James L. Swanson is an American writer and presidential historian known for his accessible accounts of some of the most infamous crimes in American history. Born on February 12, 1959, Swanson shares a birthday with President Abraham Lincoln, which made him feel connected to the president from childhood. He studied law and history at the University of Chicago and the University of California’s Los Angeles School of Law.

Swanson wrote his first book, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, in 2007. The book tells the story of Lincoln’s murder and the great hunt for his assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Swanson won an Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime Novel for the book. The following year, he adapted the story into a text for young readers called Chasing Lincoln’s Killer. Swanson followed his books about Lincoln’s assassination with an account of Lincoln’s 20-day-long funeral and the manhunt for the Confederate president Jefferson Davis. He also wrote two versions of this story to appeal to readers of different ages. 

Swanson continued his foray into American history with two books about President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and, finally, Chasing King’s Killer. His books are known for providing fast-paced, well-researched accounts that are accessible and engaging for a variety of readers.