James Renner is an accomplished journalist and author, well-known for his work in the true crime genre. Renner first gained recognition for his investigative journalism in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a reporter for the Cleveland Scene. His true crime stories have been featured in several notable anthologies, including Best American Crime Reporting and Best Creative Nonfiction.
In addition to his work in journalism, Renner is also a successful novelist. He has written two novels, The Man from Primrose Lane and The Great Forgetting, which showcase his ability to craft compelling narratives across various genres. However, it is his nonfiction work that has garnered the most attention in recent years. Renner's book True Crime Addict, which explores the mysterious disappearance of Maura Murray, has been hailed as the definitive work on the case.
Beyond his writing, Renner is also dedicated to using his skills to help solve cold cases. In 2019, he founded The Porchlight Project, a nonprofit organization that raises money for new DNA testing and genetic genealogy for Ohio cold cases. Thanks to the work of genealogists funded by the Porchlight Project, James Zastawnik was arrested in May 2020 for the murder of Barbara Blatnik. Renner currently hosts The Philosophy of Crime podcast, where he explores the broader implications of true crime and its impact on society.