Gregg Olsen

Gregg Olsen (born March 5, 1959) is an American author best known for his works in the true crime and thriller genres.

Early life and education Olsen was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He earned a journalism degree from Western Washington University, where he served as editor of Klipsun Magazine and managing editor of the university newspaper, The Western Front. He published his first book in 1990.

Career

Critical Assessment His books have appeared on bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal.

Olsen has also received acclaim for his writing in the true crime and crime fiction genres. The Deep Dark: Disaster and Redemption in America's Richest Silver Mine was selected as Idaho Book of the Year in 2006 by the Idaho Libraries Association. It was also a finalist for a Spur Award for best contemporary historical nonfiction book by the Western Writers of America. In 2007, The Deep Dark was also selected by Boise State University as its first-year read for incoming freshmen. The Washington State Library selected Olsen's Young Adult crime novel, Envy, to represent the state at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Starvation Heights was selected by the Washington State Library and the Washington Secretary of State for its annual Everybody Reads literary program for books that contribute to the culture of the state. In 2018, The Boy She Left Behind, was a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Thriller Award for best young adult novel. In 2025, The Amish Wife was a nominee for the Best Fact Crime Edgar Award given by the Mystery Writers of America. The following year, 2026, Out of the Woods was nominated in the same category. Judges for the annual national CrimeCon convention selected Out of the Woods as a finalist for the Clue Award in May 2026.

Adaptations Starvation Heights was adapted for the stage by playwright Ginny Foster, which debuted at the National New Play Festival in July 2008. The title was also optioned for film in 2009 by Pulitzer Prize winner and screenwriter Tracy Letts.

A Killing in Amish Country was the basis for the 2023 Lifetime film, Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story.

Appearances Olsen was a featured speaker or panelist at the American Bookseller’s Association and the American Library Association conventions in Seattle and Philadelphia. Internationally, he has appeared as a presenter and panelist at the Hong Kong Literary Festival and the Cheltenham Literary Festival in the United Kingdom.

Personal life Olsen and his wife, Claudia, a graphic designer, live in rural Olalla, Washington. The family owns and operates a general store, Olalla Bay Market and Landing, which features a museum that documents the story told in the author’s book, Starvation Heights.