All About Tracy Buchanan
Tracy writes gripping thrillers that delve into the darkest corners of family, psychology and forensic investigation. From psychological suspense and domestic thrillers to her latest forensic crime series, her books explore secrets, lies and the dangerous choices people make when pushed to the edge.
Read more about her below and discover Tracy's books here ➝
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tracy
Where does Tracy come from?
Tracy lives in Buckinghamshire, UK, with her husband, daughter and their spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bronte.
Where does Tracy's family come from?
Born to a Sri Lankan father and British mother, Tracy grew up listening to her dad’s childhood tales of giant tortoises, mischievous monkeys and bustling family life in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
What are Tracy's hobbies?
When Tracy's not writing dark and twisty thrillers, she enjoys long walks and indulging in true crime documentaries. When she’s not writing, Tracy can be found tending to her wildlife-friendly garden, complete with fox-feeding stations, hedgehog houses and even a squirrel-sized picnic bench. Her fascination with nature and insects even led her to rear maggots into flies!
How did she become a writer?
Tracy always knew she wanted to write. As a child, she crafted stories using cut-outs from her mum’s Littlewoods catalogues. Her first ‘novel’ featured vampires lurking in a cellar. After earning a degree in English Literature, she worked in PR and travel journalist, exploring countries across the globe. She also produced digital content for the BBC and The Open University, where she honed her storytelling skills.
What inspires her thrillers?
Tracy’s books often explore complicated relationships, toxic friendships, and past secrets that won’t stay buried. Her journalistic background has shaped her ability to weave suspenseful, immersive narratives, while her husband’s work as a police detective provides real-life crime insight. She also has a deep fascination with forensic science, which inspired her Dr Vanessa Marwood crime series, where a forensic entomologist solves chilling murder cases.
How has personal loss shaped her writing?
Tracy lost her mother in 2021, a life-changing event that deepened her storytelling. Much like the metamorphosis of the insects she loves, this grief transformed her, adding new layers of emotion and intensity to her novels. She continues to honour her mother’s memory through her writing, balancing gritty crime investigations with deeply personal, emotional journeys.
Tracy in the media
Bestselling author Tracy has been featured in leading literary and media platforms, from BBC interviews to crime fiction spotlights and industry guest posts. Explore her insights into forensic crime thrillers, psychological suspense and the secrets behind her bestselling novels.
Crime Fiction Lover | Interview: Forensic Crime Fiction & The Science Behind Venom in the Blood
In this exclusive interview with Crime Fiction Lover, Tracy discusses the real forensic entomology research behind her forensic crime thriller Venom in the Blood. She shares how she develops scientifically accurate crime investigations, the inspiration behind forensic scientist Dr. Vanessa Marwood, and why readers love dark, investigative thrillers.
🔗 Read the full interview: Crime Fiction Lover
The Telegraph | My New Little Sister Helped Me Overcome the Pain of Infertility
In this deeply personal feature for The Telegraph, Tracy Buchanan shares her journey through infertility and how her younger sister played a pivotal role in her healing. This moving story offers insight into the real-life emotions that shape the themes of family and resilience in her novels.
🔗 Read the full article: The Telegraph
The Sun | From One Child to a Brood of Seven – Comparing Family Life
Tracy contributed to The Sun’s feature on parenting dynamics, discussing how her experiences as a mother influence the relationships and emotional depth in her novels. Her insights on motherhood, family bonds, and personal growth align with the themes found in books like Wall of Silence and Circle of Doubt.
🔗 Read the full article: The Sun