Keith Miles (aka Edward Marston) 2007-10-04

In this engaging episode of the Poisoned Pen Podcast, Barbara Peters welcomes her longtime friend and fellow mystery writer Keith Miles, who also writes under the pseudonym Edward Marston. The conversation traces Miles' prolific career across multiple genres and pseudonyms, beginning with his early golf mystery series featuring protagonist Alan Saxon, which was inspired by the 1984 Open Championship and set in iconic locations like St Andrews, the San Fernando Valley, and Tokyo—where he explores the unique culture of Japanese golfers who practice in multi-level nets due to limited course access. Miles then transitions to his acclaimed historical series as Edward Marston, centered on Nicholas Bracewell, a bookkeeper in an Elizabethan theater company, where he delves into the intricacies of Shakespearean performance, the precarious lives of actors, and the vibrant, chaotic world of the Globe Theatre. He discusses the rich historical detail behind his Doomsday Book series, which follows census takers in 11th-century England uncovering crimes tied to forged charters and social tensions. Miles also shares insights into his architectural mystery series featuring Frank Lloyd Wright, inspired by his visit to the Biltmore Hotel in Scottsdale, and reflects on his broader body of work, including children's books, nonfiction sports writing, and radio dramas. The episode closes with praise for his role as chairman of the Crime Writers Association, underscoring his enduring influence in the mystery writing community.