Justin Gustainis was born in Northeast Pennsylvania in 1951. He attended college at the University of Scranton, a Jesuit university that figures prominently in several of his writings.
After earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the US Army. Following military service, he held a variety of jobs, including speechwriter and professional bodyguard, before earning a PhD at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Mr Gustainis currently lives in Plattsburgh, New York. He is a Professor of Communication at Plattsburgh State University, where he earned the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2002. His academic publications include the book American Rhetoric and the Vietnam War, published in 1993, and a number of scholarly articles that hardly anybody has ever read. His popular series of urban fantasy novels featuring investigator Quincey Morris include Evil Ways, Black Magic Woman and the forthcoming Sympathy for the Devil.
More information about the author
“The story is both dark-edged and breezily amusing, which get thumbs from me…”
– Laura Anne Gilman, author of the ‘Paranormal Scene Investigations’ series
“Its quirky, has a great overall arc and when added to a criminal element goes on to show how tricky policing the unusual can be. Its definitely something that I would recommend to others and a series that has done nothing but entertain since its original release.”
– Falcata Times
“Known Devil is a fun book. It is exactly the entertaining, action packed, supernatural beings filled novel I was hoping for. Whether you’re familiar with the supernatural detective genre or new to this style of noir detective fiction, Known Devil by Justin Gustainis is a pleasurable read.”
– Luxury Reading
“It was an enjoyable and well-written read in the series. I like that Stan is changing and adapting to the changes in the world around him, even if it’s making him color outside the lines a little. I highly recommend this to people who want something a little gritty, a little dark, a bit nostalgic and different from the average Urban Fantasy novel.”
– Fangs Wands and Fairy Dust
“I like Stan and Karl a great deal, the sarcasm that is more of a native tongue throughout the story lending the entire narrative a gritty, yet resignedly amused feel that I really appreciated. With this many different kinds of creatures in play there seems to be no end to the possibilities in this series, and I would very much like to see what Mr. Gustainis might have in store for Stan and Karl in the future.”
– That’s What I’m Talking About
“I had a great time with Known Devil and tore through it in a single sitting – with a break for food and putting the kids to bed – chuckling all the while and reading out good bits to my husband. Like Evil Dark, Known Devil stands alone quite well and you don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one. However, if you haven’t read any of these books before then you are in for a treat as they are hugely enjoyable.”
– A Fantastical Librarian
“I love the mix of genres that Justin Gustainis has created in the Occult Crimes Unit Investigation Series, and Known Devil, continues his trend of smart, dark, fun reads. These are not just crime/detective stories and they’re not just urban myth stories – they’re excellent stories about relationships and diversity. I’m a complete fan and I can hardly wait for book #4!”
– Popcorn Reads
“Gustainis writes page turners; once I start I cannot stop. His characters have enough of the classic archetypes mixed with the new of the supernatural to create highly entertaining reads. Humor, action, and magic combine to make a Dragnet meets Supernatural experience. When a new book in this series comes out I’ll be first in line to purchase it.”
– SciFi Pulse
“Known Devil sent Sergeant Markowski and his undead partner Karl Renfer on a hell of a ride, pun intended…I highly recommend this novel.”
– Rant E Rave
