Inside “The Black Box”

“The Black Box”

26 October 2025 — This week, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine shares a surprisingly personal essay on the origins of Dick Byrne written by the character’s creator, author Brian A. Dixon. This new piece offers readers a closer look at the combustible detective and the influences that shaped his creation.

At the invitation of Linda Landrigan, the editor of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, Dixon has shared an inside look at the creation of expert arson investigator Dick Byrne, revealing how his father’s influence helped to forge this unique hero in the crowded landscape of mystery fiction. From Byrne’s absorbing backstory to his confrontational methods, the article explores those traits that define the character’s unconventional approach to solving mysteries.

This exclusive article takes readers behind the scenes of "The Black Box," the latest Dick Byrne mystery, examining how personal history and creative vision came together to shape this unique story. Readers will gain fresh insight into the detective hero’s development, the recurring themes in his mysteries, and the inspirations that continue to fuel these stories.

For fans eager to learn more about the detective behind the case, and for newcomers curious about what sets Byrne apart, this behind-the-scenes glimpse offers a revealing look at the character and the mysteries that challenge him. Discover what goes into writing the adventures of literature's most explosive detective.

Visit Linda Landrigan's Trace Evidence blog to read “Brian A. Dixon on ‘The Black Box.’”