Charles Philipp Martin

Charles Philipp Martin grew up in Greenwich Village in New York City. After attending Columbia University and Manhattan School of Music, he took off to become a bass player in the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Six years later he put down his bow and became a full-time writer.

In addition to spending four years as a Sunday Magazine columnist for the South China Morning post, he wrote and presented several radio series on Radio Television Hong Kong. For some two decades his jazz radio show, 3 O'Clock Jump, was be heard every Saturday on Hong Kong's Radio 3.

After seventeen years in Hong Kong he moved to Seattle, where he now lives with his wife and son.

His most recent novel, Rented Grave, has just been released by Level Best Books. The first in a series, it features Inspector Herman Lok of the Hong Kong Police, who was introduced in his last novel, Neon Panic.

PRAISE FOR RENTED GRAVE

"An atmospheric crime story savvily blending the sleek modernity of Hong Kong with China’s tumultuous past."

— Kirkus Reviews

"In noir, nothing goes according to plan. In Charles Philip Martin’s RENTED GRAVE we have a crime, done in a different culture, against an alien political backdrop. Everything is different to Western eyes, from corruption to police procedure, women, and justice. Told in a crisp, vivid and relentless style that keeps the story moving forward and the mindset and values of a foreign city and its people at the fingertips, yet out of reach, Martin delivers noir in the darkest of shades."

— Gabriel Valjan, Agatha, Anthony, and Shamus-nominated author of the Shane Cleary series​

"...lean and masterfully written...This book pulls you in and won't let go."

— Carl Vonderau, award-winning author of MURDERABILIA and SAVING MYLES​

"Rented Grave is a beautifully-crafted, relentlessly-paced crime story studded with edge-of-your-seat thrills. Never for a moment does it stop bubbling with tension and danger."

— Ron McMillan, author of YIN YANG TATTOO and BANGKOK COWBOY

"An as-authentic-as-you're-likely-to-get insider's view of Hong Kong police work…Martin pulls the reader through a twisty international thriller that ultimately satisfies while leaving us ready for the next installment. Exactly what you want in a thriller."

— Bobby Mathews, Anthony-nominated author of MAGIC CITY BLUES, LIVING THE GIMMICK, and NEGATIVE TILT

“The criminal back alleys of Charles Philipp Martin’s Hong Kong simmer with sumptuous corruption.”

​— Gerald Elias, award-winning author of the Daniel Jacobus mysteries

​“A suspenseful read. Exotic in its locale, so human in its telling. Inspector Lok is back on the job in this thrilling new novel from Charles Philipp Martin. RENTED GRAVE is a page-turning mystery, filled with characters as unique as its setting. Smartly written, it’s a welcome return for the many fans of NEON PANIC.”

— Adam Carpenter, author of the JIMMY McSWAIN FILES

PRAISE FOR NEON PANIC

"OUTSTANDING ... A SUPERIOR CRIME NOVEL ... STRONG, SUSPENSEFUL"

— William Bayer

Million-selling author of "Switch"

"ENGROSSING ... evokes the fizzy chaos of modern Hong Kong."

— Adam Woog

The Seattle Times

"...A WORTHY DEBUT FROM AN EXCITING NEW TALENT. CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE."

— Steve Berry

New York Times Bestselling Author