Howard R. Reiss

Howard Reiss is an accomplished novelist known for his evocative storytelling across genres such as contemporary romance, legal thrillers, and nostalgic fiction. With twelve published novels to his name, his works include "Pyramid on the Hudson," a supernatural mystery centered on a centuries-old corpse, and "Starlight Shines Far," a tale of emotional and environmental healing. His debut novel, "A Family Institution," drew from a real-life family secret involving mental health institutionalization in the 1950s, blending serious themes with a comedic touch. Other notable works include the award-winning "P Town," inspired by Provincetown's vibrant culture, and "The Laws of Attraction," a quirky legal drama exploring reincarnation and inheritance.

Reiss's writing often reflects his fascination with time, memory, and human connection. His novel "The Texture of Love" reimagines Nabokov's "Lolita" with a reversed dynamic, while "The Old Drive-In" delves into nostalgia and lost opportunities. Many of his works, such as "A Lover’s Secret" and "The '60s Diary," examine personal transformation against historical backdrops, from Woodstock to mid-century mental health care. His ability to weave richly defined characters with layered themes has earned critical acclaim, including awards from Readers’ Favorite and the Los Angeles Book Festival.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Columbia Law School, Reiss balances his literary career with community involvement, having co-founded a soup kitchen in Nyack, New York, where he resides. His novels continue to resonate with readers for their blend of humor, heart, and thought-provoking narratives.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 A Family Institution 2011
2 The Year of Soup 2012
3 The Laws of Attraction 2014
4 P Town 2015
5 The Old Drive-In 2016
6 The Texture of Love 2018
7 A Lover's Secret 2019
8 Accidental Lives 2020
9 The '60s Diary 2021
10 Starlight Shines Far 2022
11 Pyramid on the Hudson 2022
12 an ordinary life 2023