Linwood Barclay

Linwood Barclay is a Canadian author and former newspaper columnist best known for his bestselling thrillers and mystery novels. Born in 1955 in the United States and raised in Ontario, Canada, Barclay began his career as a journalist, working for the Toronto Star for many years before transitioning to full-time fiction writing.

His breakout novel, No Time for Goodbye (2007), became an international bestseller and established his reputation for creating suspenseful, twist-filled stories that blend domestic drama with high-stakes mystery. Many of his books center on ordinary people suddenly caught in extraordinary and dangerous circumstances, often with themes of family, secrets, and unexpected betrayals.

Barclay’s works include stand-alone thrillers such as Fear the Worst, A Tap on the Window, and The Accident, as well as series like the Promise Falls trilogy (Broken Promise, Far From True, The Twenty-Three). His writing is known for fast pacing, relatable characters, and shocking plot turns, making him a favorite among fans of authors like Harlan Coben.

In addition to novels, some of his books have been adapted for television and film. Barclay remains a prominent figure in modern crime fiction, frequently praised for his ability to keep readers guessing until the final page.