Tucson Festival of Books

Ward Larsen

Ward Larsen is the USA Today bestselling author of nineteen novels. He is a former USAF fighter pilot and airline captain and is a trained aircraft accident investigator. He co-authored the new thriller "Cold Zero" with Brad Thor. He is also the author of "Dark Vector."

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Awards: Eight-time Florida Book Award winner

Communities: Military Veteran, Active Military

Scheduled events:

Meet Brad Thor and Ward Larsen

Thriller-master Brad Thor, whose novels have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and bestselling espionage writer Ward Larsen make their first festival appearances. They’ll discuss the collaboration behind their new book, how current global threats influence modern thrillers, and what it takes to craft suspense while staying grounded in authenticity.

Student Union North Ballroom (Seats 670)

Sat, Mar 14, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Mystery / Thrillers
Signing area: Sales & Signing South Ballroom (following presentation)

Panelists: Ward Larsen, Brad Thor
Moderator: Lori Rader-Day
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of TMC Health

Dark Hearts, Darker Deeds

How can such nice people create such dark stories? Come meet James Byrne, Ward Larsen and Delia Pitts, and find out.

Koffler Room 218 (Seats 142, Wheelchair accessible)

Sat, Mar 14, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Mystery / Thrillers
Signing area: Sales & Signing Koffler/Commons (following presentation)

Panelists: James Byrne, Ward Larsen, Delia Pitts
Moderator: Colleen Cambridge
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Judith Marro, Ingrid Novodvorsky/Chris Johnson

Books:

Cold Zero

Mystery / Thrillers
Atria/Emily Bestler Books
February 2026
ISBN 9781668066379
352 pages
Buy now

Dark Vector

A David Slaton and Tru Miller Novel
Mystery / Thrillers
Tor Publishing Group
February 2025
ISBN 9781250343529
352 pages
Buy now