Jeffery Deaver

Jeffery Deaver is a globally acclaimed American author renowned for his masterful psychological thrillers and intricate crime fiction. With over 50 million books sold in more than 150 countries and translations into 25 languages, Deaver has solidified his position as a titan in the literary world. His storytelling prowess, characterized by unexpected twists and meticulous plotting, has captivated readers worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 6, 1950, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Deaver exhibited a passion for writing from a young age, penning his first book at just eleven. He pursued a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Missouri and later earned a law degree from Fordham University. Before dedicating himself to writing full-time, Deaver’s diverse career included roles as a journalist, folksinger, and attorney.

Literary Career and Notable Works

Deaver’s literary journey commenced with the publication of Manhattan Is My Beat in 1988, the first installment of the Rune Trilogy. However, it was The Bone Collector (1997) that catapulted him to international fame. This novel introduced readers to Lincoln Rhyme, a brilliant quadriplegic forensic detective, and was later adapted into a successful film starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.

Stand-alone novels:

• Mistress of Justice (1992)
• The Lesson of Her Death (1993)
• Praying for Sleep (1994)
• A Maiden’s Grave (1995)
• Speaking in Tongues (2000)
• The Blue Nowhere (2001)
• Garden of Beasts (2004)
• The Chopin Manuscript (2008)
• The Bodies Left Behind (2008)
• Edge (2010)
• The October List (2013)

Rune Trilogy – Books in Order:

• Manhattan Is My Beat (1988)
• Death of a Blue Movie Star (1990)
• Hard News (1991)

Lincoln Rhyme series – Books in Order:

• The Bone Collector (1997)
• The Coffin Dancer (1998)
• The Empty Chair (2000)
• The Stone Monkey (2002)
• The Vanished Man (2003)
• The Twelfth Card (2005)
• The Cold Moon (2006)
• The Broken Window (2008)
• The Burning Wire (2010)
• The Kill Room (2013)
• The Skin Collector (2014)
• The Steel Kiss (2016)
• The Burial Hour (2017)
• The Cutting Edge (2018)
• The Midnight Lock (2021)
• The Watchmaker’s Hand (2023)

Kathryn Dance series – Books in Order:

• The Sleeping Doll (2007)
• Roadside Crosses (2009)
• XO (2012)
• Solitude Creek (2015)

Parker Kincaid

• The Devil’s Teardrop (1999)

Colter Shaw series – Books in Order:

• The Never Game (2019)
• The Goodbye Man (2020)
• The Final Twist (2021)
• Hunting Time (2022)
• South of Nowhere (2025)

Awards and Recognition

Deaver’s contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous accolades:​

• Nero Wolfe Award for The Bone Collector (1999)

• Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for Garden of Beasts (2004)

• International Thriller Award for The Bodies Left Behind (2009)

• Edgar Allan Poe Award – Grand Master Award (2021)

He has also served two terms as president of the Mystery Writers of America and was named a Grand Master by the organization, joining the ranks of literary legends like Agatha Christie and Walter Mosley.

Recent and Upcoming Works

Deaver continues to enthrall readers with new releases. His upcoming novel, South of Nowhere (2025), is the latest installment in the Colter Shaw series, promising another gripping adventure.

Conclusion

Jeffery Deaver’s masterful storytelling, characterized by psychological depth and unexpected twists, has made him a luminary in the realm of crime fiction. His diverse body of work continues to captivate readers, solidifying his legacy as a true master of suspense.

​