Rene Denfeld is a bestselling American author and licensed investigator known for her acclaimed novels that blend literary artistry with themes of survival, resilience, and redemption. Her works include "The Enchanted" (2014), "The Child Finder" (2017), "The Butterfly Girl" (2019), "Sleeping Giants," and the forthcoming "The Talking Bone" (2026). Denfeld's novels have earned widespread recognition, with "The Child Finder" becoming a #1 fiction bestseller at Powell’s and a top #10 national bestseller. Her writing has garnered prestigious awards such as the French Prix, an ALA Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and an IMPAC listing.
Denfeld’s unique perspective stems from her career as a chief investigator, where she worked on hundreds of cases, including exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals and assisting victims of trafficking. Her novels often reflect her deep commitment to social justice, weaving poetic prose with gripping narratives. Margaret Atwood praised "The Butterfly Girl" as "a heartbreaking, finger-gnawing, yet ultimately hopeful novel," while Elizabeth Hand hailed "Sleeping Giants" as a potential masterpiece. Beyond her writing, Denfeld is a dedicated advocate for foster children, having adopted multiple children from the system and received the Break The Silence Award for her activism. The New York Times named her a Hero of the Year in recognition of her impactful work.