Picture a storyteller who swapped Hollywood camera lenses for the vivid scenes of post-World War II Europe—meet John A. Connell! This American novelist has carved a niche in historical thrillers with his gripping Mason Collins mystery series, blending gritty crime dramas with the haunting backdrop of a war-torn continent. From his days as a cinematographer to his life in Madrid, Connell’s journey is as thrilling as his novels.
The Making of John A. Connell
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, John A. Connell’s early life was a tapestry of diverse experiences. Growing up in Ohio, New York, and Virginia before returning to Atlanta at 13, he soaked up varied cultures that later flavored his storytelling. With a BA in Anthropology, Connell dabbled in eclectic roles—jazz pianist, machinist, even a stock boy in a brassiere factory—before finding his groove as a motion picture camera operator. His work on films like Jurassic Park and Thelma and Louise, and TV shows like NYPD Blue, honed his knack for visual storytelling, a skill that now paints his novels with cinematic flair.
Connell’s leap to writing came after moving to Madrid, Spain, with his French wife, inspired by Europe’s rich history. His love for languages, history, and photography fueled his transition from capturing scenes on film to crafting them in words, launching a second act that’s captivated thriller fans worldwide.
John A. Connell’s Unforgettable Stories
Connell’s Mason Collins series is the heart of his literary legacy, following a former Chicago homicide detective turned U.S. Army criminal investigator in post-WWII Europe. The debut, Madness in the Ruins (originally Ruins of War, 2015), sets Mason in 1945 Munich, hunting a sadistic serial killer amid the city’s rubble. Its gritty realism and historical depth earned a 2016 Barry Award nomination. The sequel, Haven of Vipers (originally Spoils of Victory, 2016), dives into the black market chaos of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where Mason unravels a web of corruption and murder.
Subsequent novels like Bones of the Innocent (2019) take Mason to Morocco, tackling child abductions with international intrigue, while Where the Wicked Tread (2021) earned a 2022 International Thriller Writers nomination for Best E-Book. Connell’s style—cinematic pacing, meticulous historical detail, and morally complex characters—makes each book a time machine to a turbulent era. His knack for blending real history with pulse-pounding plots keeps readers glued to the page.
Why John A. Connell Matters
John A. Connell’s impact lies in his ability to resurrect post-WWII Europe as a vivid stage for crime dramas. His novels don’t just entertain; they immerse readers in a world of moral ambiguity, where heroes like Mason Collins grapple with their pasts while fighting for justice. Praised by luminaries like Lee Child and Steve Berry, Connell has carved a space in historical thrillers, proving that lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark. His stories resonate with fans who crave history with a side of suspense, making him a hidden gem in the genre.
- Born: Atlanta, Georgia
- Key Works: Madness in the Ruins, Haven of Vipers, Bones of the Innocent, Where the Wicked Tread
- Awards: 2016 Barry Award nominee, 2022 ITW Best E-Book nominee
- Hobbies: Photography, music, traveling
Snag Madness in the Ruins and dive into John A. Connell’s thrilling world of historical mysteries!