Malcolm Rose

Until Easter 1996, Malcolm was a Lecturer in Chemistry at The Open University. He carried out research in analytical chemistry, particularly in the area of health, and taught mainly organic chemistry. However this left very little time for fiction writing, resulting in much of it being tackled after midnight. He is now a full-time writer.

A word from Malcolm:
Many people think it odd and fascinating that a scientist should also be a novelist but I don’t find it strange. After all, scientists have to be creative and show perseverance to carry out research. They also write a lot; in particular, they produce textbooks and articles on their research. Anyone who is imaginative, can stick to a task, and knows how to construct a sentence has the credentials for writing a novel. On top of that, my chemical research was aimed at understanding a little better some aspects of human life. A novel also seeks to illuminate some aspects of human life. The aims are similar even if the tools are different.

I reckon novel writing is not so removed from chemistry as you might think. In one life, I mix chemicals, stew them for a while and observe the reaction. In the other, I mix characters, stir in a bit of conflict and, again, observe the outcome.

I began writing stories while I was carrying out research at York for my DPhil degree in chemistry. Writing became a means of escape from everyday life. While I was at York, my then girlfriend (now wife) read my efforts and commented that I ought to try and get something published. I had never thought of writing as anything other than a hobby. Besides, as I thought then, a budding chemist couldn’t possibly be any good at it! Anyway, I joined a writers’ club to find out how to submit a manuscript to a publisher and, to cut a long story short, found a publisher in William Collins for my first novel, Rift.

I am now over half a century old, married to Barbara and have one son (Colin) who is an architect. I read all of my stories aloud to Barbara and Colin and they help me with their comments. My thirty books can be classed mainly as thrillers or crime and you’ll find a list of them – with descriptions – under ‘Books.’

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Featured Books, with extracts by Malcolm Rose

Jordan Stryker Cyber Terror
Malcolm Rose
Jordan Stryker's new mission is an edge-of-your-seat cyber thriller, packed with high-octane twists and turns from the best-selling author of Kiss of Death.  It's the sequel to the bestselling Jordan Stryker thriller, Bionic Agent.
Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/04/2011
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Jordan Stryker Bionic Agent
Malcolm Rose
When a massive explosion is detonated in the Thames estuary the whole of the neighbouring area is blown to smithereens along with the people in it. Although Ben Smith survives he is considerably damaged so when he’s offered the chance...
Featured in: 9+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 28/05/2010
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Forbidden Island
Malcolm Rose
Science, history and mystery collide in breathtaking fashion in this chilling and spine-tingling conspiracy thriller where cover-ups abound.  Inspired by a real island in Scotland used for anthrax testing, this eerie and contemporary thriller will keep readers on the very...
Featured in: 11+ readers | 9+ readers
Format: Paperback - Released: 29/05/2009
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