Mysterious Profiles Books

The #1 New York Times –bestselling author invites you into a conversation with his two most popular characters— one well-liked and the other, not so much. In this short piece, Robert Crais brings us into the world of quirky and likable Los Angeles PI Elvis Cole and his friend Joe Pike, a survivor and an enigmatic man of few words. The discussion revolves around the choices they’ve made, the obstacles they’ve overcome, the things that drive them to be who they are, and the hope that keeps them persevering through the darkness. It’s a fresh look at this “superb series” ( Kirkus Reviews ), and a fascinating visit with its “whip-smart” author ( Booklist ), who has also written for such television classics as Cagney and Lacey and Hill Street Blues. “Cole and Pike make a terrific pair.” — Seattle Times

A portrait of the PI from the Shamus Award winner who created him: “They don’t come much tougher than Ken Bruen’s Irish roughneck, Jack Taylor.” — The New York Times Book Review In this short work, Edgar Award finalist Ken Bruen—“a Celtic Dashiell Hammett”—takes us deeper into his character Jack Taylor, formerly of Ireland’s police force, the Garda Síochána, now a living-on-the-edge private detective ( The Philadelphia Inquirer ). “Jack, as ja series know all too well, has a gift for blarney, for plain speaking, for poetic melancholy, for downing shots of Jameson’s [ sic ] without ice, and for pregnant one-word paragraphs.” — Kirkus Reviews “Bruen’s storytelling style, a stream-of-consciousness mix of prose and verse, strips away Galway’s tourist-board facade and offers a darkly comic social commentary.” — Booklist “The Godfather of the modern Irish crime novel.” — The Irish Times “[Taylor’s] voice is wry and bittersweet, but somehow always hopeful.” — The Seattle Times

The #1 New York Times –bestselling author reveals the story behind “one of this century’s most original, tantalizing pop-fiction heroes” ( The Washington Post ). In this short piece, the creator of Jack Reacher shares the origins of the ex-military cop who now makes use of his skills in the civilian world—a place where he never feels quite at home. In addition, Lee Child reflects on writing and his own life story: the importance of character; making the transition from a television career to a literary career; how his famous character was almost named Franklin—and how he wound up being called Reacher instead. “Jack Reacher is today’s James Bond, a thriller hero we can’t get enough of. I read every one as soon as it appears.” —Ken Follett, international-bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth “Every Reacher novel delivers a jolt to the nervous system.” — Kirkus Reviews

The New York Times –bestselling author tells the story behind private detective Charlie Parker, the haunted hero of John Connolly’s eerie supernatural crime thrillers. Recounting his days as a journalist for the Irish Times and the Dublin murder that led him to question the ways we think about perpetrators and victims; discussing his crime-fiction idols; and reflecting on empathy and evil, John Connolly offers a short work that lets us learn more about his character Charlie Parker—a former NYPD detective who loses everything and struggles to remain human in the aftermath—and about the writer himself. Acclaim for John Connolly and the Charlie Parker novels “One of the most darkly intriguing books this reviewer has encountered in more than three decades of reading crime fiction.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A supremely talented storyteller.” — Booklist “Mr. Connolly’s slam-bang thriller is studded with memorable characters and boasts cliffhangers within cliffhangers.” — The Wall Street Journal

The #1 New York Times –bestselling author brings you into the world of the LAPD’s Harry Bosch, and the history that shaped him. In this short work, Michael Connelly delves into the origins of his famed police detective,—how he faced down the horrors of his childhood (a background story that was based on the life of another renowned crime writer); his past as a tunnel rat in Vietnam; and why jazz is his soundtrack. Connelly also shares the story of how his character Hieronymus Bosch came to be named after a fifteenth-century Flemish painter, and how his own youthful experiences of fear led to his literary creation. Those who have followed the cases of this tough cop more interested in justice than ambition will find much to enjoy and to ponder in this behind-the-scenes account. “Connelly truly is one of the finest mystery writers.” — South Florida Sun Sentinel “No writer exploits Los Angeles—its geography, its historical power wars, its celebrity culture, its lore—as compellingly as Connelly.” ? Chicago Tribune

