Charles Knief is an American author primarily known for his thrilling crime fiction novels centered around the character John Caine. His background is surprisingly diverse, having served as a former pilot, airborne soldier, and engineer, experiences that undoubtedly inform his action-packed narratives. Knief's writing style is characterized by fast-paced plots, detailed settings, often featuring travel and exotic locales, particularly his long-standing residence in Hawaii. He debuted as a novelist with "Diamond Head" in 1996, launching a successful series.



