Crime Fiction
With a Twist
If you like a story where no one plays by the rules, where right and wrong sometimes come second to survival, and society is as important as the characters…we have a lot to talk about.
Crime Fiction
Why Write Noir?
Why would anyone write crime fiction, especially the dark stuff, in 2024? Great question. Watch for a blog post over at A Little Crime on the Side about why I think this is exactly the right time for crime writers.
Novels or Shorts?
Both! I didn’t think I would enjoy writing short stories. Turns out they are like dessert before dinner. Addictive and sweet. So I read and write both.
Writing Advice?
Rarely. It’s all been said. But if you’re a writer, you may enjoy this interview I did with author, George Cramer, under my pen name, Ella Ahrens. We talked about writing careers and where I find my characters.
Writing Community?
Without question. I have several. South Carolina Writers Association, Sisters in Crime, and Women’s Thriller Writers. Best of all, some great writing friends I trust to put me in front of the keyboard when I stray.
What I'm Reading
— 01
Harlem Shuffle
by Colson Whitehead
This is the follow-up to Colson Whithead’s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, The Nickle Boys, which, by the way, was his second Pulitzer. The cracks are showing in Ray Carney’s family-man image.
— 02
Squeeze Me
by Carl Hiaasen
It’s early in the year, and I already need a laugh. Who better than Carl Hiaasen for a bit of dark humor? Yes, I’m playing catch up. This is his 15th book, and it released in 2020, but a great read for this year, too. Just trust me on this one.
"There is only one plot... things are not what they seem."
Jim Thompson
Ursula Vogt
Welcome to the Dark Side
Hi, I’m Ursula. I write crime fiction and suspense with a dark twist. We call it noir. The characters all have one thing in common—they have nothing left to lose. Life is so far out of control, I guarantee the only decision left will be morally complicated, deadly, and guaranteed to pull you in deep. If you like a story where no one plays by the rules, where right and wrong are second to survival, and society plays as big a role as the characters, you are definitely in the right place.
What I'm Working On...
What’s on my desk right now, and one of my favorites of 2023.
I love writing short stories! From Flash to several thousand words.
Read more on Substack in my weekly newsletter, A Little Crime on the Side.
A heist…times two! Honor among thieves is a myth, especially when you’re tired of playing by someone else’s rules. A dive diner, characters I’m sure you’ve met, a bit of payback, and—oh yeah, a whole lot of missing money. What would you do if you were out of options? Order coffee and five more minutes to read.
Moonshine and Murder.
It’s August, 1930—the Great Depression. Survival in a dying town depends on three things…who you trust, getting creative, and not getting caught. Hob and his ride-or-die, Lucy, are pushing the limits of all three and it’s all about to blow.
One of my 2023 favorites…
Written under my pen name, Ella Ahrens.
Family loyalty and a “Thanks for the hospitality,” gift that didn’t come from Hallmark turn up the heat in this white-hot flash at Shotgun Honey. Grab a beer and ask yourself how far you’re willing to go for family.
Fun Stuff
2023 was a great year to be a crime fiction fan. So many thought provoking, thrill-ride plots and twists. And I don’t see 2024 being shy about it, either.
Here are some of my past favorites.
Yes, they do. Attica Locke won an Edgar Award for Best Novel with her rural Texas crime story, Bluebird, Bluebird. A glimpse into the world of contemporary noir. I promise the first line alone will have you hooked.
