David Ellis is an accomplished American jurist and bestselling novelist known for blending real courtroom insight with gripping suspense. Born on October 30, 1967, he has built a rare dual career as both an appellate court judge and a celebrated crime writer. His breakthrough novel earned the prestigious Edgar Award, launching him into national recognition. Over the years, he has authored multiple legal thrillers and cowritten bestselling books with James Patterson. Serving on the Illinois Appellate Court, Ellis continues to shape the legal landscape while captivating readers with compelling crime fiction and intricate courtroom drama narratives that showcase his deep legal expertise.
Early Life, Education & Career Rise
David Ellis was born on October 30, 1967, in the United States. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong academic mindset and a growing interest in law and justice. He pursued higher education at Northwestern University, where he earned his legal education and developed the analytical skills that would later shape both his judicial and literary careers.
His major breakthrough came with his debut legal thriller Line of Vision, which won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel. This remarkable achievement immediately positioned him as a powerful new voice in crime fiction and opened doors to significant publishing opportunities.
Books & Literary Success
As a celebrated author, David Ellis is widely recognized for his tightly constructed courtroom dramas and psychological thrillers. His stories are known for legal authenticity, complex characters, and unexpected twists.
Some of his most notable books include:
- Line of Vision
- The Hidden Man
- Breach of Trust
- The Best Lies
- Look Closer
Readers often search for David Ellis books in order due to recurring legal themes and interconnected storytelling elements. His collaborations with James Patterson significantly expanded his global readership, leading to multiple bestselling titles.
It is important to note that searches such as “david ellis pastor” or “david ellis artist” refer to different individuals. The David Ellis discussed here is the American judge and bestselling crime novelist.
Judicial Career & Professional Achievements
Beyond literature, David Ellis has built an impressive legal career. He has served as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court since 2014. His judicial role complements his writing, providing real-world courtroom insight that enhances the realism of his novels.
Major Achievements
- Winner of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel
- #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
- Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court (since 2014)
- Multiple mystery and literary award nominations
Age, Net Worth & Income Sources
Born on October 30, 1967, David Ellis is 58 years old as of 2026.
As both a senior appellate court justice and a bestselling novelist, his estimated net worth is between $5 million and $8 million. His income is generated through multiple professional channels, including:
- Judicial salary
- Solo novel royalties
- Co-authored book contracts
- International publishing rights
- Speaking engagements
His dual-career path — combining public service with commercial publishing success — is relatively rare and reflects long-term professional stability.
Personal Life & Interesting Facts
David Ellis resides in the Chicago area with his wife and three children. Despite his public profile as a judge and author, he maintains a balanced and relatively private personal life.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He actively writes novels while serving as a sitting appellate judge.
- His legal background adds strong authenticity to courtroom scenes.
- Look Closer received widespread critical acclaim for its intricate plotting.
- His debut novel remains one of the few first-time works to win the Edgar Award in its category.
Quick Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | David Ellis |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1967 |
| Age | 58 years (2026) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Judge, Author |
| Education | Northwestern University |
| Office | Justice, Illinois Appellate Court |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (177 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 75 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife Name | Not Disclosed |
| Children | Three |
| Father Name | Not Disclosed |
| Mother Name | Not Disclosed |
| Siblings | Not Disclosed |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $5–8 Million |
Final Thoughts
David Ellis stands as a rare example of excellence in two demanding professions. As a respected appellate court justice and an award-winning crime novelist, he has successfully balanced public service with literary achievement. His ability to merge authentic legal insight with gripping storytelling has earned him critical acclaim, commercial success, and long-term professional credibility. With continued judicial service and bestselling publications, his influence in both law and literature remains strong and enduring.
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FAQs
What is David Ellis’s most popular book?
David Ellis is widely known for Look Closer, considered one of his most popular and critically acclaimed thrillers.
What happened to David Ellis?
He continues to serve as a justice on the Illinois Appellate Court while actively writing bestselling crime novels.
Is David Ellis married?
Yes, he is married and has three children.
Where does David Ellis live?
He lives outside Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Is David Ellis a lawyer?
Yes, he is a lawyer and currently serves as a justice of the Illinois Appellate Court.
