Picture a storyteller who swapped medical sales for the thrill of crime fiction, weaving tales of hawks and hard-boiled detectives—meet Andy Straka! This Shamus Award-winning author, born in upstate New York, has captivated readers with his Frank Pavlicek series, blending gritty mysteries with the soaring art of falconry. Straka’s unique journey from basketball courts to Virginia’s literary scene makes him a standout voice in modern crime fiction.
The Making of Andy Straka
Born on September 29, 1958, in Norwich, New York, Andy Straka grew up with a twin brother and a knack for adventure. A graduate of Williams College, where he co-captained the basketball team and majored in English, Straka initially pursued a career in publishing and medical sales. But his creative spark, hinted at when he wandered to a neighbor’s door at age four wielding a butcher’s knife, led him to writing in the late 1990s. Inspired by his love of literature and fascination with predatory birds, Straka became a licensed falconer, a passion that would shape his novels.
Andy Straka’s Unforgettable Stories
Straka’s Frank Pavlicek series, starting with A Witness Above (2001), introduces a former NYPD detective turned private investigator in Charlottesville, Virginia. Pavlicek’s falconry, featuring his red-tailed hawk Armistead, adds a distinctive flair to gritty cases, earning nominations for Agatha, Anthony, and Shamus Awards. A Killing Sky (2002) dives into political scandals, while Cold Quarry (2003), a Shamus winner, uncovers domestic terrorism. The Night Falconer (re-released from Kitty Hitter) explores a bizarre pet-killing mystery in New York. Beyond the series, Record of Wrongs (2008), a standalone thriller, and the sci-fi Dragonflies trilogy showcase Straka’s versatility, with the latter optioned for television.
Straka’s style is sharp and suspenseful, often compared to Dashiell Hammett’s, with falconry providing a poetic counterpoint to hard-boiled detective work. His characters, like the introspective Pavlicek and his daughter Nicole, grapple with guilt, family, and redemption, set against Virginia’s Blue Ridge backdrop. Critics, including Publishers Weekly, have hailed Straka as a “rising star in crime fiction” for his intricate plots and authentic falconry details.
Why Andy Straka Matters
Andy Straka’s impact lies in his ability to elevate the private eye genre with a fresh perspective, merging nature and noir. His co-founding of the Crime Wave program at the Virginia Festival of the Book has fostered a vibrant community for mystery lovers, while his falconry-infused storytelling inspires readers to see the wild in the everyday. Straka’s awards and critical acclaim underscore his influence, making him a must-read for fans of thoughtful crime fiction.
- Born: September 29, 1958, Norwich, New York
- Key Works: A Witness Above, A Killing Sky, Cold Quarry, Record of Wrongs
- Awards: Shamus Award (2004, Cold Quarry), Anthony and Agatha nominations
- Fun Fact: A licensed falconer, Straka weaves his expertise into his novels.
Snag A Witness Above and dive into Andy Straka’s thrilling blend of falconry and mystery!