Picture a journalist-turned-novelist spinning tales of crime and humor that grip you like a late-night thriller—meet Brad Parks! This American author has carved a unique niche in the mystery and thriller genres, blending gritty urban realism with laugh-out-loud wit. As the only writer to snag the Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards, Parks’s journey from covering high school sports to crafting international bestsellers is a story worth diving into.
The Making of Brad Parks
Born on July 13, 1974, in New Jersey and raised in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Brad Parks was destined for storytelling. At just 14, he began writing for his hometown newspaper, The Ridgefield Press, covering high school sports for a cool fifty cents per column inch. A Dartmouth College graduate, Parks founded a sports newspaper in his dorm and interned at major outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe. His journalism career took him to The Washington Post and The Star-Ledger in Newark, where his investigative reporting on the 1967 Newark riots earned top honors. It was in a Barnes & Noble cafe, while his wife studied, that Parks began penning fiction, setting the stage for his literary leap.
Brad Parks’s Unforgettable Stories
Parks’s signature Carter Ross series, starring a sharp-witted investigative reporter for the fictional Newark Eagle-Examiner, is a masterclass in blending humor with hard-hitting crime. His debut, Faces of the Gone (2009), won both the Shamus and Nero Awards, a first in the awards’ history, for its vivid portrayal of Newark’s underbelly. The Girl Next Door (2012) tackles the newspaper industry’s struggles with a humorous twist, earning the Lefty Award. Parks’s standalone thrillers, like Say Nothing (2017), a heart-pounding tale of a judge whose children are kidnapped, showcase his knack for domestic suspense. His 2020 novel Interference weaves quantum physics into a thrilling narrative, proving his versatility. Critics praise Parks’s Mark Twain-esque storytelling, with Library Journal calling him “a gifted storyteller” and The Washington Post lauding his authentic reporter portrayals.
Parks’s writing is a rollercoaster of wit, suspense, and social commentary. His Carter Ross novels capture Newark’s gritty realism while poking fun at journalistic quirks, and his standalones delve into universal fears—like losing a child—with emotional depth. Translated into 15 languages, his works resonate globally, earning starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and beyond.
Why Brad Parks Matters
Brad Parks has redefined the mystery genre by infusing it with humor and heart, making readers laugh one moment and gasp the next. His transition from journalism to fiction highlights the power of authentic storytelling, drawing from real-world experiences to craft relatable, flawed characters like Carter Ross. His awards and international acclaim underscore his influence, inspiring aspiring writers to blend genres boldly. Parks’s ability to tackle tough topics—corruption, family, justice—while keeping readers hooked cements his legacy as a storyteller who entertains and enlightens.
- Born: July 13, 1974, New Jersey
- Key Works: Faces of the Gone, Say Nothing, Interference
- Awards: Shamus (2010, 2014), Nero (2010), Lefty (2013, 2014)
- Fun Fact: He writes at Hardee’s, charmed by the staff’s hospitality!
Snag Say Nothing or dive into the Carter Ross series for a thrilling ride with Brad Parks’s signature wit and suspense!