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
Goodreads
Amazon
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
14
Jack’s Boys
2024
Non-Fiction Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
First Born: The Death of Arnold Zeleznik, Age Nine