Picture a British storyteller who swapped Royal Marines missions for crafting gritty tales of early American crime—meet Paddy Hirsch! A journalist-turned-novelist, Hirsch weaves his financial expertise into historical thrillers that pulse with corruption, justice, and the raw energy of 18th and 19th century New York. His novels, like The Devil’s Half Mile, don’t just tell stories—they resurrect a chaotic era with vivid detail.
With a career spanning war zones, newsrooms, and NPR’s airwaves, Hirsch’s journey to fiction is as thrilling as his books. His knack for explaining complex economics in a fun, accessible way shines through in his storytelling, making him a unique voice in historical fiction.
The Making of Paddy Hirsch
Born in Weymouth, England, and raised in Ireland’s Belfast and Dublin, Paddy Hirsch’s early life was shaped by diverse landscapes and cultures. After graduating from the University of Warwick with a degree in French and International Studies, he served nearly a decade as an officer in the British Royal Marines, earning the Sword of Honour for topping his class. This disciplined, adventurous spirit carried into his journalism career, which began with a BBC internship in Glasgow and took him to Hong Kong’s CNBC and Bosnia’s Open Broadcast Network. By 2007, Hirsch joined NPR’s Marketplace, where his award-winning Marketplace Whiteboard videos demystified finance with wit and clarity., set in 1799 New York, follows lawyer Justy Flanagan as he unravels his father’s murder, exposing a financial fraud that threatens the young nation. The novel’s nickname for Wall Street—“The Devil’s Half Mile”—sets the stage for a tale of high-stakes crime and corruption. Its sequel, Hudson’s Kill (1803), dives deeper into racial tensions and political conspiracies, with Justy and schoolteacher Kerry O coatings of cholera-ridden streets and gang warfare, Hirsch’s meticulous research—honed by his journalistic roots—brings authenticity to every page. His prose, peppered with period slang (helpfully decoded in glossaries), captures the era’s sights, smells, and social divides, earning praise for its “lurid sensory detail” and comparisons to Gangs of New York.
Why Paddy Hirsch Matters
Paddy Hirsch’s novels do more than entertain—they illuminate the messy origins of American finance and society. By blending historical accuracy with pulse-pounding plots, he offers readers a lens into the power struggles and inequalities that shaped modern cities. His work resonates with fans of Caleb Carr and Erik Larson, appealing to those who crave history with a thriller’s edge. As an NPR editor for The Indicator from Planet Money, Hirsch continues to make economics accessible, proving his storytelling transcends genres.
His transition from Royal Marine to financial explainer to novelist showcases a rare versatility, inspiring aspiring writers to draw from diverse experiences. Hirsch’s Lawless New York series promises more adventures, cementing his place in historical fiction.
- Born: Weymouth, England
- Key Works: The Devil’s Half Mile (2018), Hudson’s Kill (2019), Man vs. Markets (2012)
- Awards: Murrow Award for journalism; Webby Honoree for Marketplace Whiteboard
- Fun Fact: Hirsch is an avid runner, surfer, and hill-climber in Los Angeles.
Snag The Devil’s Half Mile and dive into Paddy Hirsch’s gritty, thrilling world of early New York crime!