The most memorable thrillers don't simply ask who committed the crime—they ask what drives ordinary people to extraordinary decisions.
Award-winning author Richard R. Becker writes literary thrillers that explore identity, resilience, and the moral complexities that exist between right and wrong. Drawing from his own experiences overcoming poverty and personal hardship, his stories are grounded in authentic emotion while delivering the suspense and intrigue readers expect from the genre.
His newest novel, Born on Monday (2025), became the #1 new thriller during its release week and has frequently ranked among Amazon's Top 100 Literary Thrillers. The novel also earned First Place for Thriller–Suspense at the 2025 BookFest Awards and Second Place in The Incipere Awards, further establishing Richard as a compelling voice in contemporary suspense fiction.
Richard's debut novel, Third Wheel (2023), quickly climbed into Amazon's Top 100 Literary Thriller and Suspense rankings, received recognition from Kirkus Reviews, and earned seven literary awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year from the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards.
Beyond novels, Richard's creativity extends to short fiction. His award-winning collection, 50 States, grew from an ambitious challenge to write one story every week for fifty consecutive weeks—a project that became both an Amazon chart-topper and a showcase of his storytelling range.
Whether exploring the weight of difficult choices or the resilience of the human spirit, Richard's work reminds readers that the most compelling stories are often found in the gray spaces where life refuses to fit neatly into simple answers.
Visitors to Scottsdale Book Festival 2027 will have the opportunity to meet Richard R. Becker, discover his award-winning novels, and connect with an author whose stories combine gripping suspense with emotional depth.
About Richard R. Becker
Richard R. Becker is an award-winning author whose gripping stories focus on identity, resilience, and moral complexity.
His newest novel, Born on Monday (2025), is a thrilling tale of small-town sins that landed on #1 new thriller during its release week and has frequently appeared in the Top 100 for Literary Thrillers. It also won First Place for Thriller–Suspense in the Fall 2025 BookFest Awards and Second Place in The Incipere Awards.
His debut novel, Third Wheel (2023), soared into Amazon's Top 100 Thriller and Suspense Literary Fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards.
His collection 50 States (2021), crafted from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon's Literary Short Story charts and won multiple honors.
Raised in Milwaukee, Richard overcame poverty and personal challenges, infusing these experiences into his work to add emotional depth. When not writing, he enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and spending time with his family. He is married and has two adult children.
Visit Richard R. Becker at Scottsdale Book Festival 2027
If you enjoy literary thrillers, emotionally layered suspense, and stories that explore the complexities of human nature, be sure to visit Richard R. Becker during Scottsdale Book Festival 2027. Meet the award-winning author behind Bo
rn on Monday, Third Wheel, and 50 States, and discover why his thought-provoking fiction continues to earn critical acclaim and devoted readers.
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