Ellison was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1957. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English. After college, he worked as a journalist for the _Detroit Free Press_ and the _Chicago Tribune_.
In 1990, Ellison published his first novel, _The City in Blue_. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it was adapted into a film in 1996. Ellison has since published five more novels, including _No Mercy_ (1992), _Deception_ (1995), _All That Remains_ (1998), _Feed_ (2002), and _The Cold Room_ (2010).
Ellison's novels are known for their suspenseful plots, complex characters, and insightful social commentary. He has been praised by critics for his "ability to create a sense of dread and foreboding" (The New York Times) and for his "uncanny ability to tap into the dark corners of the human psyche" (The Washington Post).
In addition to his novels, Ellison has also published two collections of short stories, _Dark Dreams_ (1993) and _Twilight Zone: The Movie_ (1983). He has also written for television and film, including the screenplay for the 1996 film _The City in Blue_.
Ellison is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the National Book Critics Circle. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two children.