James O. Born

I was always interested in writing. And I enjoyed it. From my Masters thesis on the effects of fitness on mood to long reports on money launderers, I appreciated the effort it took to write well.

I doubted I could make a decent living as a writer, especially after having kids. I was an agent with US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). I loved it. The different assignments every day. Travel. The feeling of satisfaction and that you were helping the country. I never regretted going in to public service.

About 15 years into my law enforcement career, I signed my first book contract with Putnam. Those five books try to capture the tension, excitement, humor and terror of police work. I purposely tried to keep the characters from being superheroes. Just men and women with a job to do. I was gratified by the critical reception the books received. One of the best parts of being a new author was that my editor, Neil Nyren, also the edited of my two favorite military writers, Tom Clancy and W.E.B. Griffin.

Years ago I got a call from James Patterson. He wanted to know if I was interested in working with him. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Now I cowrite the Michael Bennett series as well as the occasional standalone. And I’ve never looked back.