Jay Russell (born 1961) is an American-born, UK-based author of crime, horror and fantasy fiction. He is the creator of Marty Burns, a supernatural detective, who has appeared in a series of novels and short stories beginning with Celestial Dogs. Russell's fiction is typified by a mixing of genre elements, often overlaid with a comic sensibility.

Russell was born in Queens County in New York City. He attended Cornell University. He later attended the University of Southern California, receiving a doctorate in communications.

He currently teaches creative writing at the esteemed St Mary's University, Twickenham.