Picture a storyteller who spun high-stakes thrillers from the gritty world of wildlife crime—meet Ken Goddard! A former criminalist and deputy sheriff, Goddard traded crime scenes for novels, blending forensic science with environmental activism. His pulse-pounding Henry Lightstone series follows an undercover Fish and Wildlife agent battling poachers and conspiracies, captivating readers with action and a call to protect nature.
With a career spanning sheriff’s offices and the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, Goddard’s stories pulse with authenticity. His unique lens as a scientist and storyteller makes every page a thrilling ride, proving that saving the planet can be as gripping as a car chase. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Ken Goddard
Born in San Diego County, California, Ken Goddard grew up with a curiosity for science and justice. He earned a BS in Biochemistry from the University of California and an MS in Criminalistics from what is now Cal State LA. His early career as a deputy sheriff and criminalist in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties saw him sifting through evidence at homicide and robbery scenes. By 1979, Goddard’s expertise led him to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he founded the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon—the world’s only full-service wildlife crime lab. This blend of lab work and law enforcement fueled his transition to writing, channeling real-world grit into fiction.
Ken Goddard’s Unforgettable Stories
Goddard’s novels are a masterclass in thriller writing, weaving forensic detail with environmental stakes. His Henry Lightstone series, starting with Prey (1992), follows a Fish and Wildlife undercover agent tackling a cabal of industrialists bent on destroying the environmental movement. In Wildfire (1994), Lightstone faces a professional assassin and a shadowy committee, delivering heart-pounding action across vivid landscapes from Yellowstone to the Everglades. Double Blind (1997) amps up the chaos with rogue rangers, deadly snakes, and a corrupt congressman, blending humor with suspense.
Beyond the Lightstone series, Goddard’s First Evidence (1999) introduces Colin Cellars, a forensic investigator confronting a possibly extraterrestrial killer, showcasing his knack for genre-blending. His debut, Balefire (1983), a New York Times bestseller, tackled designer drugs, while The Alchemist (1985) dove into a criminal drug ring. Goddard’s style—gritty, fast-paced, and laced with scientific precision—mirrors his law enforcement roots, making his stories both thrilling and thought-provoking.
His themes of environmental activism shine through, urging readers to consider humanity’s impact on nature. Whether it’s poachers or corporate greed, Goddard’s villains are as real as the headlines, grounded by his decades in wildlife forensics.
Why Ken Goddard Matters
Ken Goddard’s legacy lies in his ability to make environmental issues thrilling. His novels don’t just entertain—they spotlight wildlife conservation, drawing readers into the fight against poaching and ecological destruction. As director of the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, he’s trained rangers worldwide, from Africa to Interpol, amplifying his impact. His fiction, praised by authors like Clive Cussler, blends humor, action, and science, earning him a niche but devoted following. Goddard’s work reminds us that one person’s story can spark change, making him a quiet hero in both literature and conservation.
- Birthplace: San Diego County, California
- Key Works: Prey, Wildfire, First Evidence, Balefire
- Notable Role: Director, National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory
Snag Prey and dive into Ken Goddard’s thrilling world of wildlife crime and high-stakes action!