John Katzenbach

John Katzenbach is a highly accomplished American author, best known for his psychological thriller novels. Born on June 23, 1950, Katzenbach has established himself as a master of the thriller genre, with his books being adapted into major motion pictures.

Before becoming an author, Katzenbach worked as a court reporter for the Miami Herald and the Miami News. This experience provided him with a rich understanding of the criminal justice system, which he would later incorporate into his writing. Katzenbach is also the son of Nicholas Katzenbach, a former U.S Attorney General, which may have influenced his interest in legal and criminal themes.

Katzenbach left the magazine industry to write emotional thrillers, and his first novel, "In the Heat of the Summer," became a bestseller in 1982. The movie adaptation of this book, "The Mean Season," was partially filmed in the Miami Herald's newsroom, where Katzenbach had previously worked. Additionally, two more of his books, "Just Cause" and "Hart's War," were made into films in the United States. A fourth book, "The Wrong Man," was recently adapted into the French film "Faux Coupable."

Katzenbach is married to Madeleine Blais, a journalist, and they live in western Massachusetts. His writing has captivated audiences worldwide, and his ability to create suspenseful and engaging narratives has solidified his position as a leading author in the thriller genre. With a career spanning over four decades, Katzenbach continues to captivate readers with his intricate plotlines and complex characters.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 In the Heat of the Summer 1982
2 The Traveler 1987
3 Day of Reckoning 1989
4 Just Cause 1992
5 The Shadow Man 1995
6 State of Mind 1997
7 Hart's War 1999
8 The Analyst 2002
9 The Madman's Tale 2004
10 The Wrong Man 2006
11 Red 1-2-3 2012
12 What Comes Next 2012
13 The Dead Student 2015
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 First Born: The Death of Arnold Zeleznik, Age Nine 1984
John Katzenbach Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Natural Suspect 2001