Picture an American storyteller who swapped blueprints for thrilling plots—meet Nicholas Petrie! This crime thriller maestro burst onto the scene with 'The Drifter,' introducing Peter Ash, a war vet with a knack for stumbling into high-stakes chaos. With a style that’s equal parts grit and heart, Petrie’s tales have hooked readers and critics, earning him a slew of award nods and a spot as a must-read in the genre.
From Milwaukee’s streets to the pages of bestselling novels, Petrie’s journey is as gripping as his stories. A former building inspector turned author, he crafts narratives that pulse with action and resonate with the real struggles of veterans, making him a standout voice in crime fiction.
The Making of Nicholas Petrie
Born with a love for stories, Nicholas Petrie’s writing spark ignited in high school, where he penned a sarcastic soap opera for the school paper. He sharpened his craft with an MFA in fiction from the University of Washington and snagged a Hopwood Award at the University of Michigan. But before the literary limelight, Petrie wielded hammers and nails as a carpenter, roofer, and remodeling contractor—skills that later shaped the rugged authenticity of his characters.
Living in Milwaukee as a husband and father, he balanced home inspections with writing, drawing inspiration from the tangible transformations of his day job. It was this blend of hands-on experience and a reader’s soul that paved the way for his explosive debut in 2016.
Nicholas Petrie’s Unforgettable Stories
Petrie’s Peter Ash series is where his magic shines. 'The Drifter' kicks things off with Ash, a Marine battling PTSD’s 'white static,' uncovering a suitcase of cash and danger under a widow’s porch. It’s a raw, action-packed ride that nabbed Edgar and Barry nominations. Then comes 'Burning Bright,' where Ash tangles with a grizzly and a journalist on the run in California’s redwoods—a pulse-pounding sequel that proves Petrie’s knack for tension.
'Light It Up' sees Ash guarding cannabis cash in Denver, unraveling a heist with stakes bigger than bucks, while 'The Price You Pay' (2024) flips the script, diving into his friend Lewis’s criminal past. Petrie’s style? Think Jack Reacher with a soul—fast-paced, gritty, and layered with themes of loyalty, trauma, and redemption.
His prose crackles with authenticity, born from years of chatting with vets and reading war memoirs. Whether it’s a shootout or a quiet moment with Ash’s dog Mingus, Petrie keeps you hooked with vivid details and heart-tugging depth.
Why Nicholas Petrie Matters
Nicholas Petrie isn’t just spinning yarns—he’s shining a light on veterans’ lives, weaving their struggles into thrillers that hit hard and heal softly. His Peter Ash series has drawn raves from icons like Lee Child, cementing his place in crime fiction’s upper echelon. Awards like the ITW Thriller and Barry for 'The Drifter' underscore his impact, while fans clamor for more.
In a genre packed with tough guys, Petrie’s blend of action and empathy sets him apart. He’s not just writing escapism; he’s crafting mirrors for resilience, making readers root for Ash—and maybe see the world a bit differently.
- About Nicholas Petrie
- Lives in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Key Works: 'The Drifter,' 'Burning Bright,' 'The Price You Pay'
- Awards: ITW Thriller, Barry Award, Wisconsin Library Association Literary Award
Snag 'The Drifter' and dive into Nicholas Petrie’s thrilling world—where every page packs a punch and a heart!