The New York Times –bestselling author reflects on the life and career of his character, NYPD forensic scientist Lincoln Rhyme, in this short story. The line between the disabled and the non-disabled is shrinking. Computers, video cameras, high-definition monitors, biometric devices and voice recognition software have moved my life closer to that of somebody who’s fully able bodied, while the same technology is creating a more sedentary, house-bound life for those who have no disability whatsoever. From what I’ve read, I lead a more active life than a lot of people nowadays. Winner of multiple awards including the Edgar Grand Master, Jeffery Deaver presents a tale and a brief biography of the quadriplegic crime-scene expert who provides his services to the New York Police Department—as well as federal and international law enforcement—from his well-equipped home lab on Central Park West . . . “The master of ticking-bomb suspense.” — People “Rhyme is a great character.” — San Francisco Chronicle “The Lincoln Rhyme series is simply outstanding.” — San Jose Mercury News “[Rhyme] is among the most brilliant and vulnerable of crime fiction’s heroes.” — New York Post

The #1 New York Times –bestselling author discusses his early days as a writer and the creation of his beloved psychologist and sleuth. In 1985, clinical child psychologist Alex Delaware made his debut in the mystery novel When the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman. But how did Kellerman create a character who would go on to win him Edgar and Anthony Awards for best first novel and make him a number-one New York Times –bestselling author? Discover in this short read how Delaware and his friend and partner, police detective Milo Sturgis, came to be. Inside, Kellerman shares his initial struggles with the publishing world and the story behind his first success. He also details when he realized he had a series on his hands and how he developed his heroes into the characters who continue to delight millions of readers decades later. Praise for the Alex Delaware Novels “Startling . . . Charged with suspense. This one is simply too good to miss.” —Stephen King on Over the Edge “Harrowing . . . The work of a novelist of uncommon insight and storytelling skill.” —Los Angeles Times “High-powered . . . Alex Delaware is no ordinary psychologist. . . . He is also a born detective.” —The New York Times “An engrossing thriller. . . . This knockout of an entertainment is the kind of book which establishes a career in one stroke.” — Newsday on When the Bough Breaks

The New York Times –bestselling author of Hush Hush interviews the lead character of her hit series. In 1997, the character of Tess Monaghan debuted in Laura Lippman’s detective novel, Baltimore Blues . The book launched the bestselling series that continues to delight readers decades later. But who exactly is Theresa Esther Weinstein Monaghan when she’s not tackling troublesome cases? In this fictional article, author Laura Lippman takes you to Baltimore where she speaks with the accidental detective herself to find out what makes her tick. You’ll learn about Tess’s parents and her childhood. You’ll hear from her longtime boyfriend Edward “Crow” Ransome, as well as her lifelong best friend, Whitney Talbot. Lippman shares what daily life is like for the tough PI. Soon, you’ll discover why readers can’t get enough of Tess. Praise for Laura Lippman and the Tess Monaghan Novels “One of the best novelists around, period.” — The Washington Post “Lippman is incapable of writing an un-compelling mystery.” — The Baltimore Sun “A juicy whodunnit.” — Entertainment Weekly on Another Thing to Fall “Lippman is a dynamic storyteller. . . . This series [is] one of the best.” — USA Today “An imaginative, well-plotted mystery.” — South Florida Sun Sentinel on Butcher’s Hill

The bestselling author shares how he developed his celebrated sleuth, a Nottingham detective akin to Jim Rockford but dressed like Columbo. In 1989, Lonely Hearts , a police procedural by John Harvey, introduced Det. Insp. Charlie Resnick to the world. The book was followed by a series and went on to be named one of the 100 Best Crime Novels of the Last Century by the Times . But how did the sandwich-loving policeman and jazz aficionado come to be? In this quick read, acclaimed author John Harvey details how he first became a crime novelist and how his work in the heyday of 1970s British publishing would lay the groundwork for Resnick’s character. He breaks down almost every aspect of Charlie, from his name and ancestry to his personality and style. He even discusses the depiction of Nottingham as Charlie’s home and the home of the successful series in the many years to come. Praise for the Charlie Resnick Mysteries “[A] rich tapestry that lifts the police procedural into the realm of the mainstream novel.” —Sue Grafton, New York Times –bestselling author of the Kinsey Millhone Alphabet series “Harvey reminds me of Graham Greene, a stylist who tells you everything you need to know while keeping the prose clean and simple. It’s a very realistic style that draws you into the story without the writer getting in the way.” —Elmore Leonard, New York Times –bestselling author of Get Shorty and Rum Punch “Like Thelonious Monk and other jazz greats who make the mood music in his books, John Harvey likes to play with form. In Wasted Years . . . [Harvey] switches time frames like song keys to tell a story about the cold hopes and lost chances that breed crime in the red-brick provinces.” — The New York Times Book Review “Harvey’s police procedurals are in a class by themselves—near Dickensian in their portrayal of human frailty, cinematic in their quick changes of scene and character, totally convincing in their plotting and motivation.” — Kirkus Reviews

