80s music; and travelling and can’t wait for the next trip to New Zealand to spend time with family and friends.

Books By This Author:

Death Of A Painter

The Red Admiral’s Secret

Other Awards

WINNER of Flash500 ‘Best Novel Opening & Synopsis’ competition 2019 for my work-in-progress novel “Cabbage Island“.

The Head Judge said:

“The feedback I received from my colleagues on Cabbage Island was glowing. I have subsequently read it and completely agree with their comments. For all of us, it was the clear winner.

The synopsis does exactly what it should; it’s well-thought out and contains just enough detail that the reader is left eager to continue reading. Crucially, the characters that the author introduces in the synopsis are colourfully brought to life throughout the opening chapter and the quality of writing certainly delivers on the promise of the synopsis.

We also wanted to draw attention to the fantastic sense of place that the author manages to conjure up through the atmospheric and vivid descriptions of the bridges and the island – we were very impressed. Overall, the drama of the opening scene makes for a compelling, tense and exciting read with plenty of twists and turns, thus immediately drawing the reader into its clutches and leaving you wanting to know how it progresses.”