William Landay

William Landay is an American novelist known for his crime and legal thrillers. He is best known for his novel 'Defending Jacob,' which was adapted into a television series.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Strangler

    The novel is a gripping crime thriller set in 1960s Boston, where a series of brutal murders terrorizes the city. The story follows a family deeply affected by the crimes, particularly the three Daley brothers, who are entangled in the investigation in different ways. As the police struggle to catch the elusive killer, the brothers confront their own personal demons and family secrets. The narrative weaves together themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of violence on a community, culminating in a tense and unexpected resolution.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. Defending Jacob

    The novel is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the complexities of family loyalty and the pursuit of justice. It follows Andy Barber, an assistant district attorney whose life is upended when his teenage son, Jacob, is accused of murdering a classmate. As the trial unfolds, Andy grapples with his unwavering belief in Jacob's innocence while confronting unsettling family secrets and the possibility of inherited violence. The story explores themes of parental devotion, the ambiguity of truth, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones, culminating in a tense and emotionally charged narrative.

  3. 3. All That Is Mine I Carry With Me

    Set against the backdrop of a mysterious disappearance, this gripping novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, memory, and the pursuit of truth. The story unfolds through the perspectives of different family members, each grappling with their own version of events surrounding the vanishing of a beloved matriarch. As secrets unravel and long-buried emotions surface, the narrative explores the enduring impact of loss and the lengths individuals will go to uncover the past. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the book offers a poignant reflection on the nature of love, guilt, and redemption.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org