Phillip DePoy is an American author, playwright, and musician, known primarily for his mystery and suspense novels. He was born in 1950 in North Carolina but grew up in Georgia. DePoy has a diverse background in the arts, having started as a theater director and playwright before venturing into writing novels. He has written several book series, including the Flap Tucker series and the Fever Devilin series, with the latter featuring a folklorist as the protagonist, which often incorporates elements of Appalachian culture and folklore. DePoy has also written standalone novels and contributed to other genres, showcasing his versatility as a writer. In addition to his writing career, he has an academic background in music and theater, having taught at universities and composed scores for theatrical productions.