Picture a storyteller who spins gritty tales of the American South, where small-town secrets fester and crime lurks in the shadows—meet Eryk Pruitt! A master of rural noir, Pruitt’s novels and true crime podcast have captivated fans with their raw, unflinching look at human nature. From the haunting Something Bad Wrong to his chilling podcast The Long Dance, Pruitt’s work pulses with Southern gothic charm and a wicked sense of humor.
Based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Pruitt isn’t just a writer—he’s a screenwriter, filmmaker, and bar owner, pouring his multifaceted talents into stories that feel like a bourbon-soaked night at a dive bar. Let’s dive into the world of this award-winning crime fiction author and discover why his tales are impossible to put down.
The Making of Eryk Pruitt
Born in Texas, Eryk Pruitt grew up with a storyteller’s heart, shaped by the sprawling landscapes and complex characters of the South. After studying television writing, he settled in North Carolina, where he honed his craft across multiple mediums. His early career as a filmmaker saw short films like FOODIE and LIYANA, ON COMMAND win awards at festivals across the U.S., showcasing his knack for vivid, character-driven narratives. Pruitt’s pivot to fiction felt natural, blending his cinematic eye with a love for noir and horror, influenced by literary giants like Faulkner and O’Connor, but with a modern, gritty twist.
Eryk Pruitt’s Unforgettable Stories
Pruitt’s novels are a masterclass in rural noir, painting the American South as a place where desperation and dark humor collide. His debut, Dirtbags (2014), follows Calvin Cantrell, an aspiring serial killer in a decaying Virginia mill town. With its biting satire and chilling premise, the novel earned praise for its raw depiction of societal failure. Hashtag (2015) takes readers on a wild crime spree across the South, blending fast-paced thrills with Coen Brothers-esque absurdity, centered around characters like the unforgettable Melinda Kendall.
His standout work, Something Bad Wrong (2023), introduces journalist Jess Keeler, who digs into a 1970s cold case inspired by North Carolina’s Valentine’s Day Murders. The novel, the first in a series, weaves corruption, family secrets, and small-town shame into a gripping mystery. Pruitt’s latest, Blood Red Summer (2024), continues Jess’s journey, cementing his reputation for layered, suspenseful storytelling. His short story collection, Townies and Other Stories of Southern Mischief, showcases his range, with tales like “Knacker” and “Townies” blending humor, horror, and heart.
Pruitt’s style is unmistakable: think Southern gothic meets hardboiled crime, with sharp dialogue, flawed characters, and a knack for turning the mundane into the menacing. His work explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the cost of ambition, all wrapped in a darkly comedic tone that keeps readers hooked.
Why Eryk Pruitt Matters
Eryk Pruitt’s impact lies in his ability to breathe new life into rural noir, making the American South a vivid, haunting character in its own right. His stories resonate with fans of S.A. Cosby and Eli Cranor, offering a fresh voice in crime fiction that’s both timeless and contemporary. Beyond his novels, Pruitt’s true crime podcast The Long Dance—an eight-part deep dive into the unsolved Valentine’s Day Murders—has earned acclaim for its meticulous research and storytelling, proving his versatility. As a finalist for the Derringer Award and a nominee for the Anthony Award, Pruitt’s influence is growing, inspiring a new generation of writers to explore the South’s darker corners.
- Key Works: Dirtbags, Hashtag, Something Bad Wrong, Blood Red Summer
- Awards: Finalist for the 2015 Derringer Award (“Knockout”), 2018 Anthony Award nominee (What We Reckon)
- Hometown: Hillsborough, North Carolina
Snag Something Bad Wrong or tune into The Long Dance and dive into Eryk Pruitt’s thrilling world of rural noir—you won’t look at small-town America the same way again!