Photographer: Darren James
Simon Rowell is a bestselling Australian crime writer with a sharp eye for the shadows that lurk beneath the surface. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Simon’s work dives deep into the murky intersections of culture, morality, and truth—an exploration that began with his breakout debut The Echo of Others, shortlisted for the prestigious Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime Novel.
His gripping follow-up, The Long Game, introduced readers to the unforgettable Detective Zoe Mayer and her service dog Harry—a duo who returned in Wild Card and then in The Good Dog.
Before becoming a full-time author, Simon lived a life packed with stories of its own—working on outback oil rigs, managing hotels, guiding tours, and later spending two decades in corporate branding. These rich experiences now fuel the authenticity and grit in his fiction.
Simon lives on the Fleurieu Peninsula with his wife Karen, along with a motley crew of rescued animals. His writing is driven by a deep curiosity about justice—and the quiet ways it can be won or lost.
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