James Riordan

James Riordan grew up during the war in his chimney-sweep grandfather's house in Portsmouth. After school he was a barman, waiter, railway clerk, commercial salesman, and dance band musician. During service in the RAF he learned Russian and went on to become Professor of Russian in Bradford.

James Riordan is also a particularly gifted novelist. James' first novel Sweet Clarinet won the NASEN Award and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Book Award. Match of Death won the South Lanarkshire Book Award and his latest novel The Gift was also shorted for the NASEN Award.

James lives near Portsmouth with his two cats, Pompey and Tilly.