[1] He was educated in public schools and received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine in English.

Parker began his writing career as a journalist for The Newport Ensign.

Parker later switched jobs to the Daily Pilot, winning three Orange County Press Club Awards.

Parker is renowned for using California settings and depicting the effects of crime on a community.

Parker lives in Southern California, where he writes and spends time with his family.