Ace Atkins is still alive and writing, with a career spanning over two decades. He is an American author who has published over twenty novels, including the Quinn Colson series, the Nick Travers series, and several stand-alone novels. In this article, I will explore Ace Atkins’s biography, personal life, and the connection between his writing and the world of cinema. I will also delve into his best books, love life, friendships, inspirations, memorable quotes, main places where his books are set, and his screen adaptation of Robert B. Parker’s “Wonderland.” Additionally, I will suggest five other writers and books to read if you enjoyed Ace Atkins and provide a buying guide and gift ideas for his fans.
Introduction to Ace Atkins
Ace Atkins was born on June 28, 1970, in Auburn, Alabama, United States. He grew up in nearby Opelika, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn University in 1994. After graduation, he worked as a crime reporter for The Tampa Tribune and The St. Petersburg Times before becoming a full-time novelist. Atkins’s first novel, “Crossroad Blues,” was published in 1998. He has since published over twenty novels and won several awards for his writing, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2012 for “The Ranger.”
Ace Atkins’s Biography and Personal Life
Ace Atkins is a private person who keeps his personal life out of the public eye. He is married and has two children. He currently lives in Oxford, Mississippi, with his family. Atkins is also a former football player, having played for Auburn University as a linebacker. He is an avid fan of the sport and often incorporates it into his writing.
Exploring the Connection Between Ace Atkins’s Writing and the World of Cinema
Ace Atkins’s writing is heavily influenced by the world of cinema. He is a fan of classic film noir and often draws inspiration from it. Atkins has also written screenplays, including his adaptation of Robert B. Parker’s “Wonderland,” which was made into a movie in 2019. The film starred Mark Wahlberg and Winston Duke and was directed by Peter Berg. Atkins’s writing style is cinematic, with fast-paced action and vivid descriptions that make his books feel like movies.
Ace Atkins’s Best Books and Their Intriguing Tidbits
Ace Atkins has written over twenty novels, each with its own intriguing tidbits. Here are five of his best books:
- “The Ranger” – This is the first book in the Quinn Colson series. It won the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Novel and introduced readers to Colson, a former Army Ranger who returns home to Mississippi to find corruption and crime running rampant in his hometown.
- “The Lost Ones” – This is the second book in the Quinn Colson series. It deals with the issue of human trafficking and is based on a real-life case that Atkins covered as a journalist.
- “Infamous” – This is a stand-alone novel that tells the story of the infamous bank robber, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and his girlfriend, Kathryn Kelly. Atkins weaves a tale of love, crime, and betrayal that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- “The Innocents” – This is the sixth book in the Quinn Colson series. It deals with the opioid epidemic in rural America and the corrupt doctors and drug dealers who profit from it.
- “The Shameless” – This is the ninth book in the Quinn Colson series. It deals with a murder that takes place during a high school reunion and the secrets that the attendees are hiding.
The Love Life, Friendships, and Inspirations of Ace Atkins
Ace Atkins is a private person who keeps his personal life out of the public eye. He has mentioned in interviews that he draws inspiration from classic film noir, his experiences as a crime reporter, and his love of football. He is also a fan of classic literature and has cited Ernest Hemingway and Raymond Chandler as major influences on his writing. Atkins has also mentioned that he values his friendships and often spends time with fellow crime writers, including Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, and James Lee Burke.
Memorable Quotes from Ace Atkins’s Books
Ace Atkins’s writing is known for its vivid descriptions and memorable quotes. Here are five of his best:
- “I’m not the kind of man who gets lost. I’m the kind of man who loses other people.” – From “The Ranger”
- “He looked like a man who had been born to be hated.” – From “The Lost Ones”
- “Life was a series of choices, each one leading inevitably to the next. There was no sense in second-guessing the past, but that didn’t stop people from doing it.” – From “Infamous”
- “In the world of pills and needles, nothing was ever what it seemed.” – From “The Innocents”
- “There was no such thing as a free reunion.” – From “The Shameless”
Setting the Stage: Main Places Where Ace Atkins’s Books are Set
Ace Atkins’s books are primarily set in the American South, with a focus on Mississippi and Louisiana. He often writes about small towns and rural areas, and his books deal with the social and economic issues that affect those communities.
A Journey Through Ace Atkins’s Books: From the First to the Last
Ace Atkins’s first book, “Crossroad Blues,” was published in 1998. It tells the story of Nick Travers, a former football player turned music historian, who investigates the murder of a legendary blues musician. Atkins’s most recent book, “The Revelators,” was published in 2020 and is the tenth book in the Quinn Colson series. It deals with the issue of white supremacy and the rise of hate groups in rural America.
The Screen Adaptation of Robert B. Parker’s “Wonderland” by Ace Atkins
Ace Atkins’s screen adaptation of Robert B. Parker’s “Wonderland” was released in 2019. The movie starred Mark Wahlberg as Spenser, a private investigator who is hired to solve a murder in Boston’s Chinatown. The movie was well-received by audiences and critics, and Atkins’s screenplay was praised for its faithful adaptation of Parker’s novel.
Other Artists Who Have Inspired Ace Atkins
Ace Atkins has cited several artists who have inspired him over the years, including classic film noir directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, as well as crime writers like James M. Cain and Dashiell Hammett. He has also mentioned that he is a fan of classic rock and blues music, which he often incorporates into his writing.
5 Other Writers and Books to Read If You Enjoyed Ace Atkins
If you enjoyed Ace Atkins’s writing, here are five other writers and books that you might enjoy:
- Michael Connelly – “The Lincoln Lawyer” series
- James Lee Burke – The Dave Robicheaux series
- Dennis Lehane – “Mystic River” and “Shutter Island”
- Tami Hoag – The Kovac/Liska series
- Robert B. Parker – The Spenser series
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Ace Atkins’s Fans
If you’re a fan of Ace Atkins’s writing, here are some gift ideas and buying recommendations:
- The Quinn Colson series box set
- “The Ranger” audiobook, narrated by Brian D’Arcy James
- “Crossroad Blues” graphic novel, illustrated by Marco Finnegan
- “Infamous” t-shirt, featuring the book’s cover art
- Signed copy of “The Revelators”
Conclusion
Ace Atkins is a talented writer whose cinematic style and Southern settings make his books unique and engaging. His career has spanned over two decades, and he shows no signs of slowing down. In this article, we’ve explored his biography, personal life, and the connection between his writing and the world of cinema. We’ve also delved into his best books, love life, friendships, inspirations, memorable quotes, main places where his books are set, and his screen adaptation of Robert B. Parker’s “Wonderland.” Additionally, we’ve suggested five other writers and books to read if you enjoyed Ace Atkins and provided a buying guide and gift ideas for his fans.