The USA Today –bestselling author details how she became a crime novelist and how she created her acclaimed husband-and-wife detective team. In 1986, Faye Kellerman introduced LAPD detective Peter Decker and widowed yeshiva teacher Rina Lazarus in her crime novel, The Ritual Bath . The debut won Kellerman the 1987 Macavity Award for Best First Novel and turned into a long-running bestselling series. But how exactly did it all come about? In this autobiographical piece, Kellerman discusses the origins of Decker and Lazarus and answers common questions from readers. Like, how much does she resemble her character, Rina? And how have Peter and Rina evolved? But Kellerman also talks about her own life as an author, mother, and wife. She shares what it’s like being married to a fellow novelist, and how exactly she carved out a place for herself in the world of crime writing. Praise for the Decker and Lazarus Novels “Exceptionally fine suspense.” — San Diego Union-Tribune “Faye Kellerman is a master of mystery.” — The Plain Dealer “Tautly exciting.” — Los Angeles Times Book Review “Reading a good thriller is very much like taking a great vacation: half the fun is getting there. Faye Kellerman is one heck of a tour guide.” — Detroit Free Press “Surprising twists and engaging subplots will keep readers turning the pages to the satisfying conclusion.” — Publishers Weekly

The international-bestselling author answers readers’ questions and discusses the origins of the Oxford inspector with a penchant for classical music. In 1975, Inspector Morse debuted, working to solve the case of a murdered hitchhiker in Colin Dexter’s Last Bus to Woodstock . The book led to a multimillion-bestselling mystery series and a television show that spawned a spinoff and a prequel. But how did the beloved DCI from Oxford come to be exactly? In this quick read, Colin Dexter addresses some of the many questions posed to him by his readers. He reveals what motived him to break into crime writing and which authors and novels influenced him. He discusses Morse’s many traits and inner workings, as well as how he got his first Morse novel published. He also shares how he maintains a discipline with writing, how he deals with critics, and what it’s like to transform a series of novels into a television series. Praise for the Inspector Morse Novels “[Morse is] the most prickly, conceited, and genuinely brilliant detective since Hercule Poirot.” — The New York Times Book Review “A masterful crime writer whom few others match.” — Publishers Weekly “Let those who lament the decline of the English detective story reach for Colin Dexter.” — The Guardian “It is a delight to watch this brilliant, quirky man [Morse] deduce.” — Minneapolis Star-Tribune

The New York Times –bestselling author tells the story of how he created his popular San Francisco sleuth. In 1989, everyman Dismas Hardy debuted in John Lescroart’s mystery, Dead Irish . It’s a story millions of readers have enjoyed, along with other entries in the New York Times –bestselling series. But a tale they may not know is how Lescroat invented the ex-Marine, ex-cop, and ex-lawyer turned sleuth. In this brief autobiographical essay, Lescroart details the development of Dismas Hardy, as well as his own career. He discusses his attempt to be a “serious” novelist, his stint as the lead singer of a band, and his struggle to get published. He also talks about how he realized he was meant to be a writer (and not working a “regular” nine-to-five) and how Dismas’s adventures almost didn’t become the series readers love. Praise for the Dismas Hardy Novels “Compulsively readable . . . a dense and involving saga of big-city crime and punishment.” — San Francisco Chronicle “A beautifully written San Francisco murder story with perfect-pitch dialogue.” — Playboy on Dead Irish “The killer proves to be as fascinating a personality as Hardy himself.” — Publishers Weekly on Dead Irish “The narrative flows effortlessly and includes a Perry Mason–worthy moment when Hardy manifests a bit of courtroom magic. Lescroart is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy great ensemble casts.” — Booklist on Poison

