It’s not every day a book industry CEO writes a debut novel let alone one that dares to twist the timelines of World War II with speculative science and time travel.
But that’s exactly what Nick Croydon, the CEO of QBD Books, has done with The Turing Protocol. Released through QBD and now available on major platforms, this bold debut is already generating buzz among fans of historical fiction, speculative thrillers, and cinematic storytelling.
And while Croydon’s name may be better known in boardrooms than in book clubs, this release is reshaping that narrative fast.
From QBD Books CEO to Author
For years, Nick Croydon has helped shape Australia’s literary landscape through his leadership at QBD Books, one of the country’s largest and most recognisable bookstore chains. But with The Turing Protocol, he’s stepped into the spotlight not as a business figure, but as an author and not just any author, but one with something bold to say.
The novel follows a speculative twist on the life of Alan Turing, the famed British codebreaker. In Croydon’s fictional reimagining, Turing develops “Nautilus,” a device capable of sending messages into the recent past. After altering the outcome of D-Day, Turing entrusts the device to Joan the mother of his secret child and the story unfolds across generations of the Turing family, each one forced to decide whether the past should be changed… or protected.
Historical Fiction Meets Speculative Thriller
What sets The Turing Protocol apart is how seamlessly it blends fact and fiction. It’s historical fiction with a twist part wartime drama, part science fiction, and full of complex moral choices. The story moves between Churchill’s war room, modern-day political flashpoints like Ukraine, and the inner conflicts of people who carry the weight of rewriting history.
It’s cinematic, fast-paced, and written with the kind of clarity that makes it easy to imagine on screen. In fact, several readers have already said it “reads like a movie,” and there’s been growing interest in its adaptation potential.
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A Former Book of the Month, With Strong Reception
Shortly after release, The Turing Protocol was selected as QBD’s Fiction Book of the Month, and earned a 4-star review in Good Reading Magazine. The review praised it for its “absorbing romp,” bold concept, and genre-blending structure.
For a debut novel, it’s an impressive entry into a competitive space especially one so willing to take risks.
Not Without Controversy
Any book that challenges genre lines and takes creative liberties with history is bound to attract attention both good and critical. The Turing Protocol doesn’t shy away from big ideas, and that’s exactly why it’s resonating with some readers and raising eyebrows with others.
But controversy, in this case, seems to be fuelling curiosity.
Whether or not you agree with Croydon’s choices in the narrative, it’s clear this is a book that’s getting people talking and that’s half the battle in publishing today.
Watch the Author Interviews & Coverage
Any book that challenges genre lines and takes creative liberties with history is bound to attract attention both good and critical. The Turing Protocol doesn’t shy away from big ideas, and that’s exactly why it’s resonating with some readers and raising eyebrows with others.
But controversy, in this case, seems to be fuelling curiosity.
Whether or not you agree with Croydon’s choices in the narrative, it’s clear this is a book that’s getting people talking and that’s half the battle in publishing today.
A Cinematic Story Begging for the Screen
Let’s not pretend The Turing Protocol reads like it’s meant for the big screen.
There’s wartime tension. Multi-generational drama. A strong moral dilemma at the heart. It’s the kind of storytelling that plays out in your head like a series or film. With Croydon’s publishing connections and QBD’s visibility, it’s not far-fetched to imagine a screen deal in the works.
Media Buzz & Author Interviews
Since launch, Croydon has appeared across media channels to talk about the book, the inspiration behind it, and his shift from retailer to writer. Some highlights:
- Podcast Interview on Words and Nerds with Dani Vee
- Featured extract on Better Reading
- Channel 7 Book Club Feature
- 4-Star Review in Good Reading Magazine
These conversations reveal a deeper look into the author’s creative process and why The Turing Protocol was always going to be a book that sparked conversation.
What do you think?
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