James Keene
AUTHOR

James Keene

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James Keene is a well-known American author and businessman raised in Kankakee, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. In 2010, Keene authored In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption, which details his real experiences helping the FBI stop a serial murderer. Every major news outlet and many notable journalists, including Newsweek, CNN, and Paula Zahn have interviewed him. His story was featured on Investigation Discovery, in a special Dateline episode in 2012 titled “The Inside Man,” and in a 2012 CNN documentary film about his experience called To Catch a Serial Killer. More recently, Keene’s story appears in a 2023 episode of Very Scary People that focuses on serial killer Larry Hall.

Keene’s first book was adapted as a highly acclaimed miniseries titled Black Bird by Apple TV+ in July of 2022. James Keene’s second book, Black Bird, was also released in 2022. Keene served as executive film producer and consultant on the miniseries. Taron Egerton plays James “Jimmy” Keene, and the series also stars Paul Walter Hauser, Greg Kinnear, and Ray Liotta as “Big Jim Keene.”

Congratulations to Jimmy Keene for the Apple Tv+ series Black Bird, based on Keene’s autobiographical novel, receiving four Emmy nominations and two Emmy awards! The true crime drama featured the talents of Paul Walter Hauser, who portrayed serial killer Larry Hall, earning him an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor. Co-star Ray Liotta, who passed away in May of 2022, was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor as “Big Jim Keene.” Leading man Taron Egerton starred as Jimmy Keene and was a contender for the winner of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The series secured a second Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography.

Black Bird was nominated for three Golden Globe awards, including Best Limited Series or Television Motion Picture and Best Actor in a Television Limited Series or Television Motion Picture (Egerton as Keene). Paul Walter Hauser won both a Golden Globe and a Critic’s Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Limited Series or Television Motion Picture for his depiction of serial killer Larry Hall. The miniseries earned a superb 98-percent “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and website critics called it “an absorbing prison drama distinguished by its moral complexity and elevated by James Keene’s original story and outstanding ensemble.” Black Bird was also awarded “Best True Crime Series” by Rotten Tomatoes in 2022.

In April 2023, Keene released his book, The Chicago Phoenix: Jimmy Keene’s Untold Story, which details his dangerously thrilling early life, his efforts to survive and thrive in the hazardous Chicago drug world starting at a young age, his rise to the top of a secret empire, and his path to success and redemption after leaving prison with nothing but a cleared name and a clean record.

In October 2024, Keene released his newest book, The Wanderer: Bigamy, Deceit, and Murder. This traditional true crime story reinforces Keene’s suspenseful writing style.
Based on a true story and taking place in Nashville, five women find themselves living similar lives of horrific abuse and manipulation, all at the hands of the same man. Each woman tells her story of torture, despair, and strength, culminating in one tragically losing her life at his hands. Which one of the women won't survive to tell her story in person or say goodbye to her family? Keene's newest addition to his true crime collection is a real page-turner.


Currently, Keene owns a highly successful private real estate development business and several other businesses. He produces and consults on various film projects, enjoys acting, and had a cameo appearance in the final episode of Black Bird. He is also an accomplished athlete and lifelong martial artist. He splits his time between Los Angeles and Chicago.
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