Carl Valdemar Jussi Henry Adler-Olsen (born 2 August 1950) is a Danish crime fiction writer, a publisher, editor, and entrepreneur, best known for his Department Q series.

Son of the successful sexologist and psychiatrist Henry Olsen, he spent his childhood with his family in doctors' official residences at several mental hospitals across Denmark.

He graduated from high school in Rødovre (1970), and studied medicine, sociology (passed History of Modern Politics), and film making (exam.art.)

Adler-Olsen's books have been on the bestseller lists in numerous other countries including Austria, Iceland, France, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Kvinden i buret was adapted into a Danish film by Zentropa in 2013, titled The Keeper of Lost Causes in English.