Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned poker games and stormy seas into pulse-pounding thrillers—meet Owen Laukkanen! Born in Vancouver, this critically acclaimed author crafts crime novels that blend high-stakes action with heart. From his breakout hit The Professionals to tales of rescue dogs and rogue salvagers, Laukkanen’s stories grip readers with their raw energy and relatable characters.
With a knack for weaving contemporary issues like unemployment and social justice into his plots, Laukkanen has carved a unique space in the thriller genre. His fast-paced style and vivid settings, inspired by his global adventures, make every page a wild ride. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this rising star!
The Making of Owen Laukkanen
Born on February 20, 1983, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Owen Laukkanen moved to Windsor, Ontario, as a toddler. Growing up, he devoured books at local libraries, sparking a love for storytelling. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in 2006, Laukkanen faced a tough job market. He answered a Craigslist ad to report on the World Series of Poker for PokerListings.com, a gig that took him from Monaco’s glitzy casinos to Macau’s high-stakes tables. These experiences shaped his knack for capturing tension and human drama.
Before writing novels, Laukkanen also worked as a commercial fisherman, a nod to his seafaring family roots. His diverse path—part gambler’s hustle, part ocean grit—infuses his stories with authenticity and a sharp eye for underdog struggles.
Owen Laukkanen’s Unforgettable Stories
Laukkanen burst onto the scene with The Professionals (2012), a thriller about four jobless college graduates who turn to kidnapping to make ends meet. Inspired by the 2008 financial crisis, the novel’s breakneck pace and morally gray characters earned praise from Kirkus Reviews and nominations for Anthony, Barry, and Thriller Awards. It introduced Kirk Stevens and Carla Windermere, a dynamic law enforcement duo who star in six novels, including Criminal Enterprise (2013) and The Forgotten Girls (2017), which tackles the plight of missing runaways.
In 2018, Laukkanen switched gears with Gale Force, a maritime thriller featuring McKenna Rhodes, a salvage tug skipper battling a capsized freighter off Alaska. Drawing on his fishing background, the novel blends raw adventure with emotional depth. His Neah Bay series, starting with Deception Cove (2019), follows ex-Marine Jess Winslow and ex-convict Mason Burke as they team up to save a dog named Lucy—a tribute to Laukkanen’s own rescue pitbull. Under the pseudonym Owen Matthews, he’s also penned young adult novels like The Wild (2021), now in development with HBO Max.
Laukkanen’s style is crisp and cinematic, balancing blistering action with social commentary. His villains are as empathetic as his heroes, reflecting his belief that no character should be purely black or white. This nuanced approach, paired with settings from America’s heartland to stormy Pacific coasts, keeps readers hooked.
Why Owen Laukkanen Matters
Owen Laukkanen’s impact lies in his ability to make thrillers both thrilling and thought-provoking. By tackling issues like economic despair, human trafficking, and PTSD, he elevates the genre beyond mere escapism. His diverse casts—featuring strong women, flawed heroes, and even loyal dogs—resonate with readers seeking stories that mirror real-world complexities. Critics, from Publishers Weekly to Lee Child, praise his storytelling, while fans admire his compassion for society’s underdogs.
As a Canadian author, Laukkanen has put Vancouver and Windsor on the literary map, proving that gripping tales can emerge from quiet corners. His nominations for major awards and adaptations like The Wild signal a bright future for this versatile writer.
- Born: February 20, 1983, Vancouver, Canada
- Key Works: The Professionals, Gale Force, Deception Cove, The Wild
- Awards: Nominated for Anthony, Barry, Edgar, and Thriller Awards
- Fun Fact: He once considered driving for an escort agency to gather novel material!
Ready for a thriller that’ll keep you up all night? Snag The Professionals and dive into Owen Laukkanen’s electrifying world!