David Liss is a successful American author, best known for his historical mysteries and suspense novels. He was born on March 16, 1966, in New Jersey and spent his formative years in South Florida. From an early age, Liss showed a keen interest in writing, with his interests mainly focusing on short fiction, essays, and comic books. He pursued his passion for literature and writing by attending Syracuse University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Liss then went on to complete a Master of Arts degree at Georgia State University and a Master of Philosophy degree at Columbia University.
During his postgraduate studies, Liss developed a particular interest in 18th century British literature. However, he decided to leave his studies midway to pursue a full-time career in writing. In the year 2000, Liss made his debut as a published author with the release of his first novel, A Conspiracy of Paper. The book was a critical success and won several awards, including the 2001 Barry, MacAvity, and Edgar awards for Best First Novel. This marked the beginning of Liss's successful writing career, and he has since released numerous novels, novellas, and short stories.
Liss's works are known for their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and historical accuracy. His novels, including The Coffee Trader, A Spectacle of Corruption, The Ethical Assassin, and The Whiskey Rebels, have been translated into over two dozen languages and have been adapted for television and film. In 2008, Liss was named an Artist for Integrity by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime at the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Bali, Indonesia. He currently resides in San Antonio with his wife and children.