It’s not every day you get the chance to sit down with an award-winning author, judge, and lawyer—but I recently had the privilege of doing just that with David Ellis. This Story From The 78 takes us to the suburbs of Chicago, where Ellis, a New York Times-bestselling and award-winning Chicagoland author, continues to captivate readers with his bold, razor-sharp legal thrillers.

With over two decades of experience as a prominent trial lawyer—including leading the prosecution team against former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich—and as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court, Ellis brings unparalleled authenticity to his work. His latest book, The Best Lies, is already a USA Today bestseller, with its momentum growing every week. Known for gripping plots and intricate twists, Ellis has earned both critical acclaim and a loyal following. His debut novel, Line of Vision, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and his sixth book, The Hidden Man, was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Ellis is also a frequent collaborator with #1 New York Times-bestselling author James Patterson, co-authoring eight books together. The Best Lies is a masterclass in psychological suspense, perfect for fans of unreliable narrators, shocking twists, and gritty urban settings. It’s the kind of page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end.

David Ellis wears many hats—judge, award-winning author, and family man. Sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court in December 2014, he brings the same precision and dedication to his courtroom as he does to his writing. Outside of work, Ellis lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and three children, balancing his impressive legal career with a passion for storytelling that continues to enthrall readers everywhere.

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