Don Winslow was born in New York City but raised in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. At various times an actor, director, movie theater manager, safari guide and private investigator, Don has done many things on his way to being a novelist.

His first novel, A Cool Breeze On The Underground, was nominated for an Edgar, and a later book, California Fire and Life, received the Shamus Award. The Death And Life Of Bobby Z will come out as a feature film in March of 2007, starring Paul Walker and Laurence Fishburne. His upcoming novel, The Winter Of Frankie Machine, has been purchased for Robert DeNiro to play the lead role.

Don lives on an old ranch in the San Diego area with his wife, Jean, and son, Thomas.