James Brendan Patterson is an American author renowned for his extensive works that span across various series including Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women's Murder Club, Maximum Ride, Daniel X, NYPD Red, Witch & Wizard, Private, and Middle School, as well as numerous stand-alone thrillers, non-fiction, and romance novels. Patterson's literary creations have not only garnered widespread acclaim but have also achieved monumental commercial success, with his books selling more than 425 million copies worldwide. He made history as the first author to sell 1 million e-books, a testament to his substantial influence in the digital publishing realm.

In 2016, Patterson's financial accomplishments were highlighted when he topped Forbes's list of highest-paid authors for the third consecutive year, boasting an income of $95 million. Over a decade, his earnings are estimated to amount to $700 million. Beyond his financial successes, Patterson has made significant contributions to the promotion of literacy and education. In November 2015, he was honored with the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, in recognition of his philanthropic efforts. He has generously donated millions of dollars to universities, teachers' colleges, independent bookstores, school libraries, and college students through grants and scholarships, furthering his commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning.