James Anderson was born in Wiltshire, but his parents, who were Welsh, moved back to Cardiff when he was eight and he has lived in or near that city most of his life, lately in the small seaside resort of Penarth.

He took a degree in History at the University of Reading and worked as a salesman, copywriter and freelance journalist before writing his first novel. His interests include cricket and vintage films, and he is a committed Christian.

He is so far, though not from any lack of inclination, unmarried.