Kent Harrington is a fourth-generation San Franciscan, born to an Irish-Jewish father and a Guatemalan mother. He attended the Palo Alto Military Academy at a young age and later pursued his higher education at San Francisco State University, where he received a degree in Spanish Literature.
Harrington's career as a novelist began in the Bay Area, where he supported himself through various jobs, including teaching, carpentry, factory work, and life insurance sales. His first published work, the noir thriller "Dark Ride" (1997), received critical acclaim, with Booklist describing it as "as noir as it gets." His subsequent novel, "Dia De Los Muertos," is now considered a modern crime classic. Harrington's works often explore the darker side of human nature and have been compared to those of Graham Greene and John le Carré.
In addition to his career as a novelist, Harrington has also worked in the world of espionage. He has served as the CIA's chief of station in Tokyo, the National Intelligence Officer for East Asia, and the Agency's Director of Public Affairs. His experiences in these roles have informed his writing, providing him with a deep understanding of power politics and its intrigues.
Harrington holds a BA from Duke University and an MA in international relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. His commentary and analysis on global events have been featured in various publications, including the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Asian Wall Street Journal, and Washington Times. He is the author of seven novels, including "The Rat Machine," which will be published in 2013. Harrington currently resides in Northern California with his wife.
Harrington's novels often explore complex and nuanced themes, drawing on his own experiences and knowledge of the world of espionage. His writing captures the ambiguity of betrayal and the substance of power politics, providing readers with a unique and captivating perspective on global events.