John F. Dobbyn

John F. Dobbyn is a distinguished author and Professor of Law at the Villanova University School of Law. He has had a successful career in both academia and writing, with a focus on mystery novels.

Dobbyn is a graduate of Harvard College and Boston College Law School, and he also holds a degree from Harvard Law School. Prior to his career in education, he practiced criminal and civil trial work. This experience has informed his writing, as he is known for his legal thrillers featuring Michael Knight and Lex Devlin. His debut novel, "Neon Dragon," was the first in the series and introduced readers to his unique storytelling style.

In addition to his work as a novelist, Dobbyn has also contributed to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. His short story "Trumpeter Swan," published in the February 2004 issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, was a finalist for the Shamus Award for Best Short Story from the Private Eye Writers of America. This recognition highlights Dobbyn's talent for crafting engaging and suspenseful stories in a variety of formats.

Dobbyn is a native of Boston, but now resides in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania with his wife, Lois. In his free time, he enjoys hobbies such as sailing, skiing, and playing the trumpet. He continues to write and teach, and his work is widely respected in both the legal and literary communities.
Knight and Devlin Books
# Title Year
1 Neon Dragon 2007
2 Frame-Up 2010
3 Black Diamond 2011
4 Deadly Diamonds 2013
5 Fatal Odds 2016
6 High Stakes 2019
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 Deadly Depths 2023