Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped camel races in Jordan for heart-pounding thrillers—meet K.J. Howe! As the mastermind behind The Freedom Broker and Executive Director of ThrillerFest, Howe crafts kidnap-and-ransom tales that pulse with authenticity and adventure. Her nomadic childhood and relentless curiosity fuel stories that keep readers glued to the page.
With a knack for blending meticulous research with globe-trotting exploits, Howe has carved a niche in the thriller genre, earning praise from icons like Lee Child and James Patterson. Ready to dive into her world of high-stakes rescues and family drama? Let’s explore the life and works of this adrenaline-loving author!
The Making of K.J. Howe
Born in Toronto, Canada, Kimberley Howe’s childhood was a whirlwind of adventure, shaped by her father’s telecommunications career. From Kenya to Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico to Europe, her early years across continents sparked a lifelong passion for travel and storytelling. This global perspective, paired with a love for action, set the stage for her thriller career. Initially a medical, health, and fitness writer, Howe’s pivot to fiction came after earning an MA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University, where she honed her craft under mentors like David Morrell, the creator of Rambo.
Her role as Executive Director of ThrillerFest, the annual conference of International Thriller Writers, gave her a front-row seat to the genre’s pulse. Surrounded by literary giants, Howe absorbed lessons in suspense and character depth, all while planning a conference that nurtures aspiring writers. This dual life—author and industry leader—infuses her work with unmatched authenticity.
K.J. Howe’s Unforgettable Stories
Howe’s debut, The Freedom Broker (2017), introduced Thea Paris, a fierce kidnap-and-ransom specialist and one of only 25 elite negotiators worldwide—the only woman among them. Thea’s mission to rescue her oil-magnate father, Christos, unfolds against a backdrop of global intrigue, from Santorini to Africa. Howe’s research, including interviews with former hostages and special forces operatives, grounds the novel in chilling realism. Critics hailed it as a “blisteringly original” thriller, earning starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus.
The sequel, Skyjack (2018), sees Thea escorting two African orphans when their plane is hijacked over the Libyan desert. The plot weaves WWII legends, the Sicilian mob, and a toxic threat, showcasing Howe’s knack for high-tension narratives. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred and boxed review, calling it a “rip-roaring” adventure. Her third novel, Infinity, continues Thea’s saga, blending personal stakes with global conspiracies. Howe’s style—fast-paced, emotionally rich, and rooted in family dynamics—sets her apart, with Thea’s type 1 diabetes adding a layer of vulnerability to her badass persona.
Howe’s thrillers thrive on vivid settings, from Botswana’s elephant sanctuaries to Hawaii’s surf breaks, reflecting her own adventures. Her ability to balance relentless action with character depth has drawn comparisons to Linda Fairstein and Tess Gerritsen, cementing her as a rising star in the genre.
Why K.J. Howe Matters
K.J. Howe’s impact extends beyond her page-turners. As ThrillerFest’s Executive Director, she champions thriller writers, from newbies to bestsellers, fostering a community that thrives on collaboration. Her novels shine a light on the shadowy world of kidnapping, raising awareness of an international crisis—over 40,000 reported cases annually. By creating Thea Paris, a trailblazing female negotiator, Howe challenges gender norms in a male-dominated field, inspiring readers with a heroine who’s as smart as she is tough.
Her mentorship, praised by authors like Linwood Barclay, reflects her commitment to giving back. Howe’s blend of adrenaline-fueled storytelling and advocacy for the thriller community ensures her legacy as both a writer and a leader.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: The Freedom Broker, Skyjack, Infinity
- Awards: International Thriller Writers Best First Novel (2018), three-time Daphne du Maurier Award winner
- Fun Fact: She’s surfed in Hawaii and dived with great white sharks!
Snag The Freedom Broker and dive into K.J. Howe’s thrilling world of high-stakes rescues and heart-stopping twists!