Picture a Connecticut storyteller who swapped the classroom for the crime scene, spinning mysteries that keep you guessing—meet Ang Pompano! A master of suspense, Pompano burst onto the literary scene with his 2019 debut novel, When It’s Time for Leaving, earning an Agatha Award nomination and proving that decades of short-story crafting were just the warm-up for something big.
With a knack for blending traditional mystery with modern flair, Pompano’s tales are as much about heart as they are about whodunit. Married for over 46 years to his artist wife, Annette, this mystery maestro draws inspiration from their creative partnership and a life filled with quirky experiences.
The Making of Ang Pompano
Ang Pompano, born Angelo, grew up with a love for stories, inspired by humorist Mark Twain. Before becoming a celebrated mystery writer, he spent years as an educator, shaping young minds while secretly plotting intricate crimes on paper. His early writing ranged from humor to literary fiction, but a lifelong passion for mysteries—sparked in his youth—steered him toward detective tales. Pompano’s first short story hit shelves in 1990, and he honed his craft through anthologies while balancing family life with Annette, a painter, and their two rescue dogs.
His creative process thrives in a home library, where he writes just feet away from Annette’s painting porch. This setup fosters a unique exchange of ideas, with Annette often sparking the concepts behind his gripping narratives. A former Yale-New Haven Teachers Fellow, Pompano also penned academic pieces, including one on teaching detective fiction, blending scholarly insight with his storytelling flair.
Ang Pompano’s Unforgettable Stories
Pompano’s debut novel, When It’s Time for Leaving (2019), introduces Al DeSantis, a former cop battling PTSD and family secrets in a thrilling blend of action and mystery. Set in Savannah, the story weaves old secrets and modern crime, earning praise for its nuanced characters and emotional depth. The novel’s Agatha nomination cemented Pompano’s place in the mystery world.
His short stories, like “Stringer” in Seascape: The Best New England Crime Stories 2019 and “Diet of Death” in the Malice Domestic anthology, showcase his precision and love for language. Pompano’s The Sanibel Slouch (2010), a coming-of-age tale set in 1970s Florida, explores love and tough choices with a nostalgic twist. As co-founder of Crime Spell Books, he co-edits the Best New England Crime Stories anthology, with 2024’s Devil’s Snare featuring 24 suspenseful tales. His upcoming series, the Blue Palmetto Detective Agency and Reluctant Food Columnist mysteries, promise fresh adventures in 2025.
Pompano’s style is a dance of sparse prose and rich character development. His mysteries unravel like puzzles, with settings from Connecticut’s Thimble Islands to Florida’s swamps, reflecting his knack for vivid, immersive worlds. Themes of family, resilience, and hidden truths resonate, making his work both thrilling and relatable.
Why Ang Pompano Matters
Ang Pompano’s impact lies in his ability to breathe new life into traditional mysteries while nurturing the crime-writing community. As a longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, he’s a mentor and advocate, serving on the New England Crime Bake planning committee for 18 years. His work with Crime Spell Books amplifies New England voices, earning a spot on MWA’s Approved Publisher List in 2024.
Readers love Pompano for his relatable characters and clever plots, which bridge classic detective tales with modern sensibilities. His stories remind us that mysteries aren’t just about solving crimes—they’re about understanding the human heart. With upcoming releases, Pompano’s legacy as a storyteller and community builder is only growing.
- Pen Name: A.J. Pompano
- Key Works: When It’s Time for Leaving (2019), The Sanibel Slouch (2010), Devil’s Snare (2024, anthology)
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee, Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship
- Hometown: Connecticut
Snag When It’s Time for Leaving or dive into Devil’s Snare to experience Ang Pompano’s thrilling mysteries—your next favorite whodunit awaits!