The Forgotten Father of Tartan Noir: Bill Knox’s Legacy Resurfaces

Bill Knox: The Forgotten Father of Tartan Noir

Bill Knox, a journalist from Glasgow, may not be a household name like Val McDermid or Ian Rankin, but he is now being hailed as the true pioneer of the gritty genre known as ‘tartan noir’. Knox, who passed away in 1999, wrote over 65 books under various pseudonyms and created a Scottish literary legacy that has influenced many modern crime writers.

His most famous series follows the Glasgow homicides investigated by Chief Inspector Thane and his deputy, Moss. Knox’s books were known for their sharp plots and immersive storytelling, winning him awards and international acclaim. Despite his success, Knox’s work fell off the radar in recent years, until a Highland admirer stumbled upon one of his novels in a second-hand bookshop.

Barry Hutchison, a writer and publisher, was captivated by Knox’s writing and decided to reissue his novels through his publishing company, Zertex Media. The reissued books have been met with enthusiasm from readers and critics alike, with many praising Knox as one one of the grandfathers of tartan noir.

Hutchison believes that Knox’s work laid the foundation for Scottish crime fiction and hopes that his stories will finally make it to screens, both big and small. With the resurgence of interest in Knox’s work, it seems that the true father of tartan noir may finally get the recognition he deserves.