Gary Brandner (May 31, 1930 – September 22, 2013) was an American horror author best known for his werewolf-themed trilogy of novels, which began with "The Howling" (1977). The book spawned a successful film franchise and became his most recognizable work. Brandner's writing style was often characterized by fast pacing and engaging narratives. Though he predominantly wrote horror fiction, his prolific career included a variety of novels and screenplays that sometimes extended into other genres such as thriller and mystery. Brandner's influence on the horror genre has been noted for its impact on werewolf lore and pop culture.