Tom Grace, the best-selling author of the Nolan Kilkenny novels, is also an architect with a lifelong fascination with science and technology and a passion for storytelling. Grace mined his professional architectural experience with private technology companies and university research labs in crafting his first three novels, Spyder Web , Quantum , and Twisted Web . His interest in space led to Bird of Prey , and his indignation at China's persecution of Catholics who maintain allegiance to the pope inspired his fifth novel, The Secret Cardinal . Like the hero of his novels, Grace is a University of Michigan graduate, enjoys scuba diving, martial arts, running marathons, and reading a good book. He resides with his wife and five children in Michigan.