J. J. Connolly

Biography

J.J. Connolly is an English novelist and screenwriter best known for his successful crime novels set in the sophisticated yet brutal criminal landscape of London.

📘 Biography and Literary Career

Connolly was born and raised in North London, the son of Irish immigrant parents. His literary debut came with the publication of his first novel, Layer Cake, in 2000. This book immediately established his distinct voice in the crime fiction genre, characterized by sharp dialogue, a cynical yet witty narrator, and an intricate plot revolving around the drug trade.

The story follows an unnamed, successful drug dealer on the cusp of retirement whose plans are derailed by a complex series of double-crosses and demands.

His sequel, Viva La Madness, was published in 2011, continuing the story of the unnamed protagonist and his partner-in-crime, Morty, in a new international setting, expanding the scope of his criminal fiction.

🎬 Screenwriting and Adaptations

A significant part of Connolly's career is his work as a screenwriter.

Layer Cake (2004): Connolly himself adapted his first novel into a screenplay for the critically acclaimed film, which was directed by Matthew Vaughn and starred Daniel Craig.

Viva La Madness: The novel has also been in development for adaptation as a major television series.

Connolly currently splits his time between writing new novels and working on screenplays, maintaining his focus on dark, stylish crime narratives.

Known for

Layer Cake

Writer

2004

Layer Cake