The Pulitzer Prize–winning, New York Times –bestselling author describes how he created his popular veteran sniper. Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Bob Lee Swagger debuted in Stephen Hunter’s military action thriller Point of Impact in 1993. The book was the first of many adventures for the fictional sniper and inspired a hit-movie, as well as a television series. But what led to the invention of such a character? In this quick read, Hunter shares how “the Nailer” came to his kitchen table and subsequently sprang to life. Hunter discusses the real-life hero who served as his inspiration for Swagger, the development of his first villains, and the influence the television show Dragnet had on his writing. He also details how research helped shaped Swagger’s world, and explains what keeps him writing adventure after adventure. Praise for the Bob Lee Swagger Novels “Nobody writes action better than Stephen Hunter and Black Light is one of his best. . . . [The] action scenes play like a movie, the plot is intriguing and the writing is top-notch.” —Phillip Margolin, author of The Burning Man “Stephen Hunter is in a class by himself. Time to Hunt is as vivid and haunting as a moving target in the crosshairs of a sniper scope.” —Nelson Demille, author of Mayday “The best straight-up thriller writer at work today.” — Rocky Mountain News “Thrilling in the manner of ancient storytellers, with battles fierce enough for a war and characters crazy enough to fight them to the death.” — New York Times Book Review “A thinking man’s Rambo.” — Publishers Weekly

#1 New York Times –bestselling authors: Get to know the ruthless, mysterious FBI agent, “one of thrillerdom’s most exciting and intriguing series leads” ( Booklist ). Acclaimed as “a modern-day Sherlock Holmes” (Associated Press) with a brilliant mind, a cultured manner, and a dark edge, Special Agent Aloysius X. L. Pendergast has calmly looked evil in the face throughout the long-running series that includes such novels as The Cabinet of Curiosities —named one of NPR’s 100 Best Thrillers Ever—and Crooked River . In this essay, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss how the character came to be created, his enigmatic backstory, and the history of their own wildly successful writing partnership. “The most charming, intelligent, cool, and creepy agent ever written.” — Suspense Magazine “Every bit the modern equivalent of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot.”― Providence Journal

The New York Times –bestselling author’s “engaging cop hero” finds himself on the other side of the interview room in this revealing short story ( Publishers Weekly ). After twenty-seven years on the force, Lt. Lou Boldt is suddenly seated at a table being grilled as part of an internal investigation. They want him to talk about what happened with ten grand in cash in the evidence room. As the pressure mounts and Boldt leads his interrogators on numerous conversational detours, they will touch upon issues of crime and corruption, but also subjects like friendship and loyalty, trauma and trust—in this short story that explores the Seattle detective’s life and career.

In this short story, the New York Times –bestselling author delves into the private lives and personal histories of her “extremely congenial characters” ( The Philadelphia Inquirer ). It is 1912, and Peter Naylor calls at the home of Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould, longtime friend of Thomas Pitt and his wife, Charlotte. Clouds are gathering in Europe, and the prime minister is considering Thomas to head up the country’s intelligence services—the king is not as enthusiastic about the idea. Thus it is Naylor’s responsibility to investigate the investigator—not only his career as a renowned police detective, but his humble family origins, his relationship with his wellborn wife, his likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. And the highly observant and mischievously candid Lady Vespasia is the ideal woman to ask . . . “Pitt’s compassion and Charlotte’s cleverness make them compatible sleuths.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer

The New York Times –bestselling author tells the story behind Inspector Rebus, the hard-edged Edinburgh cop and “superbly drawn character” ( The Times , London). In this short work, Edgar and Diamond Dagger Award winner Ian Rankin delves into DI John Rebus’s origins as a character, as well as his own origins as a writer. While author and character share a love of literature and a deep affection for Scotland’s capital city, they differ in other ways, as Rankin entertainingly testifies, while revealing how this “compelling figure” has developed over the course of his long-running series of gritty crime novels ( Kirkus Reviews ). “[A] hard-drinking, chain-smoking, terminally melancholic hero . . . trapped in a world where mavericks are an endangered species.” — Booklist “Rebus is without doubt one of the funniest among the classical fictional detectives.” — The Guardian “With his stubborn insistence on tying up the frayed ends of every knotty clue, and iconoclastic refusal to be a team player . . . Rebus is a bane to his superiors but a blessing to readers.” — Publishers Weekly

