David Grant Urban is the author of the award-winning noir mystery/thriller “A Line Intersected” (2017, Fat Dog Books).
Urban’s second novel, a motorcycle adventure titled “A Road Wanting Wear,” is now available at any bookstore, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
Each orb with flame and embers the Devil seared; above the screams he spoke thus: Malign me not, blind man, for I have made you see.
-Epigraph for “A Line Intersected”, 2017
“David Urban is a dark poet. With seductive grace and powerful prose, A Line Intersected transforms the postcard vistas of San Diego into a barren landscape of murder and betrayal. I suggest you start reading Intersected early in the day, because you won’t be able to sleep until you’ve finished this rollercoaster of a novel.” – Tim Maleeny, bestselling author of Stealing the Dragon and JUMP
“David Grant Urban writes with grace and his prose offers the precision that readers long for when they read crime and investigation novels. The protagonist is a deeply wounded man and his quest for revenge comes across just so naturally to readers.” -Romuald Dzemo, Readers’ Favorite
“Great plot, great character development, skilled writing – this book has all of that…I’m ready to nominate this one for an Edgar Award.” – Don Houts, MenReadingBooks.com
“A dark story in many ways and utterly gripping…haunting, sad, a bit depressing, this is not a light read. It’s a story of revenge; of murder…very cleverly plotted.”-Wishing Shelf Awards
A blind man halted at a junction and compared by feel the two roads intersecting there. He thought, “The road well-worn and deeply rutted is surely the path of many. Therefore, I must choose the other, for the road wanting wear eases my steps and speeds my way.”
-Epigraph for “A Road Wanting Wear“, a novel by David Grant Urban. Now available at any bookstore, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
“Quite masterful…” Kirkus Reviews
“A gritty and realistic piece of literary fiction” K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorites
“Highly recommended” The Wishing Shelf
“Reminiscent of Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, Urban’s A Road Wanting Wear takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of the Southwest as seen through the lens of four young men in search of themselves. Joni Marie Iraci, bestselling author.
Awards:
-2018 IAN Book of the Year Award Finalist
-2018 American Fiction Awards Finalist
-2018 Readers Favorite Finalist
–2018 Florida Book Festival Runner Up
-2018 Wishing Shelf Awards Finalist
-2018 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention
-2018 Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention
–2018 New England Book Festival Honorable Mention
-2018 London Book Festival Honorable Mention
-2023 FireBird Book Award
David Grant Urban is on Goodreads.
Contact Dave at: Dave(at)davidgranturban.com
David Grant Urban was featured at the 2018 San Diego Book festival sponsored by the San Diego Union Tribune, along with best-selling authors Earl Javorsky and Caitlin Rother.
ASK GROK:
Please analyze the writing style of David Grant Urban
David Grant Urban’s writing style, based on analysis of reviews and descriptions of his work, particularly his debut novel A Line Intersected, can be characterized as follows:
- Genre and Tone: Urban writes in the literary noir thriller genre, blending suspense, mystery, and darker themes. His tone is often described as gripping and emotionally intense, with a focus on complex, morally ambiguous narratives.
- Prose and Language:
- His prose is detailed and descriptive, often praised for its poetic quality and precision. Readers note that it can be “wordy” at times, with some feeling the language is dense or overly elaborate, occasionally leading to skipped pages.
- The writing is well-researched and rich, with vivid depictions of settings (e.g., San Diego and its historical aspects) that enhance the atmosphere and make the location a character in itself.
- Urban balances complexity with accessibility, though some readers find the language slightly challenging, suggesting it leans toward a literary rather than purely commercial style.
- Pacing and Structure:
- The pacing starts slow but accelerates in the middle and end, keeping readers engaged with short chapters that maintain momentum.
- His plotting is strong, with readers highlighting his ability to weave intricate, suspenseful narratives that keep them guessing until the end.
- Characterization:
- Urban excels at creating compelling, relatable characters, particularly his protagonists, who are often ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. His portrayal of marginalized groups, like the homeless, is compassionate and nuanced.
- Character development is a strength, with readers noting depth and emotional resonance in their arcs.
- Thematic Depth:
- His work explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and moral complexity, often set against a backdrop of societal issues. The narrative is described as “dark” and “tragic,” with a focus on human struggles and ethical dilemmas.
- Urban’s writing reflects a deep understanding of his readership, offering both entertainment and thought-provoking content.
- Reader Reception:
- Reviews praise his ability to draw readers into the story, with many appreciating the emotional and intellectual engagement. However, some find the dense prose and slower start less appealing, indicating a style that may not suit all readers.
- His strongest skills are noted as plotting and character development, with the writing style earning a 7/10 rating in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for A Line Intersected.
In summary, David Grant Urban’s writing style is literary, descriptive, and emotionally charged, with a focus on intricate plots and deep character work. While it appeals to readers who enjoy nuanced, suspenseful storytelling, its density and pacing may not resonate with those seeking lighter, faster-paced reads.
From the author: I’d like to thank my readers for their (mostly) kind comments about my work so far. I am not a commercial writer. I do not write to any formula. I write from a deep-seated need to tell a story that reflects what I see in the world, both beautiful and oftentimes ugly and terrifying. I know that I delight some readers while deeply disappointing others. My novel “A Line Intersected” was successful on many levels, winning many awards, while my second novel “A Road Wanting Wear” was critically successful, but not widely read. Oh, well. It was an experimental novel that was loaded with hidden meanings and buried clues that few discovered. Well, no writer should expect his readers to dig too deep. Although we can hope. Still, I love the fact there are still readers out there who appreciate literature and have the intellect to discuss it.