M. Dibdin Paintings

M. Dibdin, whom you might be referring to as Michael Dibdin, was an English author and crime writer, best known for his series of detective novels featuring the Italian police commissioner Aurelio Zen. Born on March 21, 1948, in Wolverhampton, England, Dibdin had a career that spanned several decades and was marked by his sharp wit and engaging narrative style.

Dibdin was educated at the University of Sussex and later attended the University of Alberta in Canada, where he earned a master's degree in English. His first novel, 'The Last Sherlock Holmes Story', was published in 1978 and intertwined the fates of Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper. The book set the stage for Dibdin's career as a writer capable of blending and bending literary genres.

However, it was the creation of the character Aurelio Zen in 'Ratking' (1988) that brought Dibdin widespread recognition. The Zen series, which includes titles such as 'Cabal', 'Dead Lagoon', and 'Blood Rain', is known for its vivid portrayal of Italian society and politics, as well as its complex protagonist. The novels are often characterized by their intricate plots and the way they incorporate elements of the local Italian settings into the narrative. The series concluded with 'End Games', published posthumously in 2007.

Aside from the Aurelio Zen series, Dibdin also wrote standalone novels and was awarded the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for his novel 'Dirty Tricks'. Throughout his career, Dibdin's work was praised for its intelligence, dry humor, and the skillful use of language.

Michael Dibdin passed away on March 30, 2007, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in the genre of crime fiction. His books remain popular with readers who appreciate his unique blend of suspense, cultural commentary, and psychological depth.