Craig Ward

Craig Holden is an American novelist and film producer based in the U.S. Southwest, primarily known for his crime, mystery, and thriller fiction. He has lived and worked in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for many years, also spending time in El Paso, Texas. Holden's literary career began with "The River Sorrow" (1994), a detective thriller that received critical acclaim and was translated into numerous languages. His third novel, "Four Corners of Night" (1998), achieved significant recognition, winning the 1999 Great Lakes Book Award in Fiction and appearing on the USA Today bestseller list.

Throughout his career, Holden has published six novels with major publishers like Delacorte Press and Simon & Schuster. His works explore various themes, including historical events like the 1920s George Remus murder trial in "The Jazz Bird" (2002). Beyond his writing, Holden has also been involved in film production, serving as executive producer and producer on several award-winning short films, including "Yochi" (2016) and "Truck Fishing in America" (2022). He has also taught creative writing and remains an active participant in the literary community of southern New Mexico.

Craig Holden's novels predominantly fall into the crime, mystery, and thriller genres. His debut, "The River Sorrow" (1994), emerged from an initial intention for a commercial work but evolved into a literary detective thriller, drawing on his background experience. This novel achieved international recognition through translations and critical praise. His subsequent works, such as "The Last Sanctuary" (1996) and "Four Corners of Night" (1998), continued to explore suspenseful narratives, with the latter gaining significant commercial and critical success, including a bestseller list appearance and a major literary award. Later novels, like "The Jazz Bird" (2002), demonstrated a broader scope, delving into historical settings and real-life events, such as the George Remus murder trial, reflecting Holden's engagement with American history and culture.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Craig Holden has a notable career in film production. He has served as an executive producer and producer on various short films. "Yochi" (2016), which he executive produced, addressed the issue of wildlife trafficking and was utilized for conservation education. "Truck Fishing in America" (2022), which he produced, has garnered multiple awards and honors at film festivals. Holden's connection to his community is also evident through his collaborative work on regional history, such as "Mesilla Comes Alive," and his involvement with the Plaza Classic Film Festival in El Paso. He has also contributed to academia by teaching creative writing at several universities.