Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned the gritty streets of 1970s Montreal into a thrilling crime saga—meet John McFetridge! Born in 1959 in Quebec, this unsung hero of crime fiction weaves historical events with unforgettable characters, earning praise for his vivid, dialogue-driven novels. His Eddie Dougherty Mystery series captures a turbulent era with a knack for making history feel alive and personal.
With a style often compared to Elmore Leonard, McFetridge brings a sharp, cinematic edge to his stories. His fascination with crime, sparked at age 12 during a murder trial with his police officer brother, fuels his authentic portrayals of cops and criminals. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating author!
The Making of John McFetridge
Born and raised in Montreal, John McFetridge grew up in a city pulsing with cultural and political tension. His mixed heritage—Irish-Canadian father, French-Canadian mother—shaped his outsider perspective, a theme that echoes in his work. After graduating high school in Greenfield Park, he drifted, unsure of his path, much like his character Eddie Dougherty. His brother’s career in the RCMP and a childhood brush with a murder trial ignited his lifelong obsession with crime stories.
McFetridge didn’t start as a writer. He worked odd jobs before penning his first novel, Below the Line, co-written with Scott Albert in 2003. His move to Toronto, where he lives with his wife and two sons, marked a shift to full-time writing, fueled by a love for storytelling inspired by literary giants like Alice Munro and crime fiction’s usual suspects.
John McFetridge’s Unforgettable Stories
McFetridge’s Eddie Dougherty Mystery series is his crown jewel, a trilogy set in 1970s Montreal that blends gritty police procedurals with historical depth. Black Rock (2014) kicks off with Constable Eddie Dougherty hunting the 'Vampire Killer' during the 1970 FLQ crisis, when bombs and kidnappings overwhelmed the city. The novel’s vivid backdrop and Dougherty’s dogged pursuit make it a standout.
A Little More Free (2015) dives into 1972 Montreal, with Eddie navigating a nightclub fire that kills 37 and a murder tied to American draft dodgers. One or the Other (2016) sees him tackling a 1976 Brink’s heist and a teen deaths case during the Olympics. McFetridge’s minimalist prose, tongue-in-cheek dialogue, and focus on everyday policing create a social realism that feels like a TV series waiting to happen.
Beyond the trilogy, his Toronto series—starting with Dirty Sweet (2006)—explores urban crime with a noir edge. Every City Is Every Other City (2021) introduces Gordon Stewart, a private investigator and film scout, showcasing McFetridge’s versatility. His ability to craft flawed, relatable characters and weave historical events into tight plots sets him apart in the crime genre.
Why John McFetridge Matters
John McFetridge is a master of capturing time and place, making 1970s Montreal a character as vivid as Eddie Dougherty. His work resonates with readers who crave authentic, character-driven crime stories that don’t shy away from social and political complexities. Critics call him a 'writer’s writer,' and though mainstream success has been elusive, his cult following and peer acclaim mark him as a Canadian crime fiction gem.
His influence extends beyond books. McFetridge’s scripts for TV’s The Bridge and contributions to anthologies like Montreal Noir show his storytelling prowess. For fans of historical crime and Canadian literature, he’s a must-read, offering a window into a transformative era through a lens of suspense and humanity.
- Born: 1959, Montreal, Quebec
- Key Works: Black Rock, A Little More Free, One or the Other, Dirty Sweet
- Awards: Shamus Award (2022)
Snag Black Rock and dive into John McFetridge’s thrilling world of 1970s Montreal crime!