Matthew Broadbent was born in Zevenaar in the Netherlands, moving to England when he was 5. At the age of eight he started ballet, joining the Royal Ballet School in London when he was 11. It was here that he first borrowed an Agatha Christie book and his love of murder mysteries started. Whilst at school, Matthew read almost every Agatha Christie book written, often being told off for reading in the dormitory after 'lights out'. After graduating school, Matthew joined Northern Ballet, a UK touring ballet company. To relax from the gruelling performance and touring schedule, Matthew started writing and 'The Boy from Colombo' represents his debut novel, heavily inspired by the Agatha Christie books he read as a child. Matthew continues to work for Northern Ballet, writing in changing rooms and hotels between performances.