Les Standiford is the bestselling author of twenty books and novels, including the John Deal mystery series, and the works of narrative history âThe Man Who Invented Christmasâ, a âNew York Timesâ Editorâs Choice, and âLast Train to Paradiseâ. He is the director of the creative writing program at Florida International University in Miami, where he lives with his wife, Kimberly, a psychotherapist and artist.