Stephen Greenleaf is a distinguished American author, celebrated for his mystery and thriller novels. He was born in Washington, D.C, USA on July 17, 1942. Greenleaf pursued his undergraduate studies at Carlton College, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. He then went on to obtain his J.D. from the University of California, Berkley in 1967. Following his graduation, he served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969, during which time he was also admitted to the California Bar. Greenleaf subsequently held various legal positions.
In 1978 and 1979, Greenleaf decided to pursue his passion for writing and studied creative writing at the University of Iowa, specifically at the Iowa Writers Workshop. This period marked the beginning of his professional writing career, with the publication of his first Tanner novel in 1979. Greenleaf has since written fourteen novels in the John Marshall Tanner Mystery series, with his latest book titled "Ellipse." All of his novels are set in San Francisco, reflecting his deep connection to the city. Greenleaf currently resides in northern California with his wife, Ann.