Stephen Hunter is an American author and journalist, best known for his thriller novels. He was born on July 25, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri. Hunter's writing often features firearms and military themes, reflecting his background as a former film critic for the Washington Post. His most popular series centers around the character Bob Lee Swagger, a Vietnam War veteran and sniper. In addition to his novels, Hunter has written screenplays and worked as a film critic. His books have received critical acclaim and several have been adapted into films, further solidifying his reputation in the literary and cinematic worlds.