The first thing you need to know about James Grippando is that he is no longer clueless. This transformation occurred on June 14, 2005, when "A James Grippando Novel" was the clue to number 38 Across in the New York Times crossword puzzle. (The correct answer: UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS.)
Here are some other interesting things about James, most of which happened while, sadly, he was still clueless…
James Grippando is the national bestselling author of the acclaimed series featuring Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck. He is also the author of LEAPHOLES --- a book written for young adults, which was a finalist for the Benjamin Franklin Award.
James’s first job out of law school plunged him headlong into death penalty cases. That experience was an inspiration for his debut novel, THE PARDON, a legal thriller that critics heralded as a “bona fide blockbuster.” Before THE PARDON, James was a successful trial lawyer in Miami, and he is now Counsel to the law firm of Boies, Schiller & Flexner, LLP.
As a lawyer, James was a frequent volunteer in the Miami-Dade County guardian ad litem program, where he represented neglected children in custody proceedings. As a writer, James lectures frequently to schoolchildren about his book LEAPHOLES and about writing in general. He is an active participant in the “Kids Love a Mystery Program” sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America, and he was the 2005 recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the University of Scranton. He serves on the Board of Trustees at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish Elementary School, where he takes aspiring young writers with him on research trips to fun places like crime labs. He is also coach of the soccer team.
James lives in south Florida, where he writes beneath a big shade umbrella on his deck, right next to the hot tub and swimming pool. He is married to Tiffany, who holds a degree in English Literature major. They have three children and three cats, and they are looking for a dog.
James Grippando
