Picture a New York City kid who swapped knish vending at Yankee Stadium for crafting pulse-pounding spy thrillers—meet Drew Chapman! This American author and television writer has carved a niche with his Garrett Reilly series, blending high-stakes conspiracies with razor-sharp financial intrigue. From Wall Street to Hollywood, Chapman’s knack for storytelling keeps readers and viewers on edge.
With a style that echoes the intensity of Homeland and 24, Chapman’s work dives into global espionage and economic warfare, making him a standout in the thriller genre. Ready to unravel his journey from bike messenger to bestselling novelist? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Drew Chapman
Born and raised in New York City, Drew Chapman’s early life was a whirlwind of eclectic jobs—newspaper reporter, bartender, bike messenger, and even a bootleg T-shirt salesman. After earning a BA in History from the University of Michigan, he headed to Los Angeles, diving into film production. His first big break came as a staff writer for Disney Animation, setting the stage for a dynamic career in storytelling. Chapman’s diverse experiences, from gritty street hustles to studio lots, infuse his work with authenticity and grit.
Drew Chapman’s Unforgettable Stories
Chapman’s Garrett Reilly series is his literary crown jewel. The first novel, The Ascendant (2014), introduces Garrett Reilly, a brilliant bond trader who spots patterns others miss, uncovering a massive financial conspiracy threatening America. Critics, including Kirkus Reviews, called it 'a wild ride through the headlines of our times,' praising its blend of finance and espionage.
The sequel, The King of Fear (2016), ups the ante as Garrett faces a global economic collapse triggered by a shadowy cabal. Released digitally in three parts before its paperback debut, it showcases Chapman’s flair for serialized storytelling. His novels are marked by taut pacing, complex characters, and themes of paranoia and power, reflecting his deep understanding of markets and geopolitics.
Beyond books, Chapman shines in television, writing for TNT’s Legends and creating ABC’s Cold War miniseries The Assets. His screenplays for studios like Disney and Fox, including work on Pocahontas and Iron Man, reveal a versatile storyteller who thrives in high-pressure narratives. Whether on page or screen, Chapman’s style is cinematic, immersive, and relentlessly thrilling.
Why Drew Chapman Matters
Drew Chapman’s impact lies in his ability to make complex financial and geopolitical themes accessible and exhilarating. His Garrett Reilly series has drawn comparisons to Tom Clancy and John le Carré, offering readers a fresh lens on modern warfare—where battles are fought with algorithms, not guns. Fans and critics, like Joseph Finder, laud his knack for crafting stories that feel ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
Chapman’s television work has also left a mark, with The Assets and Legends showcasing his skill in translating intricate plots to the screen. By bridging literature and media, he’s redefined the thriller genre, inspiring a new wave of storytellers to tackle the intersection of technology, finance, and power. His stories don’t just entertain—they make you think twice about the world’s hidden machinations.
- Born: New York City
- Key Works: The Ascendant, The King of Fear, Legends, The Assets
- Notable Fact: Wrote his first (unpublished) novel in fourth grade
Snag The Ascendant and dive into Drew Chapman’s electrifying world of spies, markets, and mayhem!