Aaron Philip Clark is a mystery fiction author and screenwriter from Los Angeles, California. Clark is a native of the city and has a deep connection to it, often exploring its many facets through his writing. He has a passion for describing himself as a "son of the city," which is reflected in his works.
Clark's writing career has been marked by critical acclaim and recognition. His debut novel, "THE SCIENCE OF PAUL: A Novel of Crime," was published in 2011 and received considerable interest and praise. The following year, he released "A HEALTHY FEAR OF MAN," which continued the story of the morally complex and emotionally damaged ex-con, Paul Little, as he navigated the perils of Philadelphia street culture. Clark's work often features complex and flawed characters, and he has a talent for exploring themes of morality, identity, and redemption.
After leaving his career in law enforcement, Clark returned to higher education and continued his work as an educator. He has taught college-level English, Creative Writing, and Humanities. During this time, he wrote "UNDER COLOR OF LAW," a police thriller inspired by his experiences with the LAPD. The novel centers on Det. Trevor “Finn” Finnegan, a Black LAPD detective, tasked with investigating the murder of a young Black academy recruit amid protests against police brutality and calls for reform. The novel won the 2021 Book Pipeline Adaptation Award and was nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award in 2022. Clark's second Trevor Finnegan novel, "BLUE LIKE ME," will be published on November 8, 2022, by Thomas & Mercer.
Throughout his career, Clark has been recognized for his talent and contributions to the literary world. He has been nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award and has received praise from notable authors such as James Sallis, Gar Anthony Haywood, Gary Phillips, Rachel Howzell Hall, Tod Goldberg, Eric Beetner, and Roger Smith. Clark's work has been well-received by both critics and readers alike, and he continues to be a respected and influential voice in the world of mystery fiction.