Picture a storyteller who swapped computer code for captivating crime thrillers and quirky bestsellers—meet Jason Rekulak! This Philadelphia-based author and former Quirk Books publisher has a knack for blending nostalgia, suspense, and offbeat charm. From his Edgar-nominated debut The Impossible Fortress to secret pseudonymous hits, Rekulak’s journey is a masterclass in creative reinvention.
The Making of Jason Rekulak
Born and raised in New Jersey, Jason Rekulak’s early life was steeped in 1980s pop culture—think Commodore 64s, Wheel of Fortune, and arcade games. Initially a programming student at Pennsylvania State University, he quickly realized coding wasn’t his calling. His imagination thrived in storytelling, leading him to switch to an English major. After college, Rekulak dove into publishing, starting at St. Martin’s Press before joining Running Press, where he met Quirk Books founder David Borgenicht. This serendipitous connection launched his career as an editor, shaping his future as a writer.
Jason Rekulak’s Unforgettable Stories
Rekulak’s novels are a thrilling mix of crime, mystery, and nostalgia. His 2017 debut, The Impossible Fortress, is a love letter to the 1980s, following teenage nerd Billy Marvin as he navigates first love and a harebrained scheme to snag a Playboy featuring Vanna White. Critics praised its humor and heart, earning it an Edgar Award nomination. In 2022, Hidden Pictures took a darker turn, blending supernatural suspense with a nanny’s chilling discovery of a child’s eerie drawings. It became a national bestseller and won a Goodreads Choice Award for Horror. His 2024 release, The Last One at the Wedding, is a twisty domestic thriller about a father uncovering secrets at his daughter’s lavish wedding. Rekulak’s style—sharp, nostalgic, and unpredictable—draws readers into worlds where ordinary settings hide extraordinary secrets.
Beyond his named works, Rekulak’s pseudonymous contributions at Quirk Books include quirky middle-grade series and other ghostwritten gems. As an editor, he championed offbeat hits like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and nurtured talents like Ransom Riggs, whose Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children became a global phenomenon. His ability to spot and shape unique stories has left an indelible mark on publishing.
Why Jason Rekulak Matters
Jason Rekulak’s impact lies in his dual role as a creator and curator. As an author, he crafts stories that resonate with readers craving suspense with a side of nostalgia. His novels, translated into over 30 languages, prove that genre-blending tales can achieve both critical and commercial success. As a Quirk Books publisher, he transformed the indie press into a powerhouse of unconventional bestsellers, paving the way for quirky, genre-defying literature. Rekulak’s legacy is a reminder that storytelling thrives on imagination, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
- Born: New Jersey, USA
- Key Works: The Impossible Fortress (2017), Hidden Pictures (2022), The Last One at the Wedding (2024)
- Awards: Edgar Award finalist, Goodreads Choice Award winner
- Fun Fact: He’s an active member of the Writers Guild East and Mystery Writers of America.
Snag Hidden Pictures or The Last One at the Wedding and dive into Jason Rekulak’s thrilling, nostalgic world of crime and mystery!