Picture a St. Louis attorney who swapped courtroom dramas for page-turning legal thrillers—meet Michael A. Kahn! Known for his bestselling Rachel Gold Mysteries series, Kahn blends razor-sharp wit, authentic legal know-how, and gripping plots that keep readers hooked. From corporate conspiracies to murderous secrets, his novels are a masterclass in storytelling that entertains and educates with every twist.
A trial lawyer by day and an author by night, Kahn’s journey from law to literature is as fascinating as his books. With a knack for crafting strong female leads and unforgettable sidekicks, he’s carved a niche in the legal thriller genre, earning praise from readers and critics alike.
The Making of Michael A. Kahn
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Michael A. Kahn’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College, a Master’s from Northwestern, and a Juris Doctor from Harvard, he built a stellar career as a media and entertainment attorney, specializing in intellectual property and First Amendment law. His legal expertise informs his novels, giving them a gritty authenticity that sets them apart.
Kahn’s writing career sparked from a playful challenge by his high school sweetheart-turned-wife, Margi. Tired of hearing him say he could write a better book than the ones he read, she dared him to try. He did, and the result was Grave Designs, the first in the Rachel Gold Mysteries series, published in 1992. A former elementary school teacher, Kahn’s love for storytelling found a new home in fiction.
Michael A. Kahn’s Unforgettable Stories
The Rachel Gold Mysteries series, spanning 11 novels, follows savvy St. Louis attorney Rachel Gold as she tackles corporate conspiracies and mysterious murders. Grave Designs kicks off the series with Rachel unraveling a bizarre trust fund tied to a pet cemetery, blending humor and suspense. Due Diligence sees her investigating a pharmaceutical company linked to a presidential candidate, with stakes that turn deadly.
Kahn’s standalone novels, like The Sirena Quest, showcase his versatility, mixing adventure and coming-of-age themes, while The Mourning Sexton, written under the pen name Michael Baron, delves into Orthodox Judaism and legal intrigue. His writing style—witty, fast-paced, and rich with legal detail—appeals to fans of John Grisham and Scott Turow. Characters like Benny Goldberg, Rachel’s crude yet brilliant sidekick, add humor and heart, making every book a delight.
Kahn’s plots often draw from his legal experience, weaving real-world issues like corporate greed and age discrimination into thrilling narratives. His St. Louis settings, vividly described, ground the stories in a relatable yet intriguing backdrop, earning praise for their local flavor.
Why Michael A. Kahn Matters
Michael A. Kahn’s impact lies in his ability to make the legal world accessible and thrilling. His authentic portrayal of courtroom drama and investigative work demystifies the law while keeping readers on edge. The Rachel Gold series, with its strong female protagonist, resonates with fans seeking smart, independent heroines in a male-dominated genre.
As an adjunct professor at Washington University in St. Louis, teaching censorship and free expression, Kahn bridges academia and fiction, inspiring a new generation of legal minds. His awards, including Best Lawyers in America honors, reflect his dual excellence in law and literature. For readers, his books are a gateway to the thrill of legal battles, wrapped in humor and humanity.
- Born: St. Louis, Missouri
- Key Works: Grave Designs, Due Diligence, The Sirena Quest, The Mourning Sexton
- Awards: Multiple Best Lawyers in America awards
- Fun Fact: His proudest moment as a writer was when his kids took his books to school for show-and-tell!
Snag Grave Designs and dive into Michael A. Kahn’s witty, thrilling world of legal mysteries!