Picture a Texas storyteller who swapped the courtroom for the page, weaving legal thrillers that keep you up all night—meet Chad Zunker! This bestselling author of the David Adams and Sam Callahan series spins tales of underdogs battling impossible odds, drawing from his own journey of resilience. From a crushed NFL dream to crafting gripping narratives, Zunker’s story is as thrilling as his books.
Born and raised in Texas, Zunker’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. His unique blend of legal expertise, personal grit, and a knack for suspense has made him a standout in the thriller genre. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore how this former lawyer became a master of legal thrillers.
The Making of Chad Zunker
Chad Zunker’s early life was marked by ambition and adversity. A walk-on player for the University of Texas Longhorns football team, he dreamed of NFL glory—until a bone-crushing hit from a 6’5”, 240-pound senior sidelined those hopes. Undeterred, he pivoted to journalism at UT, later earning a law degree. His time in prestigious law firms exposed him to high-stakes power plays and greed, scenes that would later fuel his novels. Personal loss, including his father’s death from cancer during his teens, shaped his empathy for underdog characters, a hallmark of his work.
Zunker’s writing journey began with persistence. After a decade of rejections—over 1,000 letters and ten unpublished novels—he self-published The Tracker in 2015. Readers loved it, and Thomas & Mercer soon acquired the Sam Callahan series, launching his career. His legal background and inventive spirit (he’s also patented baby products sold worldwide) gave him a unique edge in crafting authentic, heart-pounding stories.
Chad Zunker’s Unforgettable Stories
Zunker’s novels are legal thrillers with a pulse, blending courtroom drama, conspiracy, and characters you can’t help but root for. His David Adams series follows a Stanford grad turned lawyer who ditches corporate life to fight for Austin’s homeless. In An Equal Justice (2019), nominated for the 2020 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, Adams uncovers a dark conspiracy while aiding the vulnerable. An Unequal Defense (2020) sees him defending a homeless man accused of murder, unraveling shocking secrets.
The Sam Callahan series, starting with The Tracker (2015), introduces a law student with a troubled past, moonlighting as a political tracker. After witnessing a murder, Callahan’s street smarts and heightened mental abilities drive a high-stakes chase. Shadow Shepherd (2017) and Hunt the Lion (2018) plunge him into CIA missions, blending espionage with personal stakes. Zunker’s style—fast-paced, clean, and emotionally resonant—draws from his legal experiences and love for underdog tales, making every page a thrill.
Standalone novels like Family Money (2022) showcase his versatility, weaving suspense around family secrets and betrayal. Critics praise his taut plotting and ability to tackle social issues, like homelessness, without slowing the action. Fans love his knack for “no unnecessary side comments,” keeping the focus on the story’s heart.
Why Chad Zunker Matters
Zunker’s impact goes beyond page-turners. His legal thrillers shine a light on society’s outcasts, from homeless communities to foster kids, giving voice to the overlooked. His own resilience—overcoming rejection and personal loss—mirrors the grit of his characters, inspiring readers to persevere. Working with Community First! Village, a 51-acre community for the formerly homeless in Austin, Zunker lives his values, blending purpose with storytelling.
His books, praised by authors like Robert Dugoni, have built a loyal fanbase, with An Equal Justice earning accolades for its social conscience. Zunker’s ability to craft heroes who rise above adversity resonates in a world craving hope, making him a vital voice in modern thrillers.
- Key Works: The Tracker, An Equal Justice, Family Money
- Hometown: Austin, Texas
- Notable: Nominated for the 2020 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction
Snag The Tracker or An Equal Justice and dive into Chad Zunker’s pulse-pounding legal thrillers! With a new book, The Lies of Our Father, set for 2026, there’s never been a better time to join the ride.