Ruthenia Quintet

Olen Steinhauer (born June 3, 1970) is an American author best known for his espionage thrillers. Steinhauer was born in West Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from Princeton University and the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a teacher, an editor, and a book reviewer. Steinhauer's first novel, "The Bridge of Sighs," was published in 2003. His second and third novels, "The Istanbul Variations" and "36 Yalta Boulevard," were released in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The four novels feature a recurring protagonist, the American spy Milo Weaver. Steinhauer's work has been translated into more than 20 languages. He has received numerous awards, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel for "The Tourist" (2013) and the Hammett Prize for his body of work (2019). His novels have received critical acclaim for their suspenseful plots, vivid characters, and insightful exploration of political and moral themes.