Peter Caton was born in 1960 and has always lived in Upminster, Essex. He is married with two children. After training as a polymer chemist, he set up his own business testing and manufacturing adhesives. He sold this in 2018, giving more time for writing and his interests in walking, the countryside and conservation and railways. His other interests include travelling and football (he has season tickets at both West Ham and Torquay United) and he is a member of Upminster Methodist Church.