Picture a Milwaukee storyteller who turned gritty veteran tales into heart-pounding thrillers—meet Nick Petrie! With his acclaimed Peter Ash series, Petrie has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre, blending relentless action with raw emotional depth. His journey from home inspector to bestselling author is as gripping as the novels he crafts, drawing readers into a world where heroes wrestle with their pasts.
Petrie’s debut, The Drifter, introduced Peter Ash, a war veteran with PTSD navigating a treacherous criminal underworld. The series’ blend of high-stakes action and authentic character struggles has earned Petrie award nominations and a loyal fanbase, making him a standout in modern thriller fiction.
The Making of Nick Petrie
Born and raised in the United States, Nick Petrie honed his storytelling craft early on, earning a Hopwood Award for short fiction at the University of Michigan and later an MFA from the University of Washington. His early career was far from literary—he worked as a roofer, carpenter, and remodeling contractor, experiences that grounded his writing in tangible, real-world detail. As a home inspector in Milwaukee, Petrie interacted with diverse people, sparking inspiration for his character-driven narratives. His breakthrough came with a short story, 'At the Laundromat,' which won the 2006 Seattle Review contest, signaling his potential as a fiction writer.
Nick Petrie’s Unforgettable Stories
Petrie’s Peter Ash series, starting with The Drifter (2016), is his cornerstone. The novel, which won the ITW Thriller and Barry Awards, follows Ash, a Marine veteran with 'white static'—a vivid depiction of PTSD—as he uncovers a sinister plot while helping a friend’s widow. Its taut pacing and empathetic portrayal of a traumatized hero set the tone for the series. Burning Bright (2017) sees Ash tangle with a tech billionaire’s schemes in California’s redwoods, showcasing Petrie’s knack for vivid settings. Light It Up (2018), named Apple Books’ Best Thriller of 2018, dives into Denver’s cannabis trade with high-octane action. The Runaway (2022) delivers a Nebraska-set chase, blending suspense with Ash’s moral complexity.
Petrie’s style is cinematic yet intimate, drawing comparisons to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher but distinguished by Ash’s emotional vulnerability and bonds with characters like girlfriend June and friend Lewis. His research, including conversations with veterans, infuses authenticity, while his carpenter’s eye for detail crafts immersive worlds. Themes of redemption, loyalty, and the cost of war resonate, making his thrillers both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Nick Petrie Matters
Nick Petrie’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the thriller genre. By centering a veteran with PTSD, he sheds light on the challenges of returning soldiers, resonating with readers and veterans alike. Fans praise the series for capturing the restless energy of those struggling to find peace, with one calling it a window into 'the true lives of vets.' His awards and nominations—Edgar, Anthony, Hammett—underscore his literary prowess, while his growing readership signals a lasting presence in crime fiction. Petrie’s Milwaukee roots also shine through, with contributions to anthologies like Milwaukee Noir, cementing his role in showcasing the city’s gritty underbelly.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: The Drifter, Burning Bright, Light It Up, The Runaway
- Awards: ITW Thriller Award, Barry Award, 2016 Wisconsin Library Association Literary Award
- Fun Fact: Petrie still inspects homes in Milwaukee, balancing his thriller-writing career.
Snag The Drifter and dive into Nick Petrie’s pulse-pounding world of action and heart!