Picture a Cuban-born storyteller who swapped Wall Street’s hustle for the pulse-pounding world of crime fiction—meet Owen Parr! With a knack for weaving suspense, political intrigue, and gritty New York vibes, Parr has carved a niche in contemporary mystery novels. His beloved Joey Mancuso and Father O’Brian series hooks readers with its blend of sharp wit, financial district scandals, and heart-racing whodunits, proving Parr’s a master of keeping you guessing.
Born in Havana and raised in Miami, Parr’s journey from finance to fiction is as thrilling as his plots. His unique perspective, shaped by a diverse career and Cuban-American roots, infuses his stories with authenticity and flair, making him a standout voice in crime fiction.
The Making of Owen Parr
Owen Parr was born in Havana, Cuba, in the vibrant era before Castro’s regime, a time he calls 'Cuba BC' (Before Castro). In 1959, his family fled to Miami Beach, where Parr grew up steeped in Catholic schools and the colorful Cuban-American community. His early career was a whirlwind—married at 19, he dabbled in electrical engineering at Florida Power and Light, then ran a multi-branch real estate firm until the 1980s’ sky-high interest rates hit. For over 25 years, Parr thrived in Wall Street’s financial world, a backdrop that now fuels his novels’ gritty realism. In 2015, he turned his screenplays into fiction, launching a writing career that’s as dynamic as his life.
Owen Parr’s Unforgettable Stories
Parr’s novels are a masterclass in suspense, blending hard-boiled detective work with intellectual puzzles. His flagship series, 'Joey Mancuso, Father O’Brian Crime Mysteries,' stars ex-NYPD detective Joey Mancuso and his priest brother, Father Dominic, solving crimes from their quirky base at Captain O’Brian’s Irish Pub and Cigar Bar in Manhattan’s Financial District. The series kicks off with A Murder on Wall Street (2017), where a hedge fund executive’s 'suicide' unravels into a web of financial deceit. The Manhattan Red Ribbon Killer (2017) tackles a serial killer’s gruesome spree, while The Abduction of Patient Zero (2020) dives into military secrets and espionage, earning a 2020 FAPA President’s Book Award.
Parr’s style is a love letter to classic mysteries—think Sherlock Holmes meets Raymond Chandler—with a modern twist. His Wall Street savvy shines through, exposing the underbelly of finance with intricate plots and red herrings. Readers praise his vivid characters, like the loyal, wise-cracking Joey and the cerebral Father Dom, whose brotherly banter adds humor to the tension. Parr also penned the 'John Powers' espionage trilogy and 'Jack Ryder' novellas, but the Mancuso series remains his crown jewel, with 12 novels and counting.
Why Owen Parr Matters
Owen Parr’s impact lies in his ability to transport readers into New York’s gritty streets and shadowy boardrooms, blending real-world financial intrigue with page-turning suspense. His Cuban-American perspective adds depth, reflecting themes of loyalty, justice, and resilience. Awards like the New Apple Literary Services Medal for A Murder on Wall Street and Readers’ Favorite Bronze at the Miami Book Fair highlight his growing influence. Fans compare him to Ludlum and Connelly, yet Parr’s voice is uniquely his own, resonating with mystery lovers and those craving authentic, character-driven stories.
- Born: Havana, Cuba
- Key Works: A Murder on Wall Street, The Manhattan Red Ribbon Killer, The Abduction of Patient Zero
- Awards: 2017 New Apple Literary Services Medal, 2020 FAPA President’s Book Award
- Hobbies: Acrylic painting, golf
Ready to crack open a thrilling mystery? Snag A Murder on Wall Street and dive into Owen Parr’s electrifying world of crime and cunning!