Jim Fusilli is an accomplished American author, well-known for his crime thriller and non-fiction books. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Fusilli has created a niche for himself in the world of crime fiction, particularly with his series featuring the character of Terry Orr, which began with his debut novel, "Closing Time," published in 2001. This book was the last work of fiction set in New York City to be published before the 9/11 attacks, adding a layer of significance to its release.
In addition to his work as a novelist, Fusilli has also made a name for himself as a music critic. He served as the Rock & Pop Critic for The Wall Street Journal and has contributed to National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” His passion for music is also reflected in his non-fiction work, including the book “Pet Sounds,” a tribute to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys’ classic album. He further combined his interests in crime and music in the 2017 anthology “Crime Plus Music: Twenty Stories of Music-Themed Noir,” which he edited and contributed to.
Fusilli's bibliography includes nine novels, with notable titles such as “The Mayor of Polk Street,” “Narrows Gate,” “Tribeca Blues,” and “Hard, Hard City.” His writing has been recognized with various nominations, including for the Edgar and Macavity awards. His novel “Narrows Gate” was also nominated for a Macavity in the Best Historical Fiction category. Furthermore, Fusilli has published numerous short stories in various magazines and anthologies, with some of his work appearing in editions of the Best American Mystery Stories. He has also ventured into writing for young adults with the novel “Marley Z and the Bloodstained Violin.” Currently, Fusilli resides in the New York area with his wife, Diane Holuk, a global communications executive.