Blog | Graham Bartlett

Blog: My crime fiction musings

Here is where you’ll find my and other carefully selected experts’ views on all things writing, policing, crime and frankly anything that we think you might be interested in. Do dip in to whichever blogs take you fancy and feel free to share them or just let me know what you think.

Thuggery is not Protest (The Argus)

After years commanding public order operations, I know the difference between legitimate protest and mob violence. Here’s why we can no longer stay silent while brave officers are made scapegoats for the crimes of others.

What Crime Writers Get Wrong About Public Order Policing

Crime writers love putting officers in full riot gear and bracing for a brawl. I sat down with Dr Vicky, a serving public order commander and what she told me will completely change how you write these scenes.

Podcasting for Beginners (The Argus)

Three ex-cops turned crime writers walk into a podcast. The story of launching Prose and Cons, a madcap idea over a birthday curry!

The Real Relegation Casualties (The Argus)

When the final whistle blows, it’s not just the players who feel it. In my latest for The Argus, I look at the hidden human cost of relegation.

Brighton’s Hidden Gem (The Argus)

The Old Police Cells Museum beneath Brighton Town Hall has just reopened after two years in the dark, and it’s better than ever!

Self Centred Leadership (The Argus)

What can Plato tell us about why the people who want power most are so often the least qualified to hold it?

Ugly but Necessary Use of Force (The Argus)

Use of force can look brutal to the untrained eye. But there’s a world of difference between what a curated media clip shows and what actually happened.

What Crime Writers Get Wrong About Prison Life

An officer caught wearing a prisoner’s stolen watch. That’s where Andy Marsland’s story begins. With 30+ years in HM Prison Service, he’s here to save your prison scenes from some serious howlers.

Free Speech is for All, Not the Few (The Argus)

The Lucy Letby case has left me genuinely uncertain. But one thing I’m very sure about is that silencing a Chief Constable’s rebuttal isn’t balance.

AI road cameras in Sussex aim to cut deaths and injuries (The Argus)

AI and I don’t usually see eye to eye. But Sussex Police’s new road enforcement cameras have made me think again.

Why doing nothing is only fuelling rise in shoplifting (The Argus)

The recent sacking of a Waitrose worker for protecting company stock says everything about why shoplifting is out of control.

All Praise the Easter Joy (The Argus)

Did you know medieval priests used to hard-boil eggs and roll them down church aisles? That’s just one of the Easter surprises my Brighton Argus article this week…

Fit to Serve? (The Argus)

The UK police fitness test hasn’t changed much over the years, but policing has…

Victorian Policing: They Photographed the Victim’s Eyes

Dr. Angela Buckley has spent years digging through archives to uncover how Victorian detectives really operated. If you write historical crime fiction, this one’s essential reading.

Time to call time on British Summer Time clock changes (The Argus)

This week I’m making the case for ditching the whole twice-yearly clock changing faff. Here’s why I think it’s time we just picked one time and stuck to it.

The downsides of working from home (The Argus)

The freedom of working from home is real, and I love it. But switching off from work feels like a professional skill in itself.

Why I’m giving up on finishing every book (The Argus)

It really is okay to give up on a book you’re not enjoying. In fact, it makes you a better reader…

For Justice Sakes, Keep Quiet (The Argus)

The arrests of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson have gripped our nation, but could public speculation prevent justice being served?

Failure in forensic services is a wake-up call for all of us (The Argus)

From the closure of the Forensic Science Service to a 20,000-device backlog and near-monopoly provision, I examine why the UK’s forensic science crisis threatens justice for everyone.

Standing up to potholes (The Argus)

I’ve been using my detective skills to investigate…potholes! Learn how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a watertight case against your local council.

How Raystede helps abuse survivors and animals (The Argus)

This week I’m writing about Break Away – an animal fostering service run by Raystede, helping people flee domestic abuse while keeping their animals safe.

Does Police Reform Go Far Enough? (The Argus)

The 2025 police reform White Paper promises fewer forces and better coordination, but ignores mission creep. What’s being overloooked?

End this Leaky Leadership (The Argus)

A water company CEO leaves thousands without water, gets a £115k bonus, and stays put. I’m looking at why some leaders face consequences while others don’t.

Months in a Broom Cupboard: What Counter-Terrorism Really Looks Like

I talk to David Smart, former Counter-Terrorism Security Co-ordinator and one of my UK Crime Fiction Experts.

