Robert Barnard facts for kids

Robert Barnard (born November 23, 1936 – died September 19, 2013) was a famous English writer. He wrote many exciting crime stories. He was also a critic and a lecturer. Besides books under his own name, he wrote four books as "Bernard Bastable."

His Life and Writing Journey

Early Life and Education

Robert Barnard was born in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, England. This was on November 23, 1936. He went to school at the Colchester Royal Grammar School. Later, he studied at Balliol College, Oxford.

Becoming a Popular Author

For five years, from 1961 to 1965, Robert Barnard taught English. He worked at the University of New England in Australia. His first crime novel was called Death of an Old Goat. It came out in 1974. He wrote this book while teaching at the University of Tromsø in Norway.

He wrote over 40 books in total. He also wrote many short stories. Under the name "Bernard Bastable," he wrote four books. Two of these were standalone novels. The other two were "alternate history" stories. In these, the famous musician Wolfgang Mozart became a detective. And he lived to be very old!

Awards and Special Recognition

Robert Barnard received many honors for his writing. In 1991, he joined the special Detection Club. This club is for top mystery writers. In 2003, he won the Cartier Diamond Dagger. This award is given by the Crime Writers Association. It celebrates a lifetime of great writing.

He said his favorite crime writer was Agatha Christie. In 1980, he wrote a book about her work. It was called A Talent to Deceive: An Appreciation of Agatha Christie.

Robert Barnard passed away on September 19, 2013. He and his wife Louise lived in Yorkshire.