Picture a New York City storyteller who spins crime tales with a twist of taxidermy and a splash of humor—meet Brian Wiprud! Known for his quirky Garth Carson series, Wiprud crafts mysteries that blend eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and offbeat settings, earning him a cult following among fans of humorous crime fiction.
Born in 1961 in Washington, D.C., Wiprud’s unique blend of interests—fly fishing, mixology, and New York’s underground—shapes his vibrant storytelling. His novels, often set in the bustling streets of NYC, offer a fresh take on the mystery genre, making him a standout voice in contemporary American fiction.
The Making of Brian Wiprud
Raised in Washington, D.C., Brian Wiprud attended St. Albans School before studying at NYU Film School, where his creative spark took root. His career as a utility specialist, mapping New York City’s underground, gave him an insider’s view of the city he’d later immortalize in his novels. Wiprud’s passion for fly fishing and cocktails also seeped into his work, adding layers of authenticity to his characters’ quirky hobbies. His writing journey began with self-publishing, but his breakout came when his novel Pipsqueak caught the attention of Random House, launching his career in crime fiction.
Brian Wiprud’s Unforgettable Stories
Wiprud’s Garth Carson series is the heart of his bibliography, starring a taxidermy-collecting sleuth navigating New York’s wild underbelly. The series kicks off with Pipsqueak (2002), where Garth chases a stuffed squirrel puppet from a 1950s TV show, stumbling into a bizarre conspiracy involving cults and retro rage. This debut won the Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery, praised for its laugh-out-loud wit.
The sequel, Stuffed (2005), dives deeper into Garth’s world as he and his girlfriend Angie hunt for a stolen white crow, uncovering the dark side of taxidermy. Tailed (2007) sees Garth as an insurance appraiser, dodging FBI suspicion when big-game hunters are killed by their own mounts. Beyond Garth, Wiprud’s Boone Linsenbigler series follows a cocktail-sipping fly fisherman turned reluctant hero, blending thriller elements with exotic locales. His standalone novels, like Sleep with the Fishes, showcase his knack for mafia-tinged comedy.
Wiprud’s style is a cocktail of humor, mystery, and absurdity, served with a side of New York grit. His characters—think Russian gnomes, nudist moms, and jive cult members—leap off the page, while his plots twist through conspiracies and quirky subcultures, earning comparisons to Carl Hiaasen for their zany energy.
Why Brian Wiprud Matters
Brian Wiprud’s work carved a niche in crime fiction, proving that mysteries don’t need to be grim to grip readers. His ability to weave humor with suspense, set against New York’s eclectic backdrop, has inspired a loyal readership and influenced writers in the humorous mystery subgenre. Award nominations, including the Barry and Shamus, underscore his impact, while his Boone Linsenbigler series expanded his reach into thrillers, showing his versatility. Wiprud’s stories remind us that even the oddest hobbies—like taxidermy or fly fishing—can spark unforgettable adventures.
- Born: 1961, Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: Pipsqueak, Stuffed, Tailed, Sleep with the Fishes
- Awards: Lefty Award (2003), Barry and Shamus Award finalist
Snag Pipsqueak and dive into Brian Wiprud’s wild, witty world of crime and comedy!