Gregson is that once common but now relatively rare phenomenon among crime authors, the academic turned detective novelist. He taught for thirty years in schools, universities and colleges, and wrote books on Shakespeare and War Poetry. He was a Director of teacher training before taking early retirement to concentrate fully on writing. He is now the author of thirty-five published detective novels.'The estimable J. M. Gregson provides plots full of seething emotions which are not allowed to impede nifty pieces of craftmanship.' (Gerald Kaufman in The Scotsman)