Obsession

Brett Battles crafts thrillers that don’t just chase the next plot twist—they explore the shadows where espionage, identity, and morality intertwine. Growing up in Southern California, he found his storytelling voice early, convincing his sixth-grade teacher to let the whole class dive into his short stories. That early spark evolved into a writing career spanning over forty novels, with characters and plots that grip readers with their complexity and emotional depth.

His debut introduced Jonathan Quinn, a freelance operative navigating a perilous world of secrets, setting a tone that defines Battles’ work: sharp, layered, and relentless. Awards like the Barry for Best Thriller followed, but it’s his ability to weave intricate narratives with human vulnerability that resonates most. Beyond the Quinn series, his storytelling branches into the Project Eden thrillers, the Rewinder trilogy’s inventive sci-fi twist, and collaborations that expand his reach.

Influenced by writers like Ludlum and King, Battles balances adrenaline-pumping action with thoughtful exploration of trust and betrayal. Now based in Ventura County, California, he continues to write stories where every revelation feels earned, and danger lurks just beneath the surface—pulling readers into a world that’s as thrilling as it is real.

Stuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.

His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.

Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.

Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.