JM Hall is the pen name of Jonathan Hall. Jonathan was born in Yorkshire and, bar a few brief interludes, he has lived in the county ever since. He has been writing for stage and radio for many years, most recently creating the critically acclaimed BBC radio series "Trust" starring Julie Hesmondhalgh which is about to broadcast its sixth season on Radio 4. This series was inspired by Jonathan's long-time career as deputy headmaster of a northern primary school. Primary teaching has always been a huge part of his life and throughout his writing career he is proud never to have lost the skill of putting together a slick timetable.

In 2021, his first novel was published by Harper Collins. "A Spoonful of Murder" introduced us to the unlikely crime-solving trio of retired teachers Liz, Thelma and Pat. These wonderfully warm and funny characters took on a life of their own and spawned a series of cosy crime novels; the latest in the series, ‘A Brush with death’ was published in 2025. His next novel takes him away from Yorkshire to the gothic wilds of the Cornish Coast; ‘Murder on the Cornish Express’ will be published in 2026.

When he’s not writing, Jonathan is happy to take his mind off the trials of creativity by doing something that takes him right away from his desk, such as making rather unsuccessful sponge cakes or walking in the Dales.