Picture a queer Latinx storyteller who brought the gritty, gender-blurring underworld of the 19th-century Pacific Northwest to life—meet Katrina Carrasco! With her bold debut novel, The Best Bad Things, Carrasco has carved a niche in historical crime fiction, weaving tales of smugglers, spies, and unforgettable queer characters that pulse with adrenaline and sensuality. Her vivid prose and morally complex narratives have critics and readers buzzing, marking her as a rising star in American literature.
Born and raised in Southern California, Carrasco’s journey to literary acclaim is as dynamic as her characters. Now calling Seattle home with her two dogs, she infuses her work with a deep sense of place and identity, challenging conventions with every page.
The Making of Katrina Carrasco
Katrina Carrasco’s path to authorship began in sunny Southern California, where her queer and Latinx roots shaped her perspective. She relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2010, finding inspiration in its rugged landscapes and vibrant history. Carrasco earned an MFA in fiction from Portland State University, where her talent shone, earning her the Tom and Phyllis Burnam Graduate Fiction Scholarship and the Tom Doulis Graduate Fiction Writing Award. Her early short stories appeared in journals like Witness and Post Road, hinting at the bold voice that would define her novels. Residencies at Yaddo, Blue Mountain Center, and others fueled her creativity, allowing her to hone her craft.
Katrina Carrasco’s Unforgettable Stories
Carrasco’s debut, The Best Bad Things (2018), is a tour de force of historical crime fiction. Set in 1887 Washington Territory, it follows Alma Rosales, a bisexual, cross-dressing former Pinkerton detective turned opium smuggler. Disguised as dockworker Jack Camp, Alma navigates a web of double-crosses and seduction to recover stolen drugs. Critics, including Publishers Weekly, praised its “breath-catching pacing” and “palpable erotic energy,” earning it finalist spots for the Lambda Literary Award and Washington State Book Award.
Her 2024 sequel, Rough Trade, dives deeper into Alma’s world, set in 1888 Tacoma. This queer historical thriller, named a New York Times Best Crime Novel of 2024, blends swashbuckling adventure with nuanced explorations of addiction and community. Carrasco’s prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Tacoma’s queer underworld, where skirts and trousers blur. Her work tackles themes of passing, performance, and belonging, reflecting her own identity as a queer Latinx writer. Short stories and essays in Literary Hub and Autostraddle further showcase her versatility, blending raw emotion with incisive social commentary.
Why Katrina Carrasco Matters
Katrina Carrasco’s impact lies in her ability to reimagine historical fiction through a queer, Latinx lens. Her gender-fluid, morally gray characters like Alma Rosales challenge traditional narratives, offering fresh perspectives on the American West. By centering queer joy and marginalized voices, Carrasco’s stories resonate with readers seeking authentic, diverse representation. Her meticulous research into the 19th-century morphine epidemic draws parallels to modern drug crises, making her work both timeless and urgent. As a mentor with Latinx in Publishing, she’s also shaping the next generation of writers, ensuring more voices are heard.
- Born: Southern California
- Key Works: The Best Bad Things (2018), Rough Trade (2024)
- Awards: Shamus Award winner, Lambda Literary Award finalist, Washington State Book Award finalist
- Residencies: Yaddo, Blue Mountain Center, Jentel, and more
Ready to dive into a world of gritty glamour and queer rebellion? Grab The Best Bad Things or Rough Trade and lose yourself in Katrina Carrasco’s thrilling historical crime fiction!