Robert Barnard (23 November 1936 – 19 September 2013) was an English crime writer, critic and lecturer.
He spent five years (1961-1965) as an academic in the English Department at the University of New England, at Armidale, New South Wales, in Australia.
As "Bernard Bastable", he published two standalone novels and two alternate history books, featuring Wolfgang Mozart – who had here survived to old age – as a detective.
Barnard was inducted into the prestigious Detection Club in 1991, and was awarded the Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2003 by the Crime Writers Association for a lifetime of achievement.
Focuses on the investigations of black policeman Charlie Peace as he progresses from a young Constable to a seasoned Inspector.