PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, 10 July 2025 – Reader’s House Magazine, London’s leading literature gateway, is proud to announce that acclaimed author Ken Webb is featured in its latest issue with an in-depth interview. In the interview, Webb delves into his career as a historian turned crime fiction writer, revealing the creative journey behind his Detective Inspector Spence Hargreaves series and the intricate world he has built around this beloved character.
Known for his extensive career as a historian, Webb has authored books on topics as diverse as the Weimar Republic and the Vietnam War. Yet in this issue, readers are introduced to a different side of the author—one that takes a deep dive into the psychological and narrative complexities of crime fiction. Webb’s crime writing, penned under the pseudonym A L Masters, presents a compelling mix of historical accuracy and dark intrigue, as evidenced in the latest installment of his Spence Hargreaves series, Julie Trax Down.
The magazine praises Webb’s unique ability to combine his historical expertise with his storytelling, noting that his transition to crime fiction was not a pivot but rather the fulfilment of a long-held desire. Webb reveals, “The process of imagination, development of characters and creating plot twists I find great fun… though the two areas I write in are of course worlds apart.”
In the interview, Webb also discusses the influence of his upbringing in Swindon and the 1980s on the setting and tone of his novels. He highlights how his experiences in education have shaped his approach to character development, stating, “Decades of teaching and lecturing have brought me into contact with hundreds, perhaps thousands of people… This has helped with some of the character development in my stories.”
Webb’s Detective Inspector Spence Hargreaves is noted for his love of blues music, particularly Eric Clapton, a passion that adds depth and relatability to the character. Webb reflects, “The blues obsession adds some colour to Spence Hargreaves… He can be tough, he is smart, he bends the rules at times, but he is someone essentially likeable.”
The magazine further commends Webb’s work in its Editor’s Choice Award of Literary Excellence, which is presented to a select group of exceptional authors. Webb’s contributions to both the academic and literary worlds are recognised for their depth and quality.
For more on Webb’s journey from historian to crime fiction author, read the full interview at Reader’s House Magazine.
About Ken Webb
Ken Webb, also known by the pseudonym A L Masters, has spent decades in the field of history writing, contributing to a deeper understanding of the past with books on topics ranging from the Weimar Republic to the Vietnam War. His transition to crime fiction has been met with great acclaim, and his Spence Hargreaves series continues to captivate readers with its unique blend of historical context and psychological intrigue. Webb’s work is informed by his upbringing in Swindon, his experiences as an educator, and his deep passion for storytelling.
About Reader’s House
Reader’s House Magazine is a leading publication in the literary world, showcasing interviews with bestselling, award-winning, and critically acclaimed authors. The magazine is distributed in over 190 countries and is available in thousands of stores including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Waterstones. Reader’s House is committed to presenting the best in contemporary literature and recognising the achievements of exceptional writers through awards such as the Editor’s Choice Award of Literary Excellence.
Contact:
Ben Alan
Email: press@newyox.media
Tel: +44 7938 478420