A bestselling author of thrillers and mysteries, particularly known for his Frank Pavlicek series, which explores the intersection of crime and the outdoors. His novels often feature vivid descriptions of nature and the human psyche.
Andy Straka, born on September 29, 1958, is a celebrated American crime novelist, best known for his Frank Pavlicek series, which follows the adventures of a former New York City police detective who uses his skills as a falconer to solve crimes.
Straka's writing career took off in the late 1990s, after nearly fifteen years of working in publishing and medical sales. His debut novel, A Witness Above, received critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Shamus, Anthony, and Agatha Awards for Best First Novel in 2002.
His subsequent novels, A Killing Sky and Cold Quarry, further solidified his reputation as a master of the crime genre, with Cold Quarry winning a Shamus Award in 2004. The Frank Pavlicek series has since grown to include six novels, with the latest installment, The K Street Hunting Society, released in 2014.
Straka has also ventured into non-series novels, with Record of Wrongs being hailed as a "first-rate thriller" by Mystery Scene magazine in 2008. His second non-series novel, The Blue Hallelujah, has also received praise from critics and readers alike.
In addition to his novels, Straka has written a short story, Directions For Disassembly Of An Old Set Of Swings, and has even adapted his first novel, A Witness Above, into an edition for teenagers, complete with a falconry primer.
Beyond his writing, Straka is an avid falconer and has spoken publicly about the inspiration he draws from nature and the aviation world. His love for basketball, which he played as cocaptain of his college team, has also been a significant influence on his life and work.
Straka's work has been recognized by the publishing industry, with nominations for the Shamus, Anthony, and Agatha Awards. He has also been featured as a rising star in crime fiction by Publishers Weekly magazine.
Through his writing, Straka explores themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, often weaving intricate plots that challenge his characters and readers alike. His work has been praised for its nuanced character development and thought-provoking storytelling.
Straka has been involved in various literary events, including the Virginia Festival of the Book, where he has presented multiple times. He is also a cofounder of the festival, which has become a staple of the literary community.
As a licensed falconer, Straka has been able to combine his passion for nature and writing, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers to explore the intersection of art and the natural world.
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78 Years Old
Prolific writer of page-turning thrillers and children's books, creating iconic characters like Alex Cross and Maximum Ride, with a Guinness World Record for most #1 New York Times bestsellers.
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Renowned crime novelist behind bestselling series like Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer, crafting gripping mysteries that explore the darker side of human nature.
