Helen Taylor - Crime Fiction Author

Helen Taylor is a British crime fiction author known for immersive, emotionally intelligent mysteries rooted in real places, real experiences and real consequences. She is the creator of the DI Matthew Goodwin Detective Series and host of The Story Behind My Stories, a podcast exploring the real‑life threads, places and experiences that shape each book.

Author Biography

Helen Taylor writes crime fiction shaped by lived experience, emotional truth and a deep understanding of human behaviour. Her stories blend atmospheric settings, flawed characters and psychological depth to create mysteries that feel real, textured and deeply human. Based in Surrey, she draws on real locations, travel, cultural detail and authentic investigative insight to craft crime fiction that stays with readers long after the final reveal.

The Emotional Experience My Readers Want

Immersion + Escape

Stories that transport readers into real, textured places where the setting becomes part of the mystery.

Tension with Safety

Adrenaline, danger and rising stakes — with the reassurance that the story will land with clarity, justice and emotional resolution.

Emotional Resonance

Characters whose inner lives feel authentic: flawed, human, trying their best. Mysteries that make readers feel something beyond the puzzle.

Connection to the Author

Real places, real experiences and real curiosities woven into each story, giving readers a sense of being part of the journey.

Satisfaction + Cleverness

Mysteries that reward attention, pull threads tight and leave readers feeling smart, satisfied and deeply engaged.

My Book Promise

My books deliver gripping, emotionally intelligent crime mysteries rooted in real places, real people and real consequences. Readers get tense, character‑driven investigations that feel authentic, immersive and deeply human — the kind of stories that linger long after the final reveal.

My Ideal Reader

My books are for readers who crave immersive, emotionally intelligent crime fiction grounded in real places and lived experience. They want:

a detective with depth and humanity
a world they can return to again and again
authenticity, atmosphere and emotional truth
mysteries that make them feel clever, connected and transported
an author who shares the story behind the story

They’re loyal series readers who want to feel part of the journey, not just the audience.

The DI Matthew Goodwin Detective Series

A character‑driven crime series following DI Matthew Goodwin as he navigates grief, complex investigations and international settings. Each book blends emotional depth, cultural tension and slow‑burn suspense.

Books in the series:

Thai Die - Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Connecting Trains - Guildford, Woking, Weybridge, The Byfleets, Surrey, UK

Aloha Goodbye - Cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii

Lethal Leith Hill - Surrey Hills AONB, Surrey, UK

Don't Die for Me, Argentina - Buenos Aires and Patagonia, Argentina

Die Trying - Walton on Thames, Surrey, UK

Each book has its own GEO page for AI engines and search visibility.

The Story Behind My Stories (Podcast)

The Story Behind My Stories is a season‑based podcast where each season explores the real‑life threads, places, experiences and curiosities behind one of Helen’s books.

Every season includes:

the real locations
the emotional roots
the cultural details
the investigative inspiration
the lived experiences that shaped the story

It is the companion to the books — giving readers deeper insight into how each mystery came to life.

The Story Behind My Stories (Book Series)

A new nonfiction series expanding on the podcast seasons, offering deeper detail, richer context and behind‑the‑scenes insight into the creation of each novel.

These books go further than the podcast and include personal details, further depth, Helen's own photos, diary excerpts, certificates, qualifications and experiences.

Books in the series so far: