Palmer was born in Leeds. He cites football articles for getting him interested in reading as a child. He was encouraged to read by his adoptive-mother, who died in 1992 at the age of 54. He graduated from university and worked in libraries and book shops before becoming a published author. He published his first book in 2002. His first children's book for Puffin, Foul Play was shortlised for the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2009. In 2018, Palmer wrote a new book for the Roy of the Rovers series. In 2019, he received the Ruth Rendell Award. In 2020, he published his 50th book.
In 2021, Palmer's book After the War was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
Palmer currently lives in Halifax. He is a supporter of Leeds United F.C. and has written a book titled If You're Proud to be a Leeds Fan.
