Picture a Minnesota storyteller spinning tales of gritty detectives and Midwest mysteries—meet David Housewright! Born in St. Paul in 1955, this Edgar Award-winning author has carved a niche in crime fiction with his gripping Holland Taylor and Rushmore McKenzie series. With a knack for weaving suspense and local flavor, Housewright’s novels pulse with the heart of the Twin Cities, earning comparisons to legends like Raymond Chandler.
From his rebellious high school days to his advertising career, Housewright’s journey to mystery maestro is as captivating as his books. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of murder and mayhem!
The Making of David Housewright
David Housewright grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of a businessman and a homemaker. At Cretin High School, he edited the school newspaper—until a bold anti-Vietnam War editorial got him fired. Undeterred, he earned a journalism degree from the University of St. Thomas, honing his storytelling skills. Before novels, Housewright thrived as a copywriter for Twin Cities ad agencies, working with brands like Federal Express and 3M, and even co-owned his own agency. His shift to fiction came in 1995 with Penance, a bold leap that launched his literary career.
David Housewright’s Unforgettable Stories
Housewright’s debut, Penance (1995), introduced private eye Holland Taylor and snagged the 1996 Edgar Award for Best First Novel. This taut tale of betrayal and redemption set in the Twin Cities showcased Housewright’s knack for sharp dialogue and intricate plots. His second Taylor novel, Practice to Deceive (1997), won a Minnesota Book Award and was optioned for film, cementing his rising star status.
In 2004, Housewright unveiled Rushmore McKenzie, an ex-cop turned unlicensed PI with a millionaire’s fortune and a penchant for favors. A Hard Ticket Home kicked off this series, blending hard-boiled action with humor. Standouts like Jelly’s Gold (2009) and Curse of the Jade Lily (2013), both Minnesota Book Award winners, highlight McKenzie’s adventures in St. Paul’s shadowy corners. Housewright’s style—vivid settings, morally complex characters, and nods to Minnesota’s quirks—echoes Chandler and Ross MacDonald, but with a distinctly Midwestern soul.
Beyond series, Housewright’s standalone works like The Devil and the Diva (2012), co-written with his wife Renee Valois, and the young adult novel Finders Keepers (2012) show his versatility. His short stories, featured in anthologies like Twin Cities Noir, add gritty depth to his oeuvre.
Why David Housewright Matters
Housewright’s impact on crime fiction lies in his ability to ground high-stakes mysteries in Minnesota’s everyday landscapes. His Twin Cities settings—think dive bars and snowy streets—feel alive, making readers feel like they’re tailing McKenzie through St. Paul. As a past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, he’s shaped the genre’s future, mentoring aspiring authors at Minneapolis’s Loft Literary Center. His 28 novels and counting, plus accolades like three Minnesota Book Awards, prove his staying power.
Housewright’s stories resonate because they balance thrills with humanity. Whether it’s Taylor’s moral dilemmas or McKenzie’s roguish charm, his characters grapple with real-world stakes, making his work timeless yet accessible.
About David Housewright
- Born: February 7, 1955, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Key Works: Penance, A Hard Ticket Home, Jelly’s Gold
- Awards: Edgar Award (1996), three Minnesota Book Awards
- Fun Fact: He was fired from his high school newspaper for opposing the Vietnam War!
Ready for a thrilling ride? Grab A Hard Ticket Home and dive into David Housewright’s electrifying world of Twin Cities crime!