Political Thrillers & Historical Novels
Top-rated author of The Tin Soldiers and forthcoming historical novel Who Killed Caravaggio? — stories that travel deep into the heart of conflict, art, and human ambition.
J.J. Cowan is the author of the political thriller The Tin Soldiers. He has been a business journalist for more than thirty years, writing on shipping, healthcare, manufacturing and defence. From 1995 he covered the communications industry worldwide.
He holds an MA in Politics & International Relations from Aberdeen University, Scotland.
J.J. Cowan is married with three children, two ever-hungry Labradors and lives in Hampshire, England.
J.J. Cowan is finishing his second book, a historical novel entitled Who Killed Caravaggio? Set in 17th Century Italy, Sicily and Malta. The book is closely based in fact, relying on the limited information about the celebrated artist's life, much of it from records of his court appearances. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio spent four years on the run after killing a pimp in a duel in 1606. The Governor's court in Rome sentenced him to death for murder and the Pope offered a reward for his capture, dead or alive. Despite the turmoil in his life, he continued to paint while fleeing his pursuers. Powerful clients and loyal friends secured his reputation as one of Europe's greatest artists.
Caravaggio's story is wild, and the book describes his art and his turbulent life. His talent for making enemies was eclipsed by his epoch-changing art. He fled Rome but the past caught up with him and once again he was on the run. His painting was seen by the authorities as scandalous but the public loved it for its natural depiction of ordinary men and women. Wherever he went they queued to see it.
So how did he die at the age of just 38? You'll have to wait for
publication of
Who Killed Caravaggio?
For enquiries about J.J. Cowan's work, speaking engagements, press interviews, or publishing matters, please get in touch using the details below.
