Don Winslow, born October 31, 1953, is an American author primarily recognized for his crime fiction, including titles like 'Savages,' 'The Force,' and the 'Cartel Trilogy.' His upbringing on Staten Island and in Rhode Island, influenced by his librarian mother and storyteller father, instilled in him a passion for narrative.

Winslow pursued a diverse educational path, majoring in African history and earning a master's in military history. His early career involved roles as a Department of State analyst in South Africa and a safari guide in Kenya, followed by work as a private investigator in the U.S. This investigative background often led him to California, where he eventually settled.

His literary career began with 'A Cool Breeze on the Underground,' nominated for Edgar and Shamus Awards. He continued with the Neal Carey series before venturing into standalone novels. A significant turning point was the film and publishing deal for 'The Death and Life of Bobby Z,' which enabled him to become a full-time writer. Winslow also co-created the NBC series 'UC/Undercover.' His later works, particularly the 'Cartel Trilogy,' received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying his reputation in the crime fiction genre. In April 2022, Winslow announced a retirement from writing to focus on political activism and video production, though he returned to writing in January 2026. He has also been involved in political commentary and activism, particularly concerning gun control and criticism of political figures.

Don Winslow established himself as a prominent crime novelist, with works such as 'Savages,' 'The Force,' and the critically acclaimed 'Cartel Trilogy' ('The Power of the Dog,' 'The Cartel,' 'The Border') earning him significant recognition. His debut novel, 'A Cool Breeze on the Underground,' garnered Edgar and Shamus Award nominations. Winslow explored various narrative arcs, including the Neal Carey series and standalone novels like 'Isle of Joy' and 'The Death and Life of Bobby Z,' the latter leading to a full-time writing career. His books have frequently been adapted for film and television, with 'The Death and Life of Bobby Z,' 'The Winter of Frankie Machine' (which inspired elements of 'The Irishman'), 'Savages,' 'Satori,' and 'The Force' all securing major production deals. Winslow's work has been consistently lauded, with many of his books appearing on year-end best-of lists from major publications and receiving accolades such as the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. He was also honored with the Raymond Chandler Award for lifetime achievement in the thriller and noir genres.

Beyond his literary achievements, Don Winslow has been an active voice in political discourse, advocating for gun control, drug legalization, and reduced incarceration for non-violent offenses. He has expressed nuanced views, including an op-ed in Esquire arguing that marijuana legalization could exacerbate cartel violence. Winslow became notably vocal during the 2020 presidential election, using his resources to support liberal causes and critique the Trump administration. He collaborated with Shane Salerno on political videos that garnered millions of views online. His activism also led to a libel lawsuit concerning comments made about a detention center contractor, which a district court allowed to proceed. Despite his engagement, Winslow has stated he has no interest in pursuing a political career himself.

Winslow's writing routine is disciplined, often starting early in the morning and continuing with extensive hiking. He has described writing as an 'addiction' and frequently works on multiple projects simultaneously, switching between them when progress stalls. The time required for each book varies significantly; 'The Death and Life of Bobby Z' was written in segments during commutes, while 'The Power of the Dog' demanded six years of research and writing, including a trip to Mexico. His career as a private investigator, which often involved cases in California, influenced his relocation to the state with his wife, Jean, and son. His investigative skills in explaining cases to juries were noted as a key asset.