Richard North Pattersonβs eleven novels include seven consecutive international bestsellers; critics compared his most recent novel, Protect and Defend, to such novels as Allen Druryβs Advise and Consent and Gore Vidalβs Lincoln. Formerly a trial lawyer, Mr. Patterson served as the SECβs liaison to the Watergate Special Prosecutor, and is now on the boards of several Washington-based advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and reproductive rights. He lives with his wife, Laurie, and their family on Marthaβs Vineyard.