Picture a courtroom dynamo by day and a master storyteller by night—meet Rick Acker! This American author weaves Christian legal thrillers that pulse with suspense, drawing from his high-stakes career as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General. With his Dead Man’s Rule series captivating readers worldwide, Acker’s tales of justice and intrigue are as authentic as they are thrilling.
Born in 1966 in Chicago, Acker’s journey from Midwest roots to bestselling novelist is a story of passion and perseverance. His knack for blending legal expertise with gripping narratives has earned him comparisons to John Grisham, making him a standout in Christian fiction.
The Making of Rick Acker
Raised in Chicago, Rick Acker spent 35 years in the Midwest before settling in the San Francisco Bay Area. With law degrees from the University of Oslo and Notre Dame, where he graduated with honors, Acker carved a formidable path in law. His career as a senior litigator at Bingham McCutchen and later at the California Department of Justice, tackling corporate fraud and Wall Street scandals, gave him a front-row seat to the drama that fuels his novels. Writing during his commute, Acker turned his legal insights into stories that resonate with authenticity and heart.
Rick Acker’s Unforgettable Stories
Acker’s Dead Man’s Rule series, featuring Chicago lawyer Ben Corbin, is a cornerstone of his work. The first book, Dead Man’s Rule (2005), follows Ben as he navigates a high-stakes case involving a Soviet biowarfare virus, blending courtroom drama with international intrigue. Its sequel, Blood Brothers (2008), takes Ben to Norway, tackling a pharmaceutical empire’s dark secrets. Readers praise the series for its clean, faith-infused storytelling and Grisham-esque pacing.
Beyond the series, Acker’s standalone novels like When the Devil Whistles (2010) explore corporate fraud, reflecting his DOJ experience. His latest, I Think I Was Murdered (2024), co-authored with Colleen Coble, dives into a straight-up thriller with no overt Christian themes, showcasing his versatility. Acker also penned the Davis Detective Mysteries, a young-adult series featuring sibling sleuths, proving his range across genres.
Acker’s style is a masterclass in balance: intricate legal details meet fast-paced action, with subtle Christian themes that invite readers of all backgrounds. His settings, from Chicago’s legal scene to Norway’s rugged landscapes, are vivid and immersive, earning accolades from critics like physicist-novelist Randy Ingermanson, who calls his work “a legal thriller with bullets.”
Why Rick Acker Matters
Rick Acker’s impact lies in his ability to make the justice system accessible and thrilling. His novels educate readers about legal nuances while keeping them on the edge of their seats, a rare feat in Christian fiction. By weaving faith into suspense without preachiness, Acker broadens the genre’s appeal, attracting diverse readers. His real-world legal victories, including record-breaking settlements against Wall Street, add credibility to his storytelling, making him a trusted voice in legal thrillers.
As a part-time novelist, Acker’s dedication to his craft inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion can thrive alongside a demanding career. His growing fanbase eagerly awaits more adventures, whether with Ben Corbin or new characters, cementing his place as a rising star.
- Born: 1966, Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Dead Man’s Rule, Blood Brothers, When the Devil Whistles, I Think I Was Murdered
- Profession: Supervising Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice
- Notable: Compared to John Grisham for his legal thriller prowess
Snag Dead Man’s Rule and dive into Rick Acker’s pulse-pounding Christian legal thrillers—you won’t put it down!