Picture a Scottish solicitor spinning dark, gritty tales of a fictional Nebraska town—meet Tariq Ashkanani! This Edinburgh-based crime novelist burst onto the scene with his debut thriller, Welcome to Cooper, in 2021, captivating readers with his noir-infused storytelling. With no formal writing training, Ashkanani’s raw talent and passion for crime fiction have earned him accolades and a growing fanbase, proving he’s a force in the literary world.
Beyond crafting twisted plots, Ashkanani co-runs Write Gear, a company creating notebooks for writers, and co-hosts the Page One podcast, where he chats with authors about their craft. His journey from law to literature is as thrilling as his books, blending discipline with a knack for suspense.
The Making of Tariq Ashkanani
Born and raised in Scotland, Tariq Ashkanani’s early love for storytelling shone through when he earned a Scouts writing badge as a kid, filling notebooks with short stories while others chased adventure badges. A solicitor by trade, he honed his analytical skills in Edinburgh, but his creative side yearned for more. Inspired by gritty crime dramas like True Detective, Ashkanani began writing during his commute, turning a short story from a writing group into the seed for Welcome to Cooper. His self-taught path, fueled by relentless drafting and feedback from friends, led to a publishing deal after a grueling 18-month agent hunt.
Tariq Ashkanani’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashkanani’s novels plunge readers into the bleak, corrupt world of Cooper, Nebraska—a town so vividly crafted it feels real, despite being entirely fictional. His debut, Welcome to Cooper (2021), follows disgraced detective Thomas Levine as he navigates murder, blackmail, and a drug cartel in a town where justice is a mirage. The book’s raw, neo-noir style and shocking twists won the Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022 and earned nominations for the CWA John Creasey Dagger.
His follow-up, Follow Me to the Edge (2022), a prequel, digs into Detective Joe Finch’s haunted past, blending psychological depth with visceral crime. Ashkanani’s upcoming novel, The Midnight King (2025), promises more dark thrills. His style—gritty, atmospheric, and morally complex—draws comparisons to Nic Pizzolatto, with a hypermasculine edge that’s both divisive and magnetic. Readers love his unpredictable plots and flawed characters, making each book a heart-pounding ride.
Ashkanani’s ability to craft authentic American dialogue from Edinburgh is remarkable, creating a sense of place so immersive it’s hard to believe he’s never visited Nebraska. His wintery, desolate settings amplify the tension, making Cooper a character in its own right.
Why Tariq Ashkanani Matters
Tariq Ashkanani is redefining Scottish crime fiction, stepping beyond the tartan noir label to create a transatlantic noir masterpiece. His success as a self-taught author inspires aspiring writers, showing that persistence and passion can break through. Through Page One, he’s built a community, sharing insights from literary giants like Joe Abercrombie while mentoring new voices. His work resonates with fans of dark, character-driven thrillers, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.
As a Scottish BPOC writer, Ashkanani’s voice adds diversity to the crime fiction landscape, challenging stereotypes and enriching the genre. His rapid rise—two novels, a third on the way, and a major award—marks him as a rising star to watch.
- Born: Scotland (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Welcome to Cooper (2021), Follow Me to the Edge (2022), The Midnight King (2025)
- Awards: Bloody Scotland Debut Award 2022
- Fun Fact: He co-hosts the Page One podcast, interviewing over 60 authors.
Snag Welcome to Cooper and dive into Tariq Ashkanani’s thrilling noir world—your next sleepless night awaits!