What’s it Like Where you Are? (The Argus)

Why do we Brits spend months of our lives discussing the weather? I explore our national obsession with small talk.

Never Too Old for New Worlds (The Argus)

Me, an author? Becoming a novelist was a lesson in grabbing chances and allowing hard work and fate to determine what happens next.

Working Hard at Taking Breaks (The Argus)

Switching off while you’re on holiday isn’t just nice – it’s essential for wellbeing, backed by science.

Why Twixtmas is definitely the fuzziest week of the year (The Argus)

Twixmas – that fuzzy week between Christmas and New Year when time loses meaning and leftovers reign supreme.

The pain and grief of losing a family pet (The Argus)

Before we adopted Murphy, I had little idea what complete love and joy a dog can bring to a family.

Why Britons love to moan but some never actually complain (The Argus)

90% of Britons moan about poor service, but only 20% actually complain. I explore our peculiar national habit, and why speaking up matters.

Hitting the Bullseye (The Argus)

In November 2025, I was on the ITV gameshow Bullseye – here’s what happened.

Have Juries Had Their Day? (The Argus)

This week I’m asking: have juries had their day? Maybe the government’s reforms aren’t so radical after all.

A Chemist’s Guide to Getting Crime Science Right

That chloroform scene where your villain presses a rag to someone’s face and they instantly collapse? Nonsense. Brian Price tackles the scientific howlers that throw readers out of your story.

A national child safeguarding body should be established (The Argus)

Child safeguarding failures, and why I think we need a radical reform of the UK’s child safeguarding system.

All Hail the Facebook Group Admins (The Argus)

This week’s Brighton Argus column celebrates the unsung heroes of our local online communities – and the vital work they do, even when it feels like herding cats.

Be kind to those not wired for heroism (The Argus)

We all like to think we’d run toward danger and be the hero. But after 30 years in policing, I can tell you: you never know how you’ll react until it happens.

Why Reality TV Works (The Argus)

Reality TV producers know a secret about character development that crime writers need to understand.

Public Safety Over Politics (The Argus)

Why were Maccabi FC fans banned from Villa Park? I explore the PM’s comments and reveal how Safety Advisory Groups actually work.

The Commander’s View: What 150 Firearms Operations Taught Me About Crime Writing

Former Chief Superintendent Steve Voice commanded 150+ firearms operations. Here’s what crime writers get wrong about armed policing.

Glimmers of Hope for the NHS (The Argus)

The NHS isn’t perfect, but when it works, it really works. I’ve seen both sides – the desperate waits and the surprising speed. Here’s what’s changing…

In the Presence of a ‘Killer’? (The Argus)

My morning with ‘Black Widow’ Linda Calvey – but did she really commit murder?

People respect leadership, not a title (The Argus)

The daft tradition of police titles, and my mate Bill who’d call me “guv” in briefings but Graham behind closed doors (usually while telling me I was wrong!).

Ditching smartphones good for kids (The Argus)

Two very different TV shows have got me thinking about what young people really need. Spoiler: it’s not another app. Here’s what inspired coaches and teachers are doing that actually works.

What Crime Writers Get Wrong About Forensic Anthropology

Remember that scene in your manuscript where your forensic anthropologist swabs for DNA, analyses the blood spatter, checks the fingerprints, and then nips off to interview the suspect? Yeah, about that…

When Writing Starts to Feel Heavy

I totally get it. That was me. And if we’re being honest, that’s EVERY SINGLE (HONEST) WRITER at some point. Including you, probably.

The Girl in the Van by Helen Matthews

Helen Matthews joins me on the blog to talk about her new psychological suspense thriller and her writing life.

Working with Graham Bartlett

When lockdown struck in March last year I immediately lost two clients. ‘Sorry, too much unpredictability. We need to cut all our costs…’

Tea and Sympathy?

Nationally acclaimed FLO, Louise Pye QPM, busts every Family Liaison myth there is and explains what the role actually involves.

The Natural Order

If who does what in the police blows your mind and you’ve no idea how people move up the ranks, fret no more! Here I explain it all – and it’s not that complicated.

Getting to know you, officer

As with any profession, cops are part of a structure, they have a certain way of talking, addressing each other and a very distinctive sense of humour.

The Faint Whiff of Policing

Ask any cop what the go-to insult of numb-skulls on a night out is when they walk past and I’ll bet…

Who Cares?

I know nothing about resecting a bowel or removing an inflamed appendix. Why would I? I’m a former detective, not a surgeon. What I suspect though…