Born in 1960, I grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles, where I wrote scripts for several independent producers. I also worked as a magazine freelancer and archival researcher, and eventually authored six suspense novels under the pseudonym Brian Harper before switching to my new identity as Michael Prescott.
My first Michael Prescott novel, COMES THE DARK, grew out of my interest in ancient religion and mythology. I followed up with STEALING FACES, which first appeared as an electronic book (a novelty back in 1999), and THE SHADOW HUNTER, which was praised by Publishers Weekly for its "brilliant elements of psychological horror." Publishers Weekly also had kind words for LAST BREATH ("a chilling, character-driven tale") and NEXT VICTIM ("unrelentingly suspenseful"). IN DARK PLACES was called a "dark, compulsive read" (Publishers Weekly), a "gripping new drama" (Cemetary Dance), and "hard to predict and thoroughly absorbing ... Michael Prescott at his best" (Round Table Reviews). With DANGEROUS GAMES, I began a trilogy featuring FBI agent Tess McCallum and freelance security consultant Abby Sinclair, who appeared separately in two of my earlier books. The trilogy continued with MORTAL FAULTS and FINAL SINS.
Changes in the publishing industry made it hard for me to get a print deal after FINAL SINS. Ebooks, however, are more than taking up the slack. In 2010, I self-published RIPTIDE as an ebook and a print-on-demand paperback. This was followed by new ebook editions of most of my backlist titles. Sales far exceeded my expectations, and by the spring of 2013 I had sold more than 1.25 million ebooks, hitting the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Thomas & Mercer published a new novel, GRAVE OF ANGELS, in August of 2012, and reissued THE SHADOW HUNTER in September. Most recently, I self-published a new thriller, COLD AROUND THE HEART, in April of 2013.
Please note that there are a couple of other Michael Prescotts out there. One of them has put out a short story collection called "Pitch Black." Another, who goes by the name of Michael J. Prescott, has published various short novels, many with erotic themes - for instance, "Going Down," the saga of a nymphomaniac elevator operator. For the record, neither of these writers is me. If I ever do write a book about a nymphomaniac elevator operator, I'll be sure to announce it here.
