Robert Ward (novelist)

Robert Ward (born 1945) is an American novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. He is best known for his crime and suspense novels, often featuring complex characters and morally ambiguous situations.

Ward's writing career began in journalism, where he covered political and social issues. This experience informed his fiction, which frequently explores themes of power, corruption, and the dark underbelly of American society.

His notable novels include Rage Against Heaven, a highly acclaimed psychological thriller about a journalist investigating a series of murders, and Shedding Skin, a gripping story of redemption. His novel Red Baker was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film State of Grace, starring Sean Penn.

Ward's work is characterized by its gritty realism, intricate plotting, and sharp dialogue. He is considered a significant voice in contemporary American crime fiction.