Picture an English-born storyteller who traded rocket science for courtroom drama and gritty crime novels—meet James Patrick Hunt! Born in 1964 in Surrey, England, Hunt is a master of mystery and thriller genres, weaving tales of morally complex characters like Evan Maitland and Lieutenant George Hastings. A practicing lawyer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he balances legal briefs with pulse-pounding plots, proving you can chase justice by day and craft suspense by night.
With a knack for intricate storytelling, Hunt’s novels capture the raw energy of crime-ridden streets while reflecting his unique journey from aerospace engineering to law. His work is a thrilling blend of technical precision and human drama, making him a hidden gem in the crime fiction world.
The Making of James Patrick Hunt
Born in Surrey, England, Hunt spent his early childhood there before moving to Oklahoma, where the American Midwest shaped his sensibilities. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1986 with a degree in aerospace engineering, a field that demands precision—a trait evident in his tightly plotted novels. But engineering wasn’t his calling. Hunt pivoted to law, earning a degree from Marquette University Law School in 1992. Now based in Tulsa, he practices employment law while penning novels that draw on his diverse experiences.
Hunt’s writing career kicked off during law school, with a “pretty awful” first novel written over Christmas break. Undeterred, he honed his craft, publishing his debut, Maitland, in 2005. His background in law and engineering gives his stories a grounded authenticity, while his Oklahoma roots infuse them with a distinct sense of place.
James Patrick Hunt’s Unforgettable Stories
Hunt’s novels are a masterclass in crime fiction, blending fast-paced action with deep character studies. His Evan Maitland series, starting with Maitland (2005), follows a former Chicago cop turned antiques dealer and bounty hunter. In this debut, Maitland tracks a fugitive lawyer to Oklahoma, only to tangle with a Jamaican mob. The series, spanning four books, crackles with noir vibes and high-stakes drama.
The Lieutenant George Hastings series, beginning with The Betrayers (2007), introduces a St. Louis homicide detective navigating brutal murders and moral dilemmas. From the machine-gunned deputies in The Betrayers to the serial killer taunting the press in The Assailant (2009), Hastings’ cases are gritty and gripping. Hunt also penned the Dan Bridger series, featuring a jewel thief, and standalone novels like Before They Make You Run (2006) and Reinhardt’s Mark (2012), showcasing his versatility.
Hunt’s style is lean yet detailed, with a knack for weaving real-world insights into thrilling plots. Critics praise his “superbly drawn characters” and “economical” prose, comparing him to Elmore Leonard and Michael Connelly. His legal and engineering backgrounds lend authenticity, while his morally gray protagonists keep readers hooked.
Why James Patrick Hunt Matters
James Patrick Hunt’s impact lies in his ability to craft compelling crime fiction while balancing a demanding legal career. His novels resonate with fans of hard-boiled mysteries, offering a fresh take on the genre through complex characters and authentic settings. By setting stories in places like Tulsa and St. Louis, he brings a regional flavor to crime fiction, proving you don’t need a big-city backdrop to tell a big story.
As a “late bloomer” who published his first novel in his 40s, Hunt inspires aspiring writers to pursue their passions at any age. His work, though not yet mainstream, has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following, cementing his place as a distinctive voice in mystery and thriller literature.
- Born: 1964, Surrey, England
- Key Works: Maitland, The Betrayers, The Assailant
- Current Residence: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Profession: Lawyer and novelist
Ready to dive into a world of gritty mysteries and cunning detectives? Snag Maitland or The Betrayers and experience James Patrick Hunt’s thrilling crime fiction for yourself!