A former teacher in the Bronx, a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia and a criminal defense attorney for many years, Phillip Margolin has brought a lifetime of studying human nature to his storytelling. Perhaps that’s why every one of his novels has been a New York Times bestseller. His books have been nominated for the Edgar Award, made into films and published in more than 25 languages, and his short fiction has appeared in the annual anthology The Best American Mystery Stories. His new book Fugitive will be released in June 2009. Visit his Web site at www.phillipmargolin.com.

David J. Montgomery writes about authors and books for several of the country’s largest newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Globe and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. In the past, he has contributed to such publications as USA TODAY, the Washington Post, Kansas City Star, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and National Review Online. He recently completed his first novel, a thriller called Counterstrike. He lives in the Washington, D.C., suburbs with his wife and daughter. His Web site is www.davidjmontgomery.com.

A regular New York Times bestseller, Carla Neggers has written more than 50 novels including Cut and Run, Abandon, Breakwater, Dark Sky and The Widow. She has earned raves from critics and readers alike for her unique blend of fast-paced action, suspense and romance. Her stories are modern adventure tales eagerly anticipated by millions of readers around the globe. She lives with her family in Vermont, not far from picturesque Quechee Gorge. You can visit her at www.carlaneggers.com.

With more than twenty novels to his credit, including Killer Weekend and the Lou Boldt crime series, New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson has earned a reputation for stories that grip the imagination, emphasize high-tech crime and dazzling forensic detail. He has written for television and film and is the co-author with Dave Barry of the bestselling young adult series based on the adventures of Peter Pan. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho. Visit his Web site at www.ridleypearson.com.

Ten years working in advertising and marketing gave Marcus Sakey the perfect experience to write about thieves and killers. His first novel, The Blade Itself, was featured on CBS Sunday Morning and NPR, and chosen both as New York Times Editor’s Pick and one of Esquire Magazine’s “Top 5 Reads of 2007.” It also won the 2007 Strand Magazine Critics Award for best first mystery novel. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company bought the film rights for Miramax. The Chicago Tribune called Sakey’s second novel, At the City’s Edge, “nothing short of brilliant.” His third book, Good People, will hit store shelves August 2009. His Web site is www.marcussakey.com.

An icon of the Spanish literary scene, Javier Sierra is the bestselling author of both nonfiction and fiction concerning historical and scientific enigmas, including The Secret Supper and The Lady In Blue. His meticulous research and gripping prose have made him an international sensation. His books are read in more than 25 countries. Learn more about Javier at www.javiersierra.com.

Mariah Stewart is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-four novels and three novellas. A former teacher and insurance company V.P., she has no regrets over having left her day job to work at home, alone, in her office overlooking a wooded hill and a horse farm. She lives amidst the rolling hills of Chester County, PA, with her husband, the occasional daughter, two golden retrievers and a Jack Russell Terrorizer. Sometimes a puggle joins the pack to make life just a little more interesting. Visit her at www.mariahstewart.com.

R. L. Stine is one of the bestselling children’s authors in history. His Goosebumps series, along with such series as Fear Street, The Nightmare Room and Mostly Ghostly have sold nearly 400 million books in this country alone. And they are translated into 32 languages. His most recent books for adults are The Sitter and Eye Candy, published by Ballantine Books. He lives in New York City with his wife, Jane, and King Charles Spaniel, Minnie. His son, Matthew, is a sound designer and music producer. His Web site is www.rlstine.com.

Simon Wood is a California transplant originally from England. He’s an ex-racecar driver, a licensed pilot and works part-time as a P.I. He shares his world with his American wife, Julie, and their lives are dominated by a longhaired dachshund and five cats. He’s had over 150 stories and articles published. His stories have been included in “Best of” anthologies and he’s a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest. He’s the Anthony Award winning author of Working Stiffs, Accidents Waiting to Happen, Paying the Piper and We All Fall Down. Visit his Web site at www.simonwood.net.

Clive Eric Cussler

Clive Cussler grew up in Alhambra, California, and attended Pasadena City College before joining the Air Force. He went on to a successful advertising career, winning many national honours for his copywriting. Now a full-time bestselling author, he has also explored the deserts of the American Southwest in search of lost gold mines, dived in isolated lakes in the Rocky Mountains looking for lost aircraft and hunted under the sea for shipwrecks of historic significance, discovering and identifying more than sixty. Like his hero, Dirk Pitt, he is also an avid enthusiast of classic cars. He is married with three children, and divides his time between Colorado and Arizona.