Picture a Vermont storyteller who spins chilling tales that keep you up all night—meet Eric Rickstad! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Rickstad has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre with his haunting narratives set in the remote, rugged landscapes of northern Vermont. His breakout novel, The Silent Girls, blends suspense with literary finesse, earning him a devoted global following and comparisons to masters like Jo Nesbø and Ian Rankin.
With a knack for weaving social outrage into gripping plots, Rickstad’s stories don’t just thrill—they provoke deep thought about justice, morality, and the human condition. From his pencil-scrawled first drafts in the Vermont woods to international acclaim, Rickstad’s journey is as compelling as the mysteries he crafts.
The Making of Eric Rickstad
Born and raised in Vermont, Eric Rickstad’s imagination was shaped by the stark beauty and isolation of his surroundings. As a child, he was captivated by storytellers like Roald Dahl and Stephen King, whose dark, evocative tales sparked his own creative fire. His penchant for storytelling got him into hot water once—joking about shooting a skier during a hunting trip led to a police inquiry, teaching him the power of words early on. Rickstad honed his craft at the University of Vermont, majoring in English, and later earned a master’s from the University of Virginia. Initially focused on short stories and poetry, he never planned to write novels until his debut, Reap, took shape.
Eric Rickstad’s Unforgettable Stories
Rickstad’s novels are a masterclass in blending gritty crime with literary depth. His Canaan Crime series, set in the fictional town of Canaan, Vermont, is his most celebrated work. The Silent Girls (2014), a New York Times bestseller, follows private investigator Frank Rath as he unravels the disappearance of a teenage girl, weaving a morally complex tale of evil lurking in a quiet town. Lie in Wait (2015) tackles a fictional marriage-equality case, exploring prejudice and violence with unflinching intensity. The Names of Dead Girls (2017) revisits Frank Rath, diving into a serial killer’s torment with haunting prose.
Standalone novels like What Remains of Her (2018) and Lilith (2024) showcase Rickstad’s versatility. Lilith, inspired by his outrage over school shootings, follows a mother and son grappling with trauma, earning praise as an NPR Book of the Year. Rickstad’s style—vivid, atmospheric, and emotionally raw—draws readers into Vermont’s dark underbelly, where social injustices fuel his narratives. His ability to evoke sorrow and suspense through elegant prose sets him apart in the thriller genre.
Why Eric Rickstad Matters
Rickstad’s impact lies in his fearless exploration of societal issues within the crime thriller framework. By tackling topics like gun violence, gender inequality, and systemic failures, he elevates the genre, making it a lens for examining real-world problems. His focus on victims’ emotional aftermath resonates deeply, offering a compassionate counterpoint to typical cat-and-mouse narratives. With over half a million copies of his Canaan Crime series sold worldwide, Rickstad has redefined Vermont’s literary landscape, proving rural settings can pulse with universal tension.
His work also inspires aspiring writers, showing that outrage and empathy can fuel compelling stories. Rickstad’s recognition, including nominations for International Thriller Awards and a New York Times Best Thriller of the Year, cements his influence in modern crime fiction.
- Born: Vermont, USA
- Key Works: The Silent Girls, Lie in Wait, The Names of Dead Girls, Lilith
- Awards: New York Times Best Thriller of the Year, NPR Book of the Year
- Fun Fact: Writes first drafts with a pencil in the Vermont woods
Snag The Silent Girls and dive into Eric Rickstad’s thrilling, thought-provoking world of crime fiction!