Get the backstory on an amazing heroine in this suspenseful kidnapping tale from the bestselling author of Vanishing Act and The Left-Handed Twin . A Native American of Seneca descent, Jane Whitefield helps people in harm’s way disappear without a trace and take on entirely new lives with new identities. Of course, not everyone is a fan of Jane’s work . . . There is a group of men who would like to speak with the elusive woman. That’s why they’ve kidnapped three people connected to Jane to serve as bait. One of the poor souls is Jane’s longtime friend and neighbor, Jake Reinert. As the three hostages ponder their escape, Jake begins to tell the story of the one person who could rescue them from a horrible death: Jane Whitefield. Praise for Thomas Perry and the Jane Whitefield Novels “A master of nail-biting suspense.” — Los Angeles Times “At a time when franchise characters are publishing gold, [Jane Whitefield] is the sort of protagonist most crime novelists would kill for.” — The Wall Street Journal “Whitefield is an indelible figure—whip-smart, resourceful, brave and big-hearted.” — The Seattle Times “The tension is thick, the story unfolds at a rapid pace, the characters are well developed, and, as usual in a Thomas Perry novel, the tale is tightly written.” — Associated Press “Layer upon layer of deception and intrigue . . . Smooth action writing and a remarkable mastery of escape techniques—one would hate to be a debt collector in search of the author.” — Publishers Weekly

The New York Times –bestselling author discusses the creation of their beloved English police inspector and his long-running mystery series. Scotland Yard’s Insp. Ian Rutledge made his debut in 1996 with Charles Todd’s historical police procedural A Test of Wills . Many years and cases later, the shell-shocked World War I veteran has won over readers far and wide. But how did such a troubled yet wise character come to be? Writing together as Charles Todd, the mother-son duo of Caroline and Charles Todd, share insights on creating their sleuth and the New York Times –bestselling series. In this essay, they discuss their mutual enthusiasm for history and storytelling, as well as their influences. They share the story of their fateful trip to a Revolutionary War battlefield that inspired them to write a novel together. They also talk about creating Rutledge and his world, working together, and, of course, historical research. Inspector Rutledge fans won’t want to miss this. Praise for Charles Todd and the Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries “You’re going to love Todd.” —Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly “The melancholy tone that distinguishes the Rutledge series is a reminder that war never ends for the families and friends of lost loved ones. It just retreats into the shadows.” — The New York Times Book Review “Todd’s Ian Rutledge mysteries are among the most intelligent and affective being written these days.” ― The Washington Post Book World “Evocative . . . An absorbing mystery.” ― Orlando Sentinel “[A] profound and insightful rendering of a Britain between the wars.” ― Hartford Courant “Exceptionally clever plot . . . As always, Todd . . . deepen[s] their crafty whodunit with a moving exploration of their astute sleuth’s inner torments.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review

In this profile, the bestselling author of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series recounts the creation of his popular Botswanan sleuth. In 1998, Mma Precious Ramotswe made her debut in Alexander McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency . The Plain Dealer hailed the novel as “One of the best, most charming, honest, hilarious and life-affirming books to appear in years.” Decades and many books later, Precious has her own bestselling series, but readers may be wondering how exactly this beloved character came to be. In this profile, the prolific McCall Smith offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at the development of his delightful detective. He recounts his childhood spent in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and working in Botswana in the 1980s. He reveals the inspiration for Precious and discusses the experience of creating the first book and getting it published. Those and other tales are sure to entertain fans of Precious old and new. Praise for Alexander McCall Smith and the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series “The Miss Marple of Botswana.” — The New York Times Book Review “Smart and sassy . . . Precious’ progress is charted in passages that have the power to amuse or shock or touch the heart, sometimes all at once.” — Los Angeles Times “The author’s prose has the merits of simplicity, euphony and precision. His descriptions leave one as if standing in the Botswana landscape. This is art that conceals art. I haven’t read anything with such alloyed pleasure for a long time.” —Anthony Daniels, The Sunday Telegraph “McCall Smith is a master. . . . There’s beauty and revelation of one kind or another woven expertly into every line.” — The Christian Science Monitor “Comfort-food reading, and never more welcome.” — Kirkus Reviews

