Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun gritty crime tales under a secret identity, only to reveal a literary mastermind behind the mask—meet Inger Ash Wolfe! Known for the thrilling Hazel Micallef detective series, Wolfe is the pseudonym of Michael Redhill, a versatile author whose dual literary life has captivated readers with suspense and emotional depth.
Born in Baltimore in 1966 but raised in Toronto, Redhill’s journey as Wolfe weaves a tale as intriguing as his novels. His revelation in 2012 that he was the mind behind Wolfe stunned the literary world, blending his poetic finesse with pulse-pounding mysteries.
The Making of Inger Ash Wolfe
Michael Redhill’s early life was steeped in creativity. Raised in Toronto, he studied at York University and the University of Toronto, honing his craft as a poet and playwright. His work with Coach House Press and as publisher of Brick, a Canadian literary magazine, sharpened his storytelling instincts. The idea for Inger Ash Wolfe, inspired by his grandmother’s maiden name, Wolfinger, sparked in 2005 as a way to explore detective fiction without the weight of his literary reputation. By 2008, Wolfe debuted with a bold new voice in crime fiction.
Inger Ash Wolfe’s Unforgettable Stories
As Inger Ash Wolfe, Redhill crafted the Hazel Micallef series, set in the fictional Ontario town of Port Dundas. The series kicks off with The Calling (2008), where Detective Inspector Hazel Micallef, a tough, sardonic 60-something, hunts a serial killer. Its cinematic pacing led to a 2014 film starring Susan Sarandon. The Taken (2009) dives deeper into Hazel’s personal struggles, blending a lake-bound murder mystery with her recovery from back surgery. A Door in the River (2012) tackles corruption and murder, while The Night Bell (2015) weaves past and present, connecting a housing development’s grim discovery to a 1950s disappearance.
Wolfe’s style is raw and psychological, with tight plots and vivid characters. Hazel Micallef, with her sharp wit and relentless drive, stands out as an unconventional hero, navigating small-town dynamics and chilling crimes. Redhill’s literary roots shine through in the series’ emotional depth and nuanced prose, setting Wolfe apart in the crime genre.
Why Inger Ash Wolfe Matters
Inger Ash Wolfe has left a distinct mark on Canadian crime fiction, offering a fresh take on the police procedural with Hazel Micallef’s flawed, relatable heroism. Redhill’s pseudonym allowed him to experiment, blending literary finesse with genre thrills, and his reveal as Wolfe bridged the gap between highbrow and popular fiction. The series’ success, including its film adaptation, underscores its cultural impact, while Redhill’s versatility inspires writers to defy genre boundaries.
- Born: June 12, 1966, Baltimore, Maryland
- Raised: Toronto, Ontario
- Key Works: The Calling, The Taken, A Door in the River, The Night Bell
- Notable Award: Martin Sloane (as Redhill) won the Books in Canada First Novel Award
Ready to dive into a gripping mystery? Snag The Calling and discover Inger Ash Wolfe’s thrilling world of crime and courage!