T. Jefferson Parker

T. Jefferson Parker is the author of 29 novels including "The Rescue" and "California Girl," both of which won the Edgar Award for best mystery. His latest book "Desperation Reef" was released in 2024. When not writing, Parker likes to fish in Baja California, hike in San Diego and settle in for the evening with a good book.

Visit website |

Awards: Edgar Award, Tucson Festival of Books Founder's Award, Edgar Award for best mystery in 2001 (SILENT JOE) and 2004 (CALIFORNIA GIRL). Edgar Award for best short mystery story in 2009 (SKINHEAD CENTRAL). Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Best Crime Novel, 2001 (SILENT JOE). Shamus Award for Best PI Novel, 2017 (THE ROOM OF WHITE FIRE)

California Killers

It may never rain in California, but murder is always in the forecast. Join these bestselling mystery authors who set their books on the Left Coast where even when the sun shines it can get dark.

Koffler Room 204 (Seats 300, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Mystery / Thrillers
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - UA Campus Store Tent (on Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Robert Crais, T. Jefferson Parker, Gary Phillips
Moderator: Boyd Morrison

A World Apart

Parker, Urrea and Vlautin each write stories set apart from everyday life. Come hear how they decide how and why. From World War II to a surf competition to the middle of nowhere, these authors write stunning stories of strength, loneliness and fear.

Campus Store (Seats 250)  
Sun, Mar 16, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Multigenre
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - UA Campus Store Lower Level (following presentation)  

Panelists: T. Jefferson Parker, Luis Alberto Urrea, Willy Vlautin
Moderator: Annette Everlove

Familiar Faces

Book festival regulars J.A. Jance, Thomas Perry and T. Jefferson Parker -- each of whom has received at TFOB Founders Award -- will discuss their books, their careers, and their favorites restaurants in Tucson!

Modern Languages Room 350 (Seats 318, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 16, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Mystery / Thrillers
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Central Mall (following presentation)  

Panelists: J. A. Jance, T. Jefferson Parker, Thomas Perry
Moderator: Cayce Blanchard

Books:

Desperation Reef

A Novel
Mystery / Thrillers
Tor Publishing Group
July 2024
ISBN 9781250907882
320 pages

The Rescue

Mystery / Thrillers
Tor Publishing Group
February 2025
ISBN 9781250382092
352 pages