Douglas Jerome Preston, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, has led a life rich in experiences that have fueled his prolific career as a journalist and author. Even from a young age, Preston's life was marked by noteworthy events, such as the loss of a fingertip to a bicycle accident at age three, the loss of his two front teeth to his brother's fist, and various broken bones from disagreements with his brother. These early experiences with his brother Richard, who went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, paint a vivid picture of his adventurous childhood.

Preston is renowned for his thrilling collaborations with Lincoln Child, including the famed Agent Pendergast and Gideon Crew series. His solo contributions are equally significant, comprising six novels like the Wyman Ford series and Jennie, which Disney adapted into a movie. His passion for science and exploration has led him to author several nonfiction books and contribute occasionally to esteemed publications such as The New Yorker, Smithsonian, and other magazines.