Picture a rugged storyteller who swapped a life of wilderness adventures for a typewriter, crafting heart-pounding thrillers that pulse with the spirit of the American West—meet Erik Storey! Born in Wyoming and raised in Colorado’s untamed Flat Tops, Storey’s tales, like his debut Nothing Short of Dying, blend gritty suspense with a love for the great outdoors, earning him comparisons to thriller titan Lee Child.
Storey’s unique voice comes from a life less ordinary—think ranch hand, wilderness guide, and dogsled musher rolled into one. His Clyde Barr series has hooked readers with its raw action and a hero who’s part mountain man, part ex-mercenary. Ready to dive into a world where survival skills meet edge-of-your-seat drama? Let’s explore Erik Storey’s journey!
The Making of Erik Storey
Born in the wilds of Wyoming, Erik Storey spent his childhood summers on his great-grandfather’s homestead in Colorado’s Flat Tops, soaking up the rugged landscapes that would later color his novels. Raised among forests and peaks, he honed survival skills and a sharpshooter’s precision, experiences that lend authenticity to his writing. A lifelong reader of adventure tales by Jack London and Louis L’Amour, Storey’s passion for storytelling took root early, but his path to authorship was anything but conventional.
Before penning novels, Storey lived a nomadic life—working as a hunter, bartender, and locksmith, and even mushing sled dogs. Facing rejections from dozens of agents, he mailed his manuscript to London’s Darley Anderson with just $9 in his account. That gamble paid off with a six-figure advance and a two-book deal, launching his career with a bang.
Erik Storey’s Unforgettable Stories
Storey’s breakout novel, Nothing Short of Dying (2016), introduced Clyde Barr, a drifter with a haunted past and a knack for survival. When Barr’s sister Jen is kidnapped by a meth kingpin, he tears through Colorado’s backcountry to save her, delivering a “mega-adrenalized page-turner” (Jonathan Kellerman). Critics praised its vivid wilderness settings and relentless pace, calling it “the year’s best thriller debut” (William Kent Krueger).
The Clyde Barr series continued with A Promise to Kill (2017), where Barr, now roaming the American West, stumbles into a battle with a dangerous cult. A third novel, Leave No One Alive, is forthcoming, promising more of Storey’s signature blend of action and emotional depth. His style—gritty yet restrained, with vivid landscapes and complex characters—sets him apart. Unlike gore-heavy thrillers, Storey balances violence with heart, crafting heroes like Barr who wrestle with their past while fighting for justice.
Storey’s Colorado roots shine through in every page, painting the mountains and deserts with a poet’s touch. His experience as a wilderness guide informs Barr’s survival tactics, making each scene feel authentic. Fans of Jack Reacher love Barr’s rugged charm, but Storey’s hero is distinctly his own—a modern cowboy with a moral code.
Why Erik Storey Matters
Erik Storey’s impact lies in his ability to breathe new life into the thriller genre. His authentic portrayal of the American West, paired with nuanced characters, offers readers an escape that feels both thrilling and grounded. By drawing on his eclectic life, Storey crafts stories that resonate with adventure-seekers and literary fans alike, earning accolades from the New York Times and Washington Times.
Storey’s rise from obscurity to acclaim inspires aspiring writers, proving that persistence and a unique voice can break through. His work elevates the wilderness as a character, reminding us of nature’s beauty and brutality. As his Clyde Barr series grows, Storey’s influence is poised to expand, cementing his place as a fresh voice in contemporary fiction.
- Key Works: Nothing Short of Dying, A Promise to Kill, Leave No One Alive (forthcoming)
- Hometown: Grand Junction, Colorado
- Notable Praise: Compared to Lee Child by critics
Snag Nothing Short of Dying and dive into Erik Storey’s pulse-pounding world of wilderness and grit!