Tom Grace, the bestselling author of the Nolan Kilkenny series, is also an architect with a lifelong interest in science and technology and a love of storytelling. Spyder Web, Quantum, and Twisted Web were written using Grace's professional architectural experience with private technology companies and university research labs. Bird of Prey was motivated by his fascination in space, while The Hidden Cardinal was inspired by his outrage at China's mistreatment of Catholics who maintain allegiance to the pope. Grace, like the hero of his books, is a University of Michigan graduate who enjoys scuba diving, martial arts, marathon running, and reading. He lives in Michigan with his wife and five children.