Picture a storyteller weaving gritty crime tales from a bullet train’s inspiration—meet Nicolás Obregón! This London-born author, with Spanish and French roots, crafts thrilling mysteries that pulse with international flair. His debut, Blue Light Yokohama, launched the Inspector Iwata series, hooking readers with its dark, atmospheric dive into Tokyo’s underbelly.
Obregón’s knack for blending vivid settings with complex characters has made him a rising star in crime fiction. From Tokyo’s neon streets to LA’s gritty corners, his stories explore justice, identity, and human nature, all with a cinematic edge. Ready to unravel his journey? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Nicolás Obregón
Born in London to a Spanish father and French mother, Nicolás Obregón grew up shuttling between London and Madrid, soaking up diverse cultures. His eclectic career—travel writer, bookseller, ice rink attendant, and legal publishing editor—shaped his sharp storytelling. A trip to Japan for a travel magazine sparked his love for the country, and a haunting real-life crime case inspired his first novel. While riding a shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kyoto, just shy of his 30th birthday, Obregón conceived Blue Light Yokohama, launching his writing career.
Nicolás Obregón’s Unforgettable Stories
Obregón’s debut, Blue Light Yokohama (2017), introduces Inspector Kosuke Iwata, a flawed yet compelling Tokyo detective tackling a brutal family murder. Inspired by the unsolved Miyazawa family case, the novel blends fast-paced thrills with poetic descriptions of Tokyo’s dark corners. Critics praised its layered mystery and Iwata’s raw humanity, comparing him to Raymond Chandler’s iconic detectives.
The follow-up, Sins as Scarlet (2018), takes Iwata to Los Angeles, where he investigates a transgender woman’s murder as a private eye. The novel tackles heavy themes—corruption, gender, and exploitation—with vivid settings from Skid Row to Mexico’s deserts. Unknown Male (2021) rounds out the trilogy, weaving multiple plots with Obregón’s signature atmospheric precision. His short story Colibrí, featured in an Anthony Award-nominated anthology, showcases his versatility. Obregón’s style—cinematic, character-driven, and richly detailed—draws from influences like Natsuo Kirino and Seichō Matsumoto.
Why Nicolás Obregón Matters
Obregón’s impact lies in his ability to bring global settings to life, making cities like Tokyo and LA characters in their own right. His Inspector Iwata series tackles universal themes through a multicultural lens, resonating with readers who crave authentic, thought-provoking crime fiction. Nominated for awards like the T. Jefferson Parker Award, Obregón is carving a niche as a bold new voice. His Universal Audio podcast, FACELESS, exploring the Miyazawa case, further amplifies his storytelling reach.
- Born: London, to Spanish and French parents
- Key Works: Blue Light Yokohama, Sins as Scarlet, Unknown Male, Colibrí
- Awards: Nominated for T. Jefferson Parker Award; Colibrí in Anthony Award-nominated anthology
Snag Blue Light Yokohama and dive into Nicolás Obregón’s thrilling world of crime and redemption!