Understand
Richard Osman discusses his deep personal and ancestral links to Sussex
Overview
Author and presenter Richard Osman spoke about his strong ties to Sussex during an event for his latest book, We Chase Shadows. Osman explained how growing up in Haywards Heath, visiting his mother's retirement village in Burgess Hill, and discovering an ancestor who was a witness in a 19th-century Brighton murder case heavily influenced his writing and connection to the region.
Key points
- Richard Osman stated that he feels very rooted in the South East, having grown up in Haywards Heath.
- His hit debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, was inspired by residents at his mother's retirement village in Burgess Hill.
- Osman's four-times great-grandfather was an amateur sleuth and key witness in a 19th-century Brighton murder case.
- He released his latest mystery novel, We Chase Shadows, following the international success of The Thursday Murder Club.
- Osman was awarded an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting in the 2026 New Year Honours list.