Picture a Canadian Olympian turned gritty crime novelist, weaving tales of murky mysteries and high-stakes swimming—meet Casey Barrett! Born in 1975, Barrett swapped the pool for the pen, crafting the acclaimed Duck Darley series that dives deep into the darker side of competitive sports. His unique blend of athletic authenticity and noir flair has hooked readers worldwide.
The Making of Casey Barrett
Born on February 16, 1975, in Montreal, Quebec, Casey Barrett was destined for the water. Learning to swim at four on Dorval Island, he honed his craft with the North Baltimore Aquatic Club and the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. A nine-time All-American at USC and SMU, Barrett competed for Canada at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, placing 11th in the 200-meter butterfly. After retiring, his passion for storytelling led him to print journalism and, eventually, crime fiction. Years of devouring noir novels fueled his transition, with a disciplined approach mirroring his rigorous swim training.
Casey Barrett’s Unforgettable Stories
Barrett’s Duck Darley series, launched with Under Water in 2017, introduces Lawrence 'Duck' Darley, a flawed ex-swimmer turned unlicensed PI navigating Manhattan’s underbelly. In Under Water, Duck searches for a missing teen tied to the swimming world, uncovering scandal and violence. Against Nature (2018) tackles doping horrors, while The Tower of Songs (2019) weaves music and murder. Barrett’s style—crisp, brash, and laced with New York hip—blends authentic swimming details with hard-boiled suspense, earning Shamus Award nominations. Critics praise his ability to expose the 'poison' in competitive sports, akin to Megan Abbott’s take on gymnastics.
Barrett’s narratives pulse with flawed characters and moral ambiguity, reflecting his own journey from elite athlete to storyteller. His insider knowledge of swimming’s pressures infuses each page, making the series a thrilling blend of sport and crime. Beyond novels, Barrett’s essays and short fiction in outlets like The Village Voice showcase his versatile voice.
Why Casey Barrett Matters
Casey Barrett’s impact lies in his fearless exploration of sports’ shadowy corners, from doping to obsession, resonating with readers who crave authenticity. His Duck Darley series not only entertains but also sparks dialogue about the costs of athletic glory. As a Canadian Olympian and Emmy-winning writer for NBC’s Olympic coverage, Barrett bridges worlds, proving discipline transcends fields. His work inspires aspiring writers to mine their unique experiences for storytelling gold.
- Born: February 16, 1975, Montreal, Quebec
- Key Works: Under Water (2017), Against Doping (2018), The Tower of Songs (2019)
- Awards: Three Emmys, one Peabody for Olympic broadcasts; Shamus Award nominations
- Fun Fact: Co-founded Imagine Swimming, NYC’s largest learn-to-swim school
Snag Under Water and dive into Casey Barrett’s thrilling crime noir—your next obsession awaits!