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(1915 - 1983)
Ross Macdonald's real name was Kenneth Millar. Born near San Francisco and
raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Millar returned to the U.S. as a young man
and published his first novel in 1944. Macdonald was a prolific writer and
published over 25 novels. He was one of the few mystery writers whose books were
taken seriously by literary critics during his time. His bestselling series of
detective stories featuring private investigator Lew Archer began with The
Moving Target in 1949. Lew Archer is characterized by a deep compassion for
people in trouble and his reluctance to employ violent methods to resolve a
conflict. Archer himself said "I have a secret passion for mercy. But justice
is what keeps happening to people." Macdonald's stories are singular for their
deep psychological insight and vivid metaphors and similes. He was elected
president of the Mystery Writers of America and in 1974 was awarded their highest
honor: the Grand Master Award. His approach to crime writing was heavily
influenced by Raymond Chandler, with whom Macdonald shared the belief that a
well-written mystery is as artistically valuable as any other type of
literature.
Ross Macdonald titles available from Vintage Crime/Black Lizard:
