Step into the gritty, laugh-out-loud world of Carter Ross, where Newark’s toughest crimes meet a wise-cracking investigative reporter who’s equal parts journalist and detective! Created by Brad Parks, the Carter Ross series blends mystery, humor, and heart, delivering a fresh take on the crime novel. Set in the vibrant, complex streets of Newark, New Jersey, this award-winning series follows Ross as he digs into stories that others overlook, often with a smirk and a knack for trouble.
With its first-person narrative and Parks’ sharp wit, the series has hooked readers and critics alike, earning prestigious Nero, Shamus, and Lefty Awards. If you love mysteries with a side of charm, Carter Ross is your next obsession.
How Carter Ross Began
Brad Parks, a former journalist for The Washington Post and The Newark Star-Ledger, crafted Carter Ross from his own experiences covering crime in Newark. Inspired by a real-life quadruple homicide he reported on in 2004, Parks launched the series with Faces of the Gone in 2009. His goal? To blend the gritty realism of urban crime with humor and humanity, creating a protagonist who’s as relatable as he is relentless. Parks’ newsroom background infuses the series with authenticity, capturing the chaos and camaraderie of a struggling newspaper, the Newark Eagle-Examiner.
The Heart of Carter Ross
The Carter Ross series spans six novels and a novella, each diving into Newark’s underbelly with a mix of suspense and satire. Faces of the Gone, the debut, follows Ross as he investigates four bodies found in a vacant lot, uncovering a web of corruption that defies the police’s tidy explanation. Eyes of the Innocent tackles house-flipping scandals and political corruption, with Ross teaming up with his colorful crew, including intern ‘Sweet Thang’ and city editor Tina Thompson. The Girl Next Door, a Lefty Award winner, explores the newspaper industry’s struggles, while The Fraud delves into carjacking culture, balancing Ross’s impending fatherhood with high-stakes danger.
The series shines through its themes of justice, community, and resilience, set against Newark’s vivid backdrop. Parks’ first-person style channels Ross’s irreverent humor, making each book feel like a conversation with a witty friend. From toxic waste to mob ties, the mysteries are grounded in real-world issues, yet Parks keeps the tone light, earning comparisons to Janet Evanovich and Mark Twain. The ensemble cast—Tommy Hernandez, Tee Jamison, and Tina Thompson—adds warmth and depth, making every investigation a team effort.
Why Carter Ross Resonates
The Carter Ross series has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre, blending laugh-out-loud moments with hard-hitting journalism. Its critical acclaim, including being the first series to win both Nero and Shamus Awards for Faces of the Gone, speaks to its quality and originality. Fans love Ross’s everyman charm and Parks’ ability to humanize Newark’s struggles, turning a city often misunderstood into a vivid character. The series’ focus on the declining newspaper industry also resonates, offering a nostalgic yet sharp commentary on journalism’s role in truth-seeking.
Even years after its 2015 finale, Carter Ross remains a fan favorite for its humor, heart, and unflinching look at urban life. Its influence lingers in the mystery genre, inspiring readers to seek stories that balance wit with weight.
- Publication Years: 2009–2015
- Number of Books: 6 novels, 1 novella
- Awards: Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards
- Setting: Newark, New Jersey
Grab Faces of the Gone and dive into Carter Ross’s world of mysteries, mischief, and Newark charm! Whether you’re a mystery buff or just crave a good laugh, this series will keep you turning pages late into the night.