Belgian author Toni Coppers shared a heartfelt message about his mother, revealing a lasting bond. “Luckily, my mother doesn’t grasp this, or there would be trouble,” he posted on Facebook on March 11, 2026.
Coppers, born September 6, 1961, in Sint-Truiden, is a celebrated crime novelist best known for his series featuring Antwerp police commissioner Liese Meerhout. According to his Wikipedia page, he is married to co-author Annick Lambert.
Before his success in crime fiction, Coppers began his career with literary travel writing, publishing “De Beha van Madonna, brieven van een reiziger” in 1995. He also worked as a travel journalist for Radio 1 and created travel programs like “Gewoonweg,” “Lopend Vuur,” and “Het Landhuis” for public broadcasting.
He transitioned to thrillers in 2005 with “Dixit,” a comedic take on the world of spin doctors, followed by “Heilige Nachten.” His debut as a full-fledged thriller writer came in 2008 with “Niets is ooit,” the first installment in the Liese Meerhout series, which was nominated for the Hercule Poirot Prize. The series continued with “Engel” (2009), “De geheime tuin” (2010), and “Iris was haar naam” (2010), with the latter two receiving nominations for the Diamanten Kogel award. In “Iris,” Meerhout shifts from art crime to the murder squad. His fifth novel featuring the character, “Stil bloed,” was released in March 2012 and moved the action to Oostende.
Coppers’ work often explores contemporary European settings and themes, and his novels have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. The author’s recent social media post offers a glimpse into his personal life, highlighting the enduring importance of family relationships.
A comprehensive overview of Coppers’ books, including publication history and series information, can be found at Boekbeschrijvingen.nl.
