Picture a Chicago courtroom buzzing with tension, where a sharp-witted lawyer crafts justice by day and spins heart-pounding thrillers by night—meet David Ellis! Born in 1967, this award-winning author and Illinois Appellate Court Justice has captivated readers with his legal thrillers, most notably the Jason Kolarich series, while collaborating with powerhouse James Patterson. His dual life is a thrilling tale of its own, blending law and literature with unmatched flair.
The Making of David Ellis
David Ellis grew up with a passion for storytelling, but law initially stole the spotlight. After earning his degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, he dove into Chicago’s legal scene in 1993, specializing in commercial litigation and constitutional law. His career soared as he prosecuted the impeachment trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in 2009, earning national attention. Yet, a beach vacation in the late 1990s sparked a pivotal moment: Ellis decided to write a novel, rekindling his creative spark. His debut, Line of Vision, won the 2002 Edgar Award, proving he was destined for both the courtroom and the bestseller list.
David Ellis’s Unforgettable Stories
Ellis’s novels are masterclasses in suspense, weaving legal intricacies with psychological depth. His Jason Kolarich series, starting with The Hidden Man (2009), follows a tough, flawed Midwestern lawyer navigating conspiracies and personal demons. Breach of Trust (2011) dives into government corruption, while The Last Alibi (2013) sees Kolarich battling addiction and a murder frame-up. His standalone novels, like Look Closer (2022), showcase his versatility, with twist-filled plots about deception. Collaborations with James Patterson, including Guilty Wives (2012) and Lies He Told Me (2024), amplify his knack for fast-paced, cinematic storytelling. Ellis’s style—marked by short, punchy chapters and courtroom authenticity—reflects his legal expertise, making every page a gripping verdict.
His writing process mirrors a litigator’s strategy: he builds stories backward, planting clues and misdirection like a closing argument. This approach, honed by his Northwestern training, keeps readers guessing. Whether it’s Kolarich’s emotional burdens or a pathological liar’s schemes in The Best Lies (2024), Ellis’s characters are complex, their worlds vividly Chicago-esque, grounding his thrillers in a relatable yet thrilling reality.
Why David Ellis Matters
David Ellis has redefined the legal thriller, blending real-world legal insight with pulse-pounding narratives. His ability to juggle a demanding judicial career—sworn in as Illinois’s youngest Appellate Court Justice in 2014—while producing bestsellers is nothing short of inspiring. His works, translated into over ten languages, have earned accolades like the Edgar Award and nominations for the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. Ellis’s influence extends beyond books; his storytelling workshops and advocacy for creative writing ignite aspiring authors. For fans, he’s a guide into the murky waters of justice and human nature, making every novel a case worth solving.
About David Ellis
- Born: 1967 in Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Line of Vision, The Hidden Man, Look Closer, Lies He Told Me
- Awards: 2002 Edgar Award for Best First Novel
- Fun Fact: Youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court (2014)
Ready to crack open a thriller that feels like a courtroom showdown? Snag The Hidden Man or Look Closer and dive into David Ellis’s electrifying world of suspense!