Browne, Robert Gregory

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Browne, Robert Gregory

PERSONAL:

Children: two.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Ojai, CA. Agent—Scott Miller, Trident Media Group, 41 Madison Ave., 36th Fl., New York, NY 10010.

CAREER:

Previously worked as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, CA; former script writer for Fox Kids animated television programs.

MEMBER:

International Thriller Writers.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Nicholl Award, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

WRITINGS:

Kiss Her Goodbye (novel), St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2007.

SIDELIGHTS:

Robert Gregory Browne started his writing career as a screenwriter. He won the prestigious Nicholl Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which paid for him to move to Hollywood and write for film and television. He spent several years toiling at his craft, primarily writing scripts for animated programming on the Fox Kids network. Eventually, disheartened with the direction his career was taking, he decided to take a friend's advice and try writing novels instead. His debut novel, a thriller called Kiss Her Goodbye, is the result. Browne's effort stands out due to his participation in the International Thriller Writers's "Killer Year" campaign, which provides mentors for the year's debut thriller writers. New York Times bestselling author Gayle Lynds walked him through the publishing process, answering questions and offering advice on the road to his book's release.

Browne's novel revolves around ATF agent Jack Donovan, as he attempts to capture Alexander Gunderson, the violent leader of a cult. Early in the story, Gunderson's pregnant wife is injured during a bank robbery. In an effort to thwart Donovan and gain a measure of revenge, Gunderson kidnaps his estranged daughter, Jessie, and buries her alive. A contributor to Kirkus Reviews found the book unmoving, calling the novel a "one-note debut thriller purporting to be a study in evil." However, a reviewer for Publishers Weekly felt that "elements of the supernatural … provide humorous relief from the breathtaking pace."