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Mark Barkawitz: Author of Crime Thrillers & Literary Fiction

(And lots of other stuff, too!)

Crime Sprees Under Palm Trees!

Welcome to the world of author Mark Barkawitz, a Pasadena-based crime fiction author and thriller writer whose suspenseful stories grip readers from the first page. With a knack for weaving dark, fast-paced tales set in SoCal’s vibrant landscapes, Mark’s novels Feeling Lucky, Full Moon Saturday Night, and The Cop Guy keep you on edge from start to finish. A Pushcart Prize nominee, his acclaimed novels explore the gritty underbelly of human nature, perfect for fans of Michael Connelly or Tana French.

As a Pasadena thriller author, Mark draws inspiration from the city’s rich history and shadowy corners, crafting Southern California suspense novels that resonate with local and global readers alike. Whether you hunger for gripping crime fiction, electrifying thrillers, or narratives brimming with emotional depth, Mark’s books offer an experience that resonates long after you’ve turned the last page. Dive into his universe, where peril lurks in every shadow, justice dances in shades of gray, and each twist leaves you reeling.

Explore Mark’s crime fiction and SoCal thriller novels. From Pasadena’s streets to your bookshelf, his tales are your next obsession.

Explore the novels below, or visit the Digital Bookstore to find ebooks and available formats.

Official book cover for 'The Cop Guy: A SoCal Novel' by author Mark Barkawitz, a suspenseful mystery with a police theme, hinting at intrigue.
The Cop Guy

Feeling Lucky

Book cover for author Mark Barkawitz's crime novel 'Full Moon Saturday Night,' featuring a luminous full moon emerging from dark, ominous clouds, conveying a suspenseful and gritty atmosphere.
Full Moon Saturday Night

Book cover for author Mark Barkawitz's '29 Again & Other Cancer-Fighting Stories,' featuring Mark with a surfboard on a beach, waves in the background, symbolizing his personal journey and inspiring message of cancer survival and overcoming adversity.
29 Again & Other Cancer-Fighting Stories

Official book cover for 'The Dog with the Opposable Thumb' by author Mark Barkawitz, featuring an illustrated scene of a man and a dog shaking hands, indicative of a funny, imaginative story about a special dog.
The Dog with the Opposable Thumb

Looking for reviews or excerpts?
Read what critics and readers are saying, or preview selected passages from Mark’s work.