Welcome to the Gritty World of Thriller Crime Fiction by Mark McGinn

Hi, I’m Mark McGinn, author of the Sasha Stace crime series. My journey to writing crime thrillers started with a career as a court registrar in New Zealand. I spent years observing the human drama that unfolds in the courtroom, where justice is seldom as neat and tidy as it should be. That experience lit my passion for writing stories that dive into high-stakes moments that can get pretty messy.

It wasn’t until a conversation with a client—who, like me, shared a love for crime novels—that I decided to give crime writing a go. We discussed the idea, “What if the last living members of a jury who wrongly convicted an innocent man died within a short time of each other?” From that, Sasha Stace was born: a tough, no-nonsense lawyer who gets caught up in the chaos of criminal justice, and isn’t afraid to confront the things most of us hope never to see.

When you read my books, I want you to feel like you’re solving the puzzle alongside the characters. I aim to keep you turning the pages, wanting to know what happens next. I focus on creating compelling antagonists, because honestly, who doesn’t love a character who believes they’re the hero of their own appalling internal dialogue? And if I can make you smile even in the darkest moments, despite the suspense and intrigue, then I’ve done my job.

When I’m not writing, I help clients with psychological profiles for potential employees, and leadership coaching. I’m also a self-proclaimed foodie, (you might even find a recipe in a book or two). a red wine enthusiast, and a golf lover—although let’s just say the “19th hole” is the one I play the best: where ambition finally equals ability. I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by. Explore my site, check out the books, and sign up for a free short story and an occasional update from, I hope, soon to be one of your favourite crime authors.

And here’s something you might not know: I also work as a developmental editor for crime and thriller writers. Just as I build twists, tension, and unforgettable characters into my own novels, I help other authors do the same in theirs. If you’re working on your own crime story or thriller, check out my Developmental Editing page — it could be just the boost your book needs.