📖 Overview
Lou Berney is an American author known for his crime fiction novels and screenwriting. He has won multiple prestigious awards including the Edgar Award, the Barry Award, and the Anthony Award.
Berney's breakthrough came with his 2015 novel "The Long and Faraway Gone," which explored the aftermath of two unsolved crimes in 1980s Oklahoma City. His 2018 novel "November Road" received widespread critical acclaim and was named a best book of the year by numerous publications including The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly.
Beyond his novels, Berney has written feature screenplays and television pilots for various studios including Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Universal. He serves as a faculty member in the Red Earth MFA program at Oklahoma City University, where he teaches creative writing.
His writing style is characterized by complex character development and intricate plotting, often incorporating historical events into his fictional narratives. His work frequently explores themes of memory, loss, and the long-term impact of violence on individuals and communities.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Berney's character depth and plot construction. Many note his ability to blend historical events with fiction without compromising either element.
What readers liked:
- Complex, believable characters who feel "real and flawed"
- Atmospheric writing that captures time/place authenticity
- Plot pacing that balances suspense with character development
- Dialogue that "rings true" and advances both plot and characterization
What readers disliked:
- Some find the multiple timeline structure confusing
- A few note the endings don't always provide clear resolution
- Occasional complaints about slow opening chapters
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- The Long and Faraway Gone: 4.0/5 (16,000+ ratings)
- November Road: 4.1/5 (14,000+ ratings)
- Gutshot Straight: 3.7/5 (1,000+ ratings)
Amazon:
- The Long and Faraway Gone: 4.3/5
- November Road: 4.4/5
One reader on Goodreads noted: "Berney writes like a more optimistic James Ellroy - same attention to historical detail but with more heart."
📚 Books by Lou Berney
The Long and Faraway Gone (2015)
A private investigator in Oklahoma City investigates two separate cold cases from 1986: the unsolved murder of six movie theater employees and the disappearance of a teenage girl at a state fair.
November Road (2018) Set in the aftermath of JFK's assassination, a mob lieutenant flees New Orleans with a widow and her two daughters while being pursued by a hitman.
Gutshot Straight (2010) A recently released ex-con becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme involving a mysterious package he must deliver between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Whiplash River (2012) A former getaway driver, now running a restaurant in Belize, goes on the run with a mysterious woman after assassins try to kill him.
Dark Zone (2009) A small-time thief in Oklahoma City finds himself caught between criminals and law enforcement after stealing from the wrong people.
November Road (2018) Set in the aftermath of JFK's assassination, a mob lieutenant flees New Orleans with a widow and her two daughters while being pursued by a hitman.
Gutshot Straight (2010) A recently released ex-con becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme involving a mysterious package he must deliver between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Whiplash River (2012) A former getaway driver, now running a restaurant in Belize, goes on the run with a mysterious woman after assassins try to kill him.
Dark Zone (2009) A small-time thief in Oklahoma City finds himself caught between criminals and law enforcement after stealing from the wrong people.
👥 Similar authors
Dennis Lehane
Creates layered crime novels that weave historical events with complex character studies. His work explores similar themes of trauma and memory, particularly in novels like Mystic River and Shutter Island.
Megan Abbott Writes crime fiction focused on psychological complexity and the ripple effects of violence on communities. Her novels dig deep into character motivations while maintaining noir elements like those found in Berney's work.
James Carlos Blake Specializes in historical crime fiction set in the American Southwest and Mexico. His work shares Berney's interest in how past events shape present circumstances, with emphasis on border regions and American history.
Laura Lippman Creates crime novels that emphasize character development and the long-term impact of past events. Her standalone novels, like What the Dead Know, share Berney's focus on unresolved mysteries and their effects on survivors.
William Kent Krueger Writes crime fiction that combines historical elements with contemporary mysteries. His work, particularly Ordinary Grace, shares Berney's ability to explore how past violence echoes through time and communities.
Megan Abbott Writes crime fiction focused on psychological complexity and the ripple effects of violence on communities. Her novels dig deep into character motivations while maintaining noir elements like those found in Berney's work.
James Carlos Blake Specializes in historical crime fiction set in the American Southwest and Mexico. His work shares Berney's interest in how past events shape present circumstances, with emphasis on border regions and American history.
Laura Lippman Creates crime novels that emphasize character development and the long-term impact of past events. Her standalone novels, like What the Dead Know, share Berney's focus on unresolved mysteries and their effects on survivors.
William Kent Krueger Writes crime fiction that combines historical elements with contemporary mysteries. His work, particularly Ordinary Grace, shares Berney's ability to explore how past violence echoes through time and communities.