Freeling was born in London, but travelled widely, and ended his life at his long-standing home near Strasbourg. He had followed a variety of occupations, including the armed services and the catering profession. He began writing in prison, after being convicted of theft.
Freeling's King of the Rainy Country received an Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He also won the Gold Dagger of the British Crime Writers Association, and France's Grand Prix de Roman Policier.