Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun ancient Mesopotamian myths into pulse-pounding modern thrillers—meet D.J. McIntosh! With her knack for blending meticulous historical research with heart-racing mystery, McIntosh has carved a unique niche in the world of historical thrillers. Her Mesopotamian Trilogy, starting with the acclaimed The Witch of Babylon, has captivated readers in over 20 countries, earning praise alongside literary giants like Dan Brown and Agatha Christie.
McIntosh’s journey from a professional career to bestselling author is a tale of passion and perseverance. Her ability to weave ancient history, mythology, and contemporary intrigue into gripping narratives has made her a standout voice in 21st-century crime fiction. Ready to dive into her world of secrets and treasures?
The Making of D.J. McIntosh
Born Dorothy McIntosh, D.J. McIntosh traded a stable career for the unpredictable life of a novelist, driven by a lifelong love for storytelling. Based in Toronto, she immersed herself in the rich history of Mesopotamia, spending nearly a decade researching her debut novel. Her dedication to authenticity and her fascination with ancient cultures shaped her unique voice. A member of the Canadian Society for Mesopotamian Studies, McIntosh also champions journalists through her support for Reporters Without Borders, reflecting her commitment to truth and storytelling.
D.J. McIntosh’s Unforgettable Stories
McIntosh’s Mesopotamian Trilogy is her crowning achievement, blending high-stakes treasure hunts with deep historical and mythological roots. The Witch of Babylon (2011) introduces John Madison, a rakish New York art dealer chasing a stolen artifact linked to a biblical prophecy. The novel’s seamless integration of Mesopotamian history and modern intrigue won the Arthur Ellis Award and was hailed by CNN as one of six enduring historical thrillers.
The saga continues in The Book of Stolen Tales (2013), where Madison hunts a rare 17th-century book of fairy tales tied to a deadly Mesopotamian plague. McIntosh’s love for folklore shines, as she reimagines fairy tales with dark, mystical undertones. The trilogy concludes with The Angel of Eden (2015), a thrilling quest for a 16th-century book on angel magic that unveils the true location of the Garden of Eden. Critics praised its rich character development and meticulous research, cementing McIntosh’s reputation for crafting brain-teasing mysteries.
Her standalone novel, The Winter Wolf, showcases her versatility, diving into different themes while maintaining her signature suspense. McIntosh’s writing style—lush, erudite, and action-packed—draws comparisons to Dan Brown, but her focus on Iraq’s ancient mythology and recent history gives her work a grounded, authentic edge.
Why D.J. McIntosh Matters
McIntosh’s impact lies in her ability to make ancient history feel urgently alive. Her novels don’t just entertain; they educate, sparking curiosity about Mesopotamia’s myths, art, and legacy. By setting her stories against the backdrop of modern Iraq, she pays tribute to its cultural heritage while honoring journalists who risk their lives for truth. Her work has elevated Canadian crime fiction, with reviewers predicting she could make Canada the “next Scandinavia” of the genre. For fans of intelligent, immersive thrillers, McIntosh is a must-read.
- Key Works: The Witch of Babylon, The Book of Stolen Tales, The Angel of Eden, The Winter Wolf
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Award for Best Unpublished Crime Novel; Shortlisted for Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger
- Fun Fact: Her debut novel was an Amazon.ca Top 5 Mystery/Thriller pick in 2011.
Snag The Witch of Babylon and dive into D.J. McIntosh’s thrilling world of ancient secrets and modern mysteries!