Michael Joseph Connelly, born on July 21, 1956, is an illustrious American author renowned for his detective novels and other crime fiction, especially those featuring LAPD Detective Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch and criminal defense attorney Mickey Haller.

Connelly's journey into the world of writing began after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. With a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing, under the tutelage of novelist Harry Crews, Connelly honed his skills. After graduating in 1980, he embarked on a journalistic career, covering the crime beat in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amidst the tumultuous cocaine wars.

His foray into fiction was marked by the publication of his first novel, The Black Echo, which garnered the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1992. With over 74 million copies sold worldwide and translations into 40 languages, Connelly has firmly established himself as a bestselling author. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the VI RBA Prize for Crime Writing for The Black Box and the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger.

In addition to his literary achievements, Connelly's books have made successful transitions to the screen, with Clint Eastwood directing and starring in the movie adaptation of Blood Work, and Matthew McConaughey bringing Mickey Haller to life in The Lincoln Lawyer. Connelly also served as the President of the Mystery Writers of America from 2003 to 2004.

Beyond his novels, Connelly is the executive producer of Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, two Amazon Studios original drama series, and The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. He is also a creator and host of the podcasts Murder Book and The Wonderland Murders & The Secret History Of Hollywood, and an executive producer of the documentary films, Sound Of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story and Tales of the American.

Connelly splits his time between California and Florida, continuing to contribute significantly to the crime fiction genre.