Robert Crais
Bio
Robert was born (1953) and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in a family of oil refinery workers and five police officers (three uncles and two cousins).
He was trained as a mechanical engineer. He did attend Louisiana State University (being the first person in his family to do so) but left before graduation to pursue his literary career. While working at his craft Robert had several 'day' jobs, including digging ditches, cleaning out dog runs and painting oil derricks. He was also involved in amateur film-making.
In 1976, he moved to Los Angeles, California. Within a year, he sold a science fiction short story called With Crooked Hands. This was his first professional sale...and just the beginning! He found work writing for a variety of television shows, including Hill Street Blues, Cagney and Lacey, Miami Vice, L.A. Law, Quincy, and JAG (under his Elvis Cole pseudonym). His work on Hill Street Blues earned him an Emmy Award nomination.
Sadly, in 1985, Robert's father passed away. His parents had been married for 42 years and his mother had a hard time after his death. Robert stepped in to help out. It was during this time that he came up with his hugely popular Elvis Cole character. He was able to deal with certain themes and issues which he could not in his television work.
In addition to his television work, Robert has written numerous novels and short stories. His work has been translated into eleven different languages and is available around the world. His writing has earned him many awards.
Robert is currently living in the Santa Monica mountains (Los Angeles) with his wife, daughter and three cats. When he is not busy working, he 'plays' as an aerobatic pilot, backpacker and gourmet cook. Elvis would be proud!
Bibliography
Elvis Cole & Joe Pike Series:
The Forgotten Man (2005)
The Last Detective (2003)
L. A. Requiem (1999)
Indigo Slam (1997)
Sunset Express (1996)
Voodoo River (1995)
Free Fall (1993)
Lullaby Town (1992)
Stalking the Angel (1989)
The Monkey's Raincoat (1987)
Other Novels:
Hostage (2001)
Demolition Angel (2000)
Robert has also written short stories, essays, and tv episodes, miniseries and pilots. See his official site for a complete list.
Links
Robert Crais' Official Site
Mystery Reviews Online
January Magazine: Interview