Canadian espionage writer Xander Richards was born in the early sixties in an unremarkable town in western Europe to parents whose stories of their wartime military experience enthralled him and stoked the fires of his imagination.  Inspired by Fleming’s James Bond novels, Cussler’s Dirk Pitt adventure books, Clancy’s espionage thrillers, Alistair MacLean’s action stories and many other suspense and spy thrillers, he started writing at an early age. After a spell in the forces Xander was first published—under a different name—in the late eighties.  Around this time the idea for 'COAST: An Act Of Burial' was conceived whilst on vacation with friends from the army.  It was initially started as a film script but due to the pressures of work and family was never completed in that format.  Nonetheless, the story stayed with Richards over the next two decades during which time he authored many factual articles, reviews and instructional pieces which were published in magazines and online, and relocated to Canada. After this Xander decided to  author ‘COAST: An Act Of Burial’ as an espionage novel, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s rags-to-riches success story with the Harry Potter series.  Compiling an enormous amount of intelligence, espionage, technical and geographical research, he wrote at every opportunity.  A screenwriter friend reviewed the work leading to a number of beneficial changes and then Xander started looking into publication. Xander Richards describes himself as ‘an ordinary fella with regular interests and pastimes’.  These include cars, photography, movies (especially spy movies) and garage sales.  Xander lives in Saskatchewan, Canada with his wife Mindy.  They have four adult children and four grandchildren.

Achievements: Still here! Stuff I've done: Composer, Record Producer, Author, Special Effects Technician, Taxi Driver, Radio Presenter and loads of other stuff. Awards: I once won the category 'An Interesting Snapshot' in the Ruddington Garden Association's annual show. Certifications: I hold a certificate for 'Skid Control' from South Yorkshire Police.