Richard North Patterson

Richard North Patterson (born February 22, 1947) is an American author known for his legal thrillers. A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he worked as a trial lawyer in San Francisco before becoming a full-time writer. Patterson has published over 20 novels, including "The Litigators" (1995), "Degree of Guilt" (1989), and "Balance of Power" (1986). His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Patterson has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Edgar Award for Best First Mystery Novel for "The Litigators," and the Hammett Prize for "Degree of Guilt." His work has been praised for its suspenseful plots, well-developed characters, and exploration of legal and ethical issues.