John Connolly

John Connolly (born May 31, 1968) is an internationally bestselling Irish author whose versatile storytelling expertly bridges hardboiled crime, gothic supernatural horror, and dark fantasy fiction. Born in Dublin, he studied English at Trinity College Dublin and journalism at Dublin City University, working as a bartender, local government official, and freelance journalist for The Irish Times before launching his literary career. He vaulted into global prominence with his 1999 debut novel, Every Dead Thing, which introduced readers to Charlie Parker, a haunted former New York City police officer turned Maine private investigator tracking his family's killer. The critically adored breakout launched a massive, internationally successful series that totals 23 installments, featuring subsequent chart-topping thrillers like The Children of Eve and his latest Kennebec Valley-set release, [A River Red With Blood](1.2.8, 1.3.1). Beyond his signature mystery series, Connolly has achieved massive critical success across multiple genres, authoring the dark coming-of-age fable The Book of Lost Things and its sequel The Land of Lost Things, the darkly humorous Samuel Johnson children's trilogy, and the young adult science fiction series Chronicles of the Invaders (co-written with Jennifer Ridyard). In recognition of his profound impact on contemporary literature, he has won multiple Shamus and Anthony Awards, had his work adapted into the Hollywood feature film The New Daughter starring Kevin Costner, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College Dublin.