Jonathan Cox Explores Policing Corruption And Humanity Through The Acclaimed Nostrils Series

Jonathan Cox, former Metropolitan Police officer and celebrated author, draws on real-life policing experiences to craft his best-selling Nostrils series.

From Metropolitan Police Veteran To Best-Selling Crime Novelist

Jonathan Cox transforms decades of policing into gripping fiction. His Nostrils series blends corruption, covert operations, and flawed humanity, earning praise from readers and officers alike for authenticity, depth, and storytelling brilliance.

Jonathan Cox, acclaimed for his Nostrils series, has built a literary career deeply rooted in authenticity. A former Metropolitan Police officer, Cox retired in 2013 and immediately began writing The Blue Trilogy. What was originally imagined as a three-book project grew into an eight-part saga after readers embraced the stories’ realism and depth. His debut, From Green to Blue, climbed to the top of several Amazon UK charts, spanning categories from General Fiction to Police Procedurals.

“The particularly interesting aspect about 1980’s police corruption is the malpractice known as ‘noble cause corruption.’” – Jonathan Cox

Realism at the Heart of Storytelling

Cox’s investigative career, which included uncovering corruption in both the police and public sector, gives his novels a distinctive credibility. His flawed yet captivating protagonist, PC Chris Pritchard—affectionately dubbed “Nostrils”—embodies moral ambiguity and humanity’s shades of light and dark. The series has become a cult favourite among serving and retired officers who see their own struggles mirrored in Pritchard’s story.

Writing About Corruption

Reflecting on his inspiration, Cox explained to Reader’s House that his passion stemmed from two decades investigating corruption. He particularly highlights the 1980s culture of “noble cause corruption,” where officers believed they were breaking rules for the greater good. From Green to Blue explores the tension between this belief and acquisitive corruption, presenting readers with ethical dilemmas that remain strikingly relevant.

The Anti-Hero Appeal

Cox deliberately avoided creating a traditional heroic lead. “No one is perfect. We are all a mix of good and bad, light and dark,” he told Reader’s House. By embracing Pritchard’s flaws, Cox invites readers to question what they themselves might do in difficult circumstances, even when those actions are morally questionable.

Shaped by Covert Operations

With a background in surveillance and witness protection, Cox is able to write authentically about covert tactics while ensuring he never compromises operational security. His experience across divisions such as counter-terrorism and murder investigations brings a layered complexity to his fiction.

A Mentor Reimagined

The character of WPC Dawn Matthews was inspired by a real-life mentor from Cox’s early years on the force. He recalled his relationship with WPC Karen, a strong role model who helped shape his understanding of policing, even though their dynamic differed from the one depicted in his novel.

Balancing Truth and Fiction

For Cox, credibility is non-negotiable. “I made a promise to myself that I would write credibly and would always reflect accurate policing practice,” he said. Much of what appears in From Green to Blue is drawn directly from events he witnessed or stories shared by colleagues, ensuring his books are grounded in truth.

Resonance with Readers

Cox has received heartfelt messages from both fellow officers and civilians. While notes from ex-colleagues bring back vivid memories of shared experiences, he is equally moved when readers outside policing say they have lived the job vicariously through PC Pritchard.

Advice to Retired Officers

Encouraging others to write, Cox told Reader’s House: “Go for it! What have you got to lose?” He believes writing fiction allows freedom to experiment with storylines while preserving the essence of one’s lived experience. For him, the thrill begins with typing “Chapter 1” and culminates in the exhilaration of finishing a story in the early hours.

A Legacy of Authentic Crime Fiction

Jonathan Cox’s novels stand apart in the crowded crime genre thanks to his unique ability to blend lived policing realities with gripping narratives. As Reader’s House highlights, his storytelling preserves the complexities of law enforcement while captivating readers with drama, humanity, and unforgettable characters.

Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.