William Landay is an American author known for his engaging legal thrillers. He gained widespread recognition with his novel, Defending Jacob, which tells the story of a father defending his son accused of murder. The book was well-received and later adapted into a television series. Landay's writing often explores themes of morality, justice, and the complexities of family relationships. In addition to Defending Jacob, he has written other novels, including Mission Flats and The Strangler. His work has earned him a loyal readership and critical acclaim in the literary community.