Four fictional characters are interviewed in this profile of the adventurous sleuth, by the New York Times –bestselling author of A Sunlit Weapon . The historical mystery Maisie Dobbs was first published in 2003, introducing readers to an inquisitive, young, English, working-class woman as she opens her own London detective agency following World War I. Jacqueline Winspear’s debut won her the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and led to a New York Times –bestselling series. But just who exactly is Miss Maisie Dobbs? In this profile, four characters very close to Maisie shed light on the beloved psychologist and investigator. Her father, Francis Dobbs looks back on her childhood and proclaims the pride she instills in him. Her first employer, Lady Rowan Compton, recounts finding a young Maisie studying late one night in her library. Dr. Maurice Blanche, her mentor, discusses her studies and their detective work. And Billy Beale, her assistant, talks about their first meeting during the Great War, as well as what it’s like to work for her. It’s an enlightening read that fans are sure to love. Praise for Jacqueline Winspear and the Maisie Dobbs Novels “A detective series to savor.” — Time “In Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear has given us a real gift. Maisie Dobbs has not been created—she has been discovered. Such people are always there amongst us, waiting for somebody like Ms. Winspear to come along and reveal them. And what a revelation it is!” —Alexander McCall Smith “History comes alive when a character you think of as a friend is in the thick of the action. That’s how Jacqueline Winspear keeps her Maisie Dobbs series so fresh.” — The New York Times Book Review “Maisie’s liveliness of mind, good sense, and kind nature make her a heroine a reader can enjoy spending time with.” — The Boston Globe “The author gives an intelligent and absorbing picture of the period, providing plentiful details for the history buff without detracting from the riveting mystery. Readers will be eager to see more of the spunky Maisie.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review

The #1 New York Times –bestselling author tells the origin story of LA defense attorney Mickey Haller. In this concise, absorbing account, Michael Connelly reveals the work—and the strokes of luck—that contributed to his creation of the character Mickey Haller, the subject of multiple bestselling novels as well as the hit Netflix series. He reveals the lawyers, both fictional and real-life, who played a role in shaping the sharp-witted attorney who does his best work in the back seat—and the librarian who planted the seeds of his future literary career in the steamy, sticky Florida of his childhood. This is not only a portrait of Mickey Haller, but a fascinating look at the award-winning crime novelist who created him, along with Harry Bosch and other unforgettable characters. “Haller is the kind of slick, cynical showman who can’t resist making high drama out of every legal procedure. . . . There’s always something deadly serious behind Connelly’s entertaining courtroom high jinks.” ―Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times “If at first encounter Connelly seems primarily an exceptionally accomplished writer of crime novels, at closer examination he is also a mordant and knowing chronicler of the world in which crime takes place, i.e., our world.” —Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

Decades after his adventure in the classic Six Days of the Condor , the eponymous spy reflects on his life while awaiting his next target in this tense novella. Ronald Malcolm, codename Condor, is still in the spy game. He may be older now, but in a world where hardly anybody sees anybody, nobody sees old. He’s the perfect choice to sit in New York City’s Penn Station and wait for what he calls “the killing train.” And while he waits for someone to take a life, he reflects on his own life. He wonders what has brought him to this moment. He looks back over memories of his childhood, his recruitment to the CIA, and that bloody day at the American Literary Historical Society that changed everything for him. But he must be careful not to get too lost on memory lane. The clock is ticking, and targets are on the move. He can’t afford to get caught with his head in the clouds . . . Praise for James Grady “A chilling novel of top security gone berserk . . . Breakneck . . . Not a slow minute.” — Library Journal on Six Days of the Condor “Grady’s writing has changed dramatically over the years, evolving into a literary, impressionistic style . . . [It] is a perfect fit for the aging, unhinged, yet still-lethal Condor. This is an author writing at the top of his, or anyone else’s, game.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Condor: The Short Takes

The “master of the courtroom drama” offers a behind-the-scenes look at his New York Times –bestselling legal thriller series ( Library Journal ). In 1991, William Bernhardt’s novel, Primary Justice , introduced his character Ben Kincaid to the world. The fictional Oklahoma City lawyer has come a long way since his days as a junior associate at a high-powered law firm. In this essay, Bernhardt guides readers through Ben’s journey in the long-running series, discussing everything from the development of his character to what’s next for Ben. Bernhardt also talks about his experience working as a lawyer, getting started as an author, doing research, and navigating the publishing world. Fans of the New York Times –bestselling series won’t want to miss this fascinating exposé.

