Picture an American storyteller who swapped sports columns for gripping mystery novels—meet Will Leitch! Born in 1975 in Illinois, Leitch has carved a unique path from founding the irreverent sports blog Deadspin to penning heartfelt stories like How Lucky. His knack for blending humor, suspense, and human connection has won over readers and critics alike, making him a standout voice in contemporary fiction.
With a career spanning journalism and novels, Leitch’s work feels like a lively chat with a witty friend. Whether he’s dissecting baseball for MLB.com or unraveling a small-town mystery, his straightforward style and keen insight into everyday life keep you hooked. Let’s dive into the world of Will Leitch, where sports, stories, and heart collide!
The Making of Will Leitch
Growing up in Mattoon, Illinois, Will Leitch was a kid with a passion for sports and storytelling. A 1998 journalism graduate from the University of Illinois, he cut his teeth as sports editor for The Daily Illini, covering Illini football with a sharp eye. His early career took a bold turn when he founded Deadspin in 2005, a sports blog that shook up the industry with its irreverent, fan-first voice. Leitch’s ability to capture the chaos and joy of sports laid the groundwork for his later pivot to fiction, where he’d trade locker room scoops for character-driven narratives.
Will Leitch’s Unforgettable Stories
Leitch’s fiction debut, How Lucky (2021), is a masterclass in blending suspense with heart. Set in Athens, Georgia, where Leitch now lives, the novel follows Daniel, a young man with spinal muscular atrophy who witnesses a possible kidnapping. Praised by Stephen King as “a fantastic novel,” it’s a witty, moving tale that tackles disability and community without sentimentality. The book earned a 2022 Edgar Award nomination for Best Novel, cementing Leitch’s place in the mystery genre.
His follow-up, The Time Has Come (2023), dives into the fractured lives of strangers connected by a mass shooting, showcasing Leitch’s knack for weaving complex human stories. His upcoming novel, Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride (May 2025), promises another Athens-based tale, continuing his love for the town’s quirky charm. Beyond fiction, Leitch’s nonfiction, like God Save the Fan, riffs on sports culture with biting humor, while his essays in Life as a Loser reveal a reflective side. His style—conversational, observant, and laced with humor—makes every page feel alive.
Why Will Leitch Matters
Will Leitch’s impact lies in his ability to bridge worlds—sports and literature, humor and heartache. His novels challenge readers to see life through unexpected lenses, like a wheelchair-bound sleuth or a grieving parent, while his journalism keeps fans grounded in the messy beauty of sports. By founding Deadspin, he reshaped how we talk about athletics, and his fiction pushes the mystery genre toward empathy and authenticity. Living in Athens with his wife and two sons, Leitch’s work feels deeply personal, reflecting the communities he loves.
- Born: October 10, 1975, Mattoon, Illinois
- Key Works: How Lucky, The Time Has Come, God Save the Fan
- Awards: 2022 Edgar Award Nominee for Best Novel (How Lucky)
- Fun Fact: Leitch co-hosts the film podcast Grierson and Leitch.
Ready to get lost in a story that’s equal parts thrilling and heartfelt? Snag How Lucky and dive into Will Leitch’s world of mystery, humor, and humanity!