Kingswell Press · Ghost Writer
James Hartley
Ghost Writer: Thrillers, Crime Fiction & Literary Fiction
5.0 · 22+ reviews
James crafts relentless, plot-driven narratives spanning police procedurals, legal thrillers, psychological suspense, and literary crime fiction. His manuscripts read like they were born to be bestsellers.
320+Books Ghostwritten
11+Years Experience
25+Countries
99%Client Satisfaction
About
The Writer Who Keeps You Reading
I'm James, and I've been writing fiction professionally for over eleven years, first as a crime journalist and then as one of the most sought-after ghostwriters in the thriller and crime fiction space. I know what makes readers stay up until 3am, and I know how to build that into every chapter.
My work spans police procedurals, psychological thrillers, legal dramas, cozy crime, and literary fiction with dark undercurrents. Each genre has its own rhythms and reader expectations. I understand them all, and I know when to satisfy them and when to break the rules for maximum effect.
Most of my clients come to me with a concept: a character, a crime, a setting. They trust me to build it into a full manuscript. I take that trust seriously. Every book I write is unique, deeply researched, and plotted to keep readers turning pages right to the final line.
Confidentiality is the foundation of ghostwriting, and I have a perfect record with every client I've worked with. Your name goes on the cover. That's exactly how it should be.
Thriller WritingCrime FictionPolice ProceduralsPsychological SuspenseLegal DramaLiterary FictionTrue Crime NarrativePlot ArchitectureResearch & Authenticity
Work Experience
Lead Ghost Writer
Kingswell Press
2017 – Present
Freelance Crime Writer
Independent
2014 – 2017
Crime & Courts Journalist
The Evening Standard
2012 – 2014
Languages
- EnglishNative
- GermanIntermediate
Kingswell Top Performer: 2022 & 2023
Recognised for delivering the highest volume of completed manuscripts while maintaining a 99% client satisfaction rate across two consecutive years.
Portfolio
Books I've Written
A selection of titles produced in partnership with clients: thrillers, crime novels, and literary fiction delivered to brief, on time, and ready for market.
Reviews
What Clients Say
“I gave James a one-page concept and a deadline. He delivered a 90,000-word thriller that my agent described as the most confident debut manuscript she had read in years. The pacing was exceptional. Not a single slow chapter.”
Greg Halford
Verified Client
“I'd been struggling with my crime novel for three years. James came in, completely rebuilt the plot structure from chapter five onwards, and wrote a new ending that made my beta readers genuinely shocked. Brilliant instincts.”
Sandra Keene
Verified Client
“The research James put into my legal thriller was extraordinary. Everything from courtroom procedure to forensic detail was accurate. My lawyer readers, actual lawyers, were impressed. The manuscript went to auction.”
Marcus Webb
Verified Client
Writing
Articles by James Hartley
View all articles May 14, 2026By James Hartley
Best Book Marketing and Publishing Services for Australian Authors
Explore the best book marketing and publishing services for Australian authors. Learn how professional editing, publishing, branding, and marketing strategies can help writers increase visibility, reach readers, and grow book sales successfully.
Read article May 11, 2026By James Hartley
Building Your Author Brand | Why It Matters for Long-Term Publishing Success
Read articleReady to work together?
Get in Touch Let's write your thriller
Bring James your concept: a character, a crime, a world. He'll build it into a manuscript that keeps readers reading until the very last page.
