Picture an American storyteller who turned courtroom drama into heart-pounding page-turners—meet Phillip Margolin! With every novel hitting the New York Times bestseller list and two adapted for television, this former criminal defense attorney has redefined the legal thriller genre. From gripping tales of justice to his dedication to children’s education, Margolin’s story is as thrilling as his books.
The Making of Phillip Margolin
Born in New York City in 1944, Phillip Margolin’s path to literary stardom began with a childhood love for Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason novels. This sparked a dream to become a criminal defense attorney, leading him to earn a B.A. in Government from American University in 1965 and a law degree from New York University in 1970. After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, he spent over 25 years as a defense attorney in Portland, Oregon, handling high-stakes cases, including 30 homicides and 12 death penalty trials. His first foray into writing came in 1974 with a short story, 'The Girl in the Yellow Bikini,' but it was his legal expertise that would shape his blockbuster career.
Phillip Margolin’s Unforgettable Stories
Margolin’s novels are masterclasses in suspense, blending intricate legal plots with shocking twists. His breakout hit, Gone, But Not Forgotten (1993), a chilling tale of missing housewives and a serial killer in Portland, became a TV miniseries and sold millions worldwide. The Amanda Jaffe series, starting with Wild Justice (2000), follows a fierce father-daughter legal team tackling cases like organ trafficking and political conspiracies. The Third Victim (2018) introduces Robin Lockwood, a former MMA fighter turned attorney, whose cases explore Alzheimer’s and abused women—issues close to Margolin’s heart from his legal days. His latest, An Insignificant Case (2024), transforms a minor theft into a deadly double homicide, showcasing his knack for escalating stakes. Margolin’s style is tightly plotted, problem-driven, and packed with moral dilemmas, drawing comparisons to John Grisham.
His research is meticulous—The Third Victim was vetted by Alzheimer’s experts—and his female protagonists, often inspired by his late wife Doreen, a brilliant attorney, add emotional depth. With over 25 novels, Margolin’s ability to weave real-world legal issues into suspenseful narratives keeps readers hooked.
Why Phillip Margolin Matters
Margolin’s impact extends beyond bestseller lists. His legal thrillers have elevated the genre, making complex courtroom drama accessible and thrilling. His pioneering use of the Battered Woman Syndrome defense in a 1979 case revolutionized legal strategies for abused women, a theme echoed in his novels. Beyond writing, Margolin co-founded Chess for Success, a nonprofit teaching study skills through chess to children in Oregon and Washington. His work with Literary Arts and Writers in the Schools nurtures new talent, cementing his legacy as a mentor and advocate. With millions of books sold in multiple languages, Margolin’s stories resonate globally, proving the power of justice-driven narratives.
- Born: April 20, 1944, in New York City
- Key Works: Gone, But Not Forgotten, Wild Justice, The Third Victim, An Insignificant Case
- Awards: 2009 Spotted Owl Award for Executive Privilege, 2009 Distinguished Northwest Writers Award
- Fun Fact: Co-authored Vanishing Acts with his daughter, Ami Margolin Rome
About Phillip Margolin
Ready to dive into a world of legal intrigue? Snag Gone, But Not Forgotten and experience Phillip Margolin’s electrifying thrillers for yourself!