Bradley Denton
Bradley Clayton Denton is an American science fiction author. He has also written other types of fiction, such as the black comedy of his novel Blackburn, about a sympathetic serial killer. He was born in Towanda, Kansas, and attended the University of Kansas at Lawrence and graduated with degrees in astronomy (B.A.) and English (M.A.).
An all time favorite of Roaming the Arts is Denton’s 1993 classic:
Read Kirkus Review of Blackburn
Link above is to Goodreads site while the BradleyDenton.net site is being reimagined.
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George Pelecanos
George Pelecanos is a powerhouse of contemporary noir, celebrated for his gritty, empathetic portrayals of the urban underworld. Born in 1957 in Washington, D.C., his early years working as a line cook and shoe salesman deeply informed his focus on the daily grind of working-class life.He has authored over 20 novels, most famously his D.C. Quartet, which explores the “invisible” city beyond the monuments. Unlike typical political thrillers, his stories—such as Hard Revolution and The Night Gardener—delve into racial tension, social divides, and the lives of those on the margins. His prose is noted for its authentic dialogue, rich period detail, and a deep-seated love for soul music and pop culture.Beyond his books, Pelecanos is a legendary television writer and producer. He was a primary architect of HBO’s The Wire, bringing his expertise in urban realism to the screen. His television credits also include Treme, The Deuce, and We Own This City. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Hammett Prize, cementing his legacy as one of America’s premier chroniclers of crime and the human condition. -
James (Jim) Sallis
James Sallis
R.I.P.
James Sallis (born December 21, 1944 in Helena, Arkansas, United States) is an Americancrime writer, poet, critic, musicologist and musician, best known for his series of novels featuring the detective character Lew Griffin and set in New Orleans, and for his 2005 novel Drive, which was adapted into a 2011 film of the same name.
Acclaimed author James Sallis died on Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 81, after a long battle with illness. Sallis was a native of Helena, Arkansas.
Sallis may have been known for his novels, but he was more than just an author. He was also a creative writing teacher, musician, screenwriter, periodical editor, book reviewer, and translator.
As posted by Poison Pen Bookshop – Scottsdale, AZ :
“We are very sorry to have to share that author James Sallis passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, peacefully, with his wife Karyn by his side, after a long illness. No funeral is planned. If you feel moved to donate in his memory, the family suggests ACLU or the Humane Society as worthy charities that Jim valued.”
Film – Drive starring Ryan Gosling
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Michael Koryta
Michael Koryta
Michael Koryta began writing at a very early age. As an eight-year-old boy, he began writing to his favorite writers and by 16 had decided he wanted to become a crime novelist. By the age of 21, his crime novel, Tonight I Said Goodbye, had won the St. Martin’s Press/Private Eye Writers of America Best First Novel prize.[4] Nine of Koryta’s novels have been optioned for potential film or television production.[5]
Those Who Wish Me Dead, his 2014 stand-alone novel, was named the summer’s best thriller by both Amazon and Entertainment Weekly and was selected as one of the year’s best books by more than 10 publications. The audio version was also honored as a best of the year, the second time that Robert Petkoff’s narration of Michael’s work has earned such an honor. The novel is currently in production as a major motion picture starring Angelina Jolie, Nicholas Hoult, Tyler Perry, Jon Bernthal and Aidan Gillen and directed by Taylor Sheridan.
