Declan Hughes was born in Dublin. He founded Rough Magic Theatre Company with Lynne Parker in 1984, was Artistic Director until 1992 and Writer-in-Residence until 1999. He directed 16 of the company's productions and was nominated for a Harvey's Best Director Award in 1987. Hughes's work has been performed throughout Ireland and Britain, Europe, Canada and the US. This is his first novel, the first in the planned Ed Loy mystery series.