The New York Times –bestselling author of The Keep tells the real and fictional origins of the mysterious man who battles criminals and the supernatural. In 1984, Repairman Jack debuted in F. Paul Wilson’s horror thriller The Tomb . Jack would go on to star in twenty-three novels, ten short stories, and a graphic novel. But how did the antithesis of James Bond and Jason Bourne get his start in the battle between good and evil? In this essay, Wilson lets his readers in on how his beloved hero came to be. Wilson begins his personal story after he scored a hit with The Keep , when he found his inspiration for his next book in a dream. He discusses selecting and researching a monster, as well as developing Jack, his supporting cast, and settling on a villain. He also shares how the first title in the series came to be—it wasn’t always The Tomb . Wilson closes with Jack’s fictional backstory and his thoughts on Jack’s potential future—if there is one . . . Praise for Repairman Jack “One of the all-time great characters in one of the all-time great series.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times –bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series “Repairman Jack is one of the most original and intriguing characters to arise out of contemporary fiction in ages. His adventures are hugely entertaining.” — Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times –bestselling author of Strangers

The #1 New York Times –bestselling author shares the origin story of his infamous game warden character, Joe Pickett, as he investigates a local poachers attack. Since his first appearance in Open Season , Wyoming gamekeeper Joe Pickett has solved all sorts of mysteries. But now his daughter, Sheridan, would like to solve the mystery that is her father . . . The Pickett family is gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner when they’re interrupted by a telephone call. Poachers struck a nearby ranch, and a suspicious red truck was seen driving away. Before Joe leaves to investigate, Sheridan persuades him to let her tag along. After the two depart, Sheridan reveals her true intention: she is writing a school essay about her father. In this enlightening and heartwarming tale, Sheridan discovers the man behind the game warden, from his childhood, growing up with his parents and brother, to what motivated his career choice and more. Don’t miss the Joe Pickett series now on Paramount+. Praise for #1 New York Times –bestselling author C. J. Box and the Joe Pickett Mysteries “One of today’s solid-gold, A-list, must-read writers.” —Lee Pace “C. J. Box is a great storyteller.” —Tony Hillerman, Edgar Award–winning author of Dance Hall of the Dead “Box has established a terrific cast of Western characters. . . . When it comes to western contemporary thrillers with intriguing characters, no one does it better than Box.” — The Columbus Dispatch “Fans of this outstanding series will know better than to place their money against Joe.” — Kirkus Reviews

The chief of the Bath murder squad finally gets his say in this revealing mini-autobiography of the star character in the “superb series” (Louise Penny, #1 New York Times –bestselling author of the Inspector Gamache novels). Reader, you’re about to get the truth, the inside story, the stuff Peter Lovesey never discovered. . . . Longtime police detective Peter Diamond has kept his mouth shut ever since learning that some author had the nerve to use his stellar career as a model for a supposedly fictional mystery series. At first, he consulted a solicitor, but it was explained to him that the case would be expensive. So now he’s going to tell his own story, from his days as a dyslexic schoolboy to his start as a humble copper with the Met in the 1980s, and the many difficult cases he brilliantly cracked in Bath. It’s past time to hear from the real detective behind the “impatient, belligerent, cunning, insightful, foul, laugh-out-loud funny” character, as Louise Penny put it—and who gave Peter Lovesey his Diamond Dagger Award and Mystery Writers of America Grand Master status. “Lovesey is a wizard at mixing character-driven comedy with realistic-to-grim suspense.” — The Wall Street Journal “The enduring draw of the Peter Diamond books derives both from the beguiling Bath cityscape and the brusque character of Diamond himself.” —NPR “What’ll it be today? A knotty puzzle mystery? A fast-paced police procedural? Something more high-toned, with a bit of wit? With the British author Peter Lovesey, there’s no need to make those agonizing decisions, because his books have it all.” — The New York Times Book Review

The “perfect private eye” looks back on his career among Chicago’s famous and infamous in this profile by the Shamus Award–winning author ( Daily News , New York) . As a ghostwriter settles in for a series of interviews with the semi-retired Nathan Heller—who in his long career as a cop and private detective has dealt with famous cases and colorful characters, from Al Capone to Amelia Earhart, and Jack Ruby to Jimmy Hoffa. Fans of the mystery series by New York Times –bestselling author Max Allan Collins (the aforementioned ghostwriter) get to know this classic character, his A-1 Detective Agency, and the man who created him, a little better. “A believable, enduring hard-boiled hero.” — Los Angeles Times “When it comes to noirish, hard-boiled PI thrillers, few writers can compete with Collins.” — Library Journal