Jerry Marcus

Controversial Author JERRY MARCUS is internationally acclaimed for his ability to create compelling fiction about thought-provoking issues such as anti-Semitism, political intrigue, and religious hypocrisy. Reviewers have called Marcus prophetic, provocative, masterful, compelling, original and creative - and even a heretic. Morton Teicher, Book Editor for The Jewish Floridian, compared Marcus to Chaim Potok, writing "Marcus caused us to care about the characters he created..."

Whether he wrote about politics, religion, sports, or murder - the underlying powerful theme in all Marcus' novels is how his characters constantly struggle with good versus evil. Marcus portrays God as giving his world over to two forces: The Laughing Angels, whose sole purpose is to torment and destroy all that is noble and righteous - and The Righteous Ones, who plead for God to never forget the most vulnerable amongst us. The late Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman z"l, of the Torah Outreach Program in Jerusalem, Israel (known as the TOP), became a fan of Jerry's novels. He characterized Jerry's works this way in one of his studies: "The Lion King so vividly portrayed the conflict of good and evil, and the contrast between those who sacrificed their safety and comfort, to eradicate evil, and those who just enjoy life; so Marcus' works too are modern mussar seforim, ethical works, which praise noble souls and expose all that is ignoble amidst our rich, powerful, and sensual modern world."

For several years, Marcus worked at a public relations firm in Washington, D.C., where he wrote press releases, position papers and speeches for political candidates. Writing about challenging issues became Marcus' passion. He left Washington and headed for Chicago, where he covered politics for a local independent newspaper, while working at a variety of jobs (sales, loading trucks, waiting tables, and behind the counter at the well-known Mort's Delicatessen). He also began writing his first novel.

Marcus' hard work was rewarded in 1982, when "Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Zev" was recommended by the American Jewish Congress, and later adopted as required reading for a humanities course at The State University System of Florida. Marcus' second novel, "The Salvation Peddler," earned him the title of Master of Suspense. The Last Pope continued Marcus' talent for turning out thrilling, religious-based fiction.

"Broken Trust-The Murder Of Basketball Star Jack Molinas" illustrated once again Marcus' gift for taking readers on a compelling and unforgettable journey. In Broken Trust, Marcus explored the killing of basketball great Jack Molinas, and created a murder mystery that combines religion, politics, sports and gambling.

"Shoshana's Song" was a Finalist in the 2013 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards. The New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards is the largest non-profit cooperative organization featuring New Mexico and Arizona books, publishers, and authors.

His 2017 novel, "Daughters of God," is an explosive political thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end! This novel was awarded FIRST PRIZE in the 2018 Arizona-New Mexico Book Awards in the Philosophy category.

Born in Israel of American parents, Marcus was raised in New York. He passed away in August 2021 in Arizona, where he lived for many years. All his novels remain in-print and will remain available for many years to come. Digital copies are not available. His final novel is in production, to be published by Brittany Publications, Ltd.