Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun a chilling Yukon mystery that gripped readers worldwide—meet Elle Wild! With her debut novel Strange Things Done, Wild burst onto the crime fiction scene, blending noir thrills with the haunting beauty of the Canadian North. Her unique voice, shaped by a childhood steeped in Edgar Allan Poe and PBS mysteries, has made her a rising star in suspense.
Beyond the page, Wild’s talents as an award-winning filmmaker and short story writer add depth to her storytelling. From the wilds of Canada to the global stage, her work captivates with its atmospheric settings and complex characters. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this multifaceted creator.
The Making of Elle Wild
Elle Wild grew up in a dark, rambling farmhouse in the remote Canadian wilderness, where long winters left little to do but devour gothic tales by Poe and watch mystery shows. This eerie backdrop sparked her love for storytelling, planting the seeds for her career in crime fiction. With a background in advertising and film, Wild honed her craft, weaving suspense and local color into every project.
Her early career saw her writing and hosting CBC’s Wide Awake radio program, a creative outlet that sharpened her narrative skills. Wild’s transition to fiction was a natural evolution, driven by her knack for crafting tension and her deep connection to Canada’s rugged landscapes. Her filmmaking experience, including two award-winning short films, further enriched her ability to paint vivid scenes on the page.
Elle Wild’s Unforgettable Stories
Wild’s debut novel, Strange Things Done, is a noir thriller set in Dawson City, Yukon, where journalist Jo Silver unravels a politician’s dubious suicide. Praised by The Toronto Star for its blend of “Girl on a Train meets Robert Service,” the novel won the 2017 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel and the Women in Film’s “From Our Dark Side” competition. Its poetic descriptions of winter and well-drawn characters make it a must-read for mystery fans.
Wild’s forthcoming novel, The Bone Conspiracy, earned “Highly Commended” in the 2023 Cheshire Novel Prize, hinting at her growing prowess. Her short stories, like “Playing Dead” in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and the award-winning “California Pure,” showcase her versatility, blending post-apocalyptic dread with sharp prose. Each work reflects Wild’s signature style: atmospheric, suspenseful, and deeply rooted in place.
As a filmmaker, Wild has written and directed two award-winning shorts under her production company, Codependent Films. Her film Diary of an Alien was voted among the “Top 10 Short Documentaries” by ifilm.com, while her drama starring Jodelle Ferland shone at 20 international festivals. These cinematic ventures inform her novels’ visual intensity, making her stories feel like films unfolding in readers’ minds.
Why Elle Wild Matters
Elle Wild’s impact lies in her ability to bring the Canadian North to life, transforming its stark beauty into a character as vivid as her protagonists. Her work elevates crime fiction by weaving feminist perspectives and regional identity into gripping narratives. Awards like the Arthur Ellis and Cheshire Novel Prize affirm her influence, while her CBC “The Next Chapter” recommendation in 2020 introduced her to a wider audience.
Wild’s dual career as a filmmaker and author bridges art forms, inspiring creators to blend mediums. Living on an island in the Salish Sea, she continues to craft stories that resonate globally, proving that even remote voices can leave a lasting mark. Her growing bibliography promises more thrills, cementing her as a vital voice in modern noir.
- Key Works: Strange Things Done, The Bone Conspiracy (forthcoming), “Playing Dead,” “California Pure”
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Award (2017, 2015), Cheshire Novel Prize “Highly Commended” (2023)
- Fun Fact: Wild once hosted CBC’s Wide Awake, waking up listeners with her stories.
Snag Strange Things Done and dive into Elle Wild’s thrilling world of Yukon noir!