Walter Wager

Walter Wager was an American author best known for his espionage and crime thrillers, including several works adapted into major motion pictures. His novel "58 Minutes" served as the basis for the 1990 film "Die Hard 2", while "Viper Three" and "Telefon" were released as "Twilight's Last Gleaming" (1977) and "Telefon" (1977), respectively. Wager also wrote original novels under the pseudonym "John Tiger," inspired by television series such as "I Spy" and "Mission: Impossible". His gripping narratives and fast-paced plots cemented his reputation in the mystery and spy fiction genres.

Born in The Bronx to Russian immigrants, Wager pursued an eclectic career before becoming a full-time writer. He earned a law degree from Harvard but shifted focus to aviation law, studying at Northwestern University and later the Sorbonne under a Fulbright scholarship. His professional journey included roles as an aviation law consultant, a United Nations editor, and a writer-producer for CBS and NBC. Wager also served as editor-in-chief of "Playbill" magazine and worked in public relations. His diverse experiences enriched his storytelling, blending realism with high-stakes suspense.