Dennis Lynds

Dennis Lynds was an acclaimed American author, known for his influential work in the mystery genre. He was born in New York City and served in World War II, where he earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. After the war, Lynds pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree in chemistry and a Master's degree in journalism. He began his career as a magazine editor in New York before moving to California in 1965 to write full-time.

Lynds was a prolific writer who published some 40 novels under various pseudonyms, including Michael Collins, William Arden, Carl Dekker, John Crowe, Mark Sadler, and Maxwell Grant. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America in 1988 and won the prestigious Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His writing was not only praised for its entertainment value but also for its social relevance and literary style.

One of Lynds' most famous creations was the private detective Dan Fortune, the star of one of America's longest-running private detective series. The first book in the series, Act of Fear, won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel. Lynds' writing was known for challenging the traditional conventions of the detective genre and introducing new techniques and perspectives. He was credited with propelling the detective novel into the Modern Age and inspiring a new generation of writers.

In addition to his work as a writer, Lynds was known for his generous nature and kind spirit. He was a tall, lanky man with a distinctive nose and a generous heart. He was a soft touch for friends, panhandlers, and his children, and he was known to hand out $20 bills after only a few minutes of coaxing. Lynds died in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing writer and a beloved husband, father, and friend. His work continues to inspire and entertain readers around the world.