Herron was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and educated at Balliol College, Oxford, where he earned a degree in English.

[3] Herron has stated that the lead character, Jackson Lamb, was influenced by Reginald Hill's Andy Dalziel.

Soho Press published the Slough House novels in the United States, and John Murray started republishing the series in the UK from 2015.

In story terms, Proof of Love, Mirror Images and The Other Half are set before Down Cemetery Road, whereas What We Do comes after Why We Die.

[15] An Apple TV+ adaptation of Down Cemetery Road starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson was announced in 2024.

[20] His partner is Jo Howard, a 'headhunter for the publishing industry'[21] and 'leadership development consultant',[22] formerly a Commercial Director at Waterstones Booksellers.