Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of art, crime, and suspense that kept readers on the edge of their seats—meet Thomas Swan! Known for his gripping mystery thrillers, Swan carved a niche in the literary world with his Inspector Jack Oxby series, starting with the iconic The Da Vinci Deception. His knack for blending intricate plots with the shadowy world of art forgery has captivated readers globally, making him a standout in the genre.
With a career that spans advertising, television production, and full-time writing, Swan’s diverse background infuses his novels with a unique flair. From his home in Short Hills, New Jersey, he continues to craft stories that thrill and intrigue, proving that a good mystery never goes out of style.
The Making of Thomas Swan
Born and raised in the United States, Thomas Swan was a natural storyteller with a passion for mysteries and thrillers from a young age. Before becoming a novelist, he built an impressive career in advertising, serving as a vice president at an ad agency and a senior executive at American Express. His work as a copywriter and television producer honed his ability to craft compelling narratives, a skill he later channeled into his writing. Swan’s transition to full-time authorship came after decades in the creative industry, driven by a desire to tell stories that combined his love for art and suspense.
Thomas Swan’s Unforgettable Stories
Swan’s literary career kicked off in 1990 with The Da Vinci Deception, the first in his Inspector Jack Oxby series. This thrilling novel follows Scotland Yard’s art crime detective Jack Oxby as he unravels a scheme to forge Leonardo da Vinci sketches, racing from London to New York to Lake Como. The book’s detailed exploration of art forgery and its fast-paced plot earned it praise as a must-read for fans of Iain Pears and The Thomas Crown Affair.
The series continued with The Cézanne Chase (1997), where Oxby tackles a psychopath destroying Cézanne’s self-portraits, crisscrossing from St. Petersburg to Provence. The trilogy concluded with The Final Fabergé (1999), a high-stakes hunt for a mythical Fabergé Egg tied to Rasputin, blending Russian history with modern suspense. Swan also penned a standalone novel, The Friends of Billy Hudnut (2004), showcasing his versatility with a fresh cast of characters. His writing style—taut, literate, and packed with art-world insights—appeals to readers who love smart, suspenseful storytelling.
Why Thomas Swan Matters
Thomas Swan’s impact lies in his ability to elevate the mystery thriller genre with a focus on art crime, a niche that resonates with readers fascinated by the intersection of culture and crime. His Jack Oxby series, translated into languages like French, German, and Japanese, has found international acclaim, earning Book of the Month Club selections and critical praise. As a past president of the Mystery Writers of America’s New York Chapter, Swan’s influence extends beyond his books, shaping the genre’s community. His novels remain a testament to the power of a well-crafted mystery, inspiring both readers and aspiring writers.
- Key Works: The Da Vinci Deception, The Cézanne Chase, The Final Fabergé, The Friends of Billy Hudnut
- Notable Role: Past President, Mystery Writers of America, New York Chapter
- Residence: Short Hills, New Jersey, and Vero Beach, Florida
Snag The Da Vinci Deception and dive into Thomas Swan’s thrilling world of art and intrigue—you won’t put it down!