Born in New York City, Lawrence De Maria graduated from Villanova University and served in the U.S. Marines. He was a senior writer, editor, and columnist at The New York Times, and was nominated there for a Pulitzer Prize for his business articles. He also wrote for other Times sections, and was anthologized in several books. Later, as an Executive Editor at Forbes Magazine, he wrote and edited an exclusive financial newsletter, co-wrote the Forbes Stock Market Report, and helped manage the company pension plan. De Maria has interviewed many of the nation's senior corporate and political leaders, and has also covered some of the nation's most-notorious criminals in government, the Mob and Wall Street. He was widely quoted by the international media for his efforts in exposing a multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. De Maria's writing, starting with the Amazon best-selling novel, SOUND OF BLOOD, is grounded in real-life experience. He is strongly influenced by Colin Dexter, Ian Fleming, Robert B. Parker, Ed McBain, Michael Connelly, and John D. MacDonald. He has created three unique series of thrillers and mysteries, which critics have praised for their grit, humor and plotting. De Maria has also written standalone novels. His books often have an international flavor, and occasionally delve into high technology and science. Recurring characters, complex villains and strong love stories are also hallmarks of De Maria's work.