Press Kit

Kevin Barry O’Connor has spent his life immersed in stories – from childhood performances in his living room to professional tours as a comedian, motivational speaker, and now as a novelist. A natural storyteller, Kevin’s passion for weaving narratives began early and only deepened with his years of travel, performing, and exploring.

His writing draws from an extraordinary life, having traveled to over 90 countries and lived in diverse cultural settings, including Jamaica. Kevin’s curiosity about ancestry, history, and the stories that shape us led to his debut as a novelist at the age of 70, celebrating aging as a vibrant adventure filled with creativity and reinvention.

The Key Murphy Ancestral Memory Thriller series, beginning with The Key to Kells and continuing with Threshold and Shake the Jar, blends global intrigue with historical mystery. Kevin’s work is influenced by his deep fascination with how memory and history intertwine, and he often draws on his own experiences in far-flung places to bring his stories to life. The series’ unique blend of ancestral memory, espionage, and globe-trotting adventure has captured readers who appreciate both thrilling plots and rich, historical depth.

Kevin holds dual U.S.-Irish citizenship, a reflection of his personal heritage, and his storytelling often reflects this duality – melding the past with the present, the real with the imagined. His novels explore themes of redemption, identity, and the powerful legacy of the past.

In addition to his writing, Kevin remains passionate about performance and public speaking. He brings charisma and warmth to his appearances, whether it’s at bookstores, corporate events, or community gatherings. Drawing on his 11 years of professional stage performance and a lifetime of storytelling, Kevin’s talks are as engaging as his novels.

Kevin lives in Philadelphia, where he continues to write, travel, and seek out the next great story.