Picture a gritty New York bartender pouring drinks and solving crimes under the dim glow of a neon sign—meet Con Lehane! Known for his thrilling mystery novels, Lehane, born Cornelius Lehane, crafts stories that pulse with the heartbeat of urban life. His signature character, Brian McNulty, a bartender-turned-detective, navigates the city’s underbelly with wit and grit, making Lehane a standout in contemporary crime fiction.
With a life as colorful as his characters, Lehane’s journey from union organizer to mystery maestro is a tale of its own. His knack for blending real-world experience with noir-inspired storytelling has earned him a loyal following among readers who crave authentic, hard-boiled narratives.
The Making of Con Lehane
Growing up in the suburbs of New York City, Con Lehane was steeped in the city’s vibrant, chaotic energy. His eclectic career—college professor, union organizer, labor journalist, and bartender at over two dozen establishments—shaped his unique perspective. With a Master of Fine Arts in fiction writing from Columbia University School of the Arts, Lehane honed his craft, drawing inspiration from the working-class struggles and late-night barroom tales he encountered. These experiences laid the foundation for his authentic, character-driven mysteries.
Con Lehane’s Unforgettable Stories
Lehane’s most celebrated works are the Bartender Brian McNulty Mystery series, set in the gritty bars and hotels of New York City. The series kicks off with Beware the Solitary Drinker (2002), where McNulty, a tough yet likable bartender, investigates a murder that lands too close to home. The sequel, What Goes Around Comes Around (2005), sees McNulty unraveling a conspiracy after finding a body in the East River, blending union politics and noir vibes.
The third installment, Death at the Old Hotel (2007), dives into labor disputes at the Savoy Hotel, with McNulty tackling murders tied to union corruption and organized crime. Critics praise Lehane’s vivid settings and dialogue, which evoke a 1930s gangster flick. Beyond McNulty, Lehane’s 42nd Street Library series, starting with Murder at the 42nd Street Library (2016), features librarian Raymond Ambler, showcasing his versatility in crafting cerebral, library-set mysteries.
Lehane’s style is raw and immersive, with a keen eye for the struggles of the working class. His stories weave themes of loyalty, justice, and the moral grayness of city life, earning comparisons to Lawrence Block and Ken Bruen. Whether it’s a smoky bar or a historic library, Lehane’s settings are as much characters as his protagonists.
Why Con Lehane Matters
Con Lehane’s impact lies in his ability to breathe life into the unsung heroes of New York—bartenders, waitresses, and union workers. His novels capture the soul of a city in flux, blending nostalgia with hard-edged realism. By rooting his mysteries in real-world issues like labor rights and urban decay, Lehane elevates the genre, offering readers both thrills and social commentary. His work resonates with those who love stories that feel lived-in, not just imagined.
Today, Lehane teaches fiction and mystery writing at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland, inspiring the next generation of storytellers. His legacy is one of authenticity, proving that the best mysteries come from those who’ve walked the streets they write about.
- Born: Cornelius Lehane, New York City suburbs
- Key Works: Beware the Solitary Drinker, What Goes Around Comes Around, Death at the Old Hotel, Murder at the 42nd Street Library
- Notable: Former bartender and union organizer; teaches at The Writer’s Center
Snag Beware the Solitary Drinker and dive into Con Lehane’s intoxicating world of mystery and mayhem!