William Garner (novelist)

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

Contents

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

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Garner, Leslie. Life Lessons: Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier. Hay House, 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 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