Picture a California-born storyteller who crafts nightmares you can’t put down—meet Jonathan Moore! With a knack for dark thrillers and horror, Moore spins tales that grip your psyche and refuse to let go. From his Bram Stoker-nominated debut Redheads to the chilling The Poison Artist, his stories pulse with suspense and human depth, earning him a devoted following.
Now living in Hawaii, where he juggles writing with his work as an attorney, Moore’s unique journey—from whitewater rafting to criminal defense investigations—infuses his novels with raw authenticity. Ready to dive into his world of shadows and secrets?
The Making of Jonathan Moore
Born in Stanford, California, Jonathan Moore’s path to literary stardom was anything but ordinary. After heading to New Orleans for law school, he lived in Taiwan for three years, taught English, guided thrill-seekers down the Rio Grande, and counseled juvenile delinquents at a Texas wilderness camp. He even worked as an investigator for a criminal defense attorney in Washington, D.C., soaking up gritty experiences that would later fuel his storytelling. His diverse background gave him a sharp eye for human behavior, which became the backbone of his psychological thrillers.
Moore’s writing career kicked off with a bold leap into horror and suspense, blending his legal expertise and adventurous spirit. His debut novel, Redheads, set the stage for a career marked by intense narratives and unforgettable characters, proving he was a force in the thriller genre.
Jonathan Moore’s Unforgettable Stories
Moore’s novels are masterclasses in suspense, weaving psychological depth with relentless pacing. His debut, Redheads (2013), follows Chris Wilcox, a grieving man hunting his wife’s killer, earning a Bram Stoker Award nomination for its chilling intensity. Close Reach (2014) takes readers to the icy Antarctic seas, where a couple’s yachting trip turns into a harrowing fight against pirates, blending horror with nautical dread.
His San Francisco-set trilogy—The Poison Artist (2016), The Dark Room (2017), and The Night Market (2018)—cemented his reputation. The Poison Artist, a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick, follows toxicologist Caleb Maddox’s obsessive search for a mysterious woman, earning praise from Stephen King for its “electrifying” twists. The Dark Room channels Raymond Chandler’s moody intensity, while The Night Market, optioned by Amazon Studios, dives into a mind-bending conspiracy. His 2019 novel Blood Relations, nominated for an Edgar Award, explores a private investigator’s quest to unravel a suspicious death, showcasing Moore’s knack for noir.
Moore’s style is raw yet rich, with vivid imagery and complex characters who wrestle with pain, obsession, and redemption. His themes often probe the darker corners of the human mind, making his books both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why Jonathan Moore Matters
Jonathan Moore’s impact lies in his ability to blend visceral suspense with emotional resonance, carving a niche in the dark thriller genre. His novels have been translated into 12 languages, and his storytelling has drawn comparisons to Michael Connelly and Neil Gaiman. By grounding his tales in real-world grit—from San Francisco’s underbelly to the high seas—Moore makes the impossible feel chillingly plausible.
His nominations for prestigious awards like the Edgar and Hammett Prize highlight his influence, while his growing fanbase eagerly awaits each new release. Moore’s work reminds us that the scariest monsters often lurk within, inviting readers to confront their own shadows.
- Born: Stanford, California
- Key Works: Redheads, The Poison Artist, The Night Market, Blood Relations
- Awards: Bram Stoker Award nominee (Redheads), Edgar Award nominee (Blood Relations)
- Current Home: Hawaii
Snag The Poison Artist and dive into Jonathan Moore’s pulse-pounding world of dark thrills!