William J. Coughlin was an acclaimed American author, best known for his legal thrillers and the Charley Sloan series. Born on February 26, 1929, Coughlin worked as a defense attorney in Detroit for two decades before becoming a U.S. administrative judge. His vast experience in the legal world provided him with valuable insights and inspiration for his thrilling novels.
Coughlin's writing career took off in 1968 with the publication of 'The Dividend Was Death.' His breakthrough came with the creation of the Charley Sloan series, which significantly boosted his success as an author. In total, he wrote sixteen novels, all of which were well-received by critics and readers alike. Coughlin's ability to weave captivating stories, set against the backdrop of his legal expertise, made his books popular and critically acclaimed.
In addition to his own name, Coughlin also used the pseudonym Sean A. Key for some of his works. His writing career was not only influenced by his professional background but also supported by his personal life. He was married to Ruth, a fellow author and book critic, with whom he resided in Gross Pointe Woods, Michigan. Unfortunately, Coughlin passed away on April 15, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of compelling legal thrillers and the enduring character of Charley Sloan, who featured in four of his novels.