Alex Howard is a pseudonym used by the author of a series of crime novels featuring DI Hanlon. Howard, who also writes under his real name, Alex Coombs, studied Arabic and Islamic History at Oxford and has worked in adult education. His academic background and experience in adult education have likely provided him with a wealth of knowledge and insight into various cultures and communities, which he incorporates into his writing.
Howard currently resides in London with his wife and two children. His personal experiences living in a bustling and diverse city like London have likely shaped his perspective and influenced the settings and characters in his novels. The use of the pseudonym Alex Howard allows the author to maintain a level of separation between his personal life and his work as a crime writer, providing him with the freedom to explore darker and more complex themes in his novels.
It is worth noting that Howard's decision to write under his real name, Alex Coombs, for some of his works suggests a desire for greater transparency and authenticity in his writing. This change may reflect a shift in his approach to storytelling or a desire to connect more deeply with his readers. Regardless of the pseudonym used, Howard's writing remains engaging and thought-provoking, exploring the complexities of crime and justice in contemporary society.