David Wiltse is a distinguished American author and playwright, best known for his mystery and thriller novels. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1940, Wiltse completed his graduation from the University of Nebraska and currently resides in a small town in Connecticut. His writing career spans across various mediums, including novels, stage plays, screenplays, and television scripts.
Wiltse's novelistic work is characterized by his best-known series, featuring FBI agent John Becker. The series has gained significant popularity among readers due to its intriguing plotlines and well-developed characters. The first book in the series, "Prayer for the Dead," was published in 1991, and Wiltse went on to contribute six novels to the series over the next six years. The central character of the series, John Becker, is depicted as a retired hitman who worked for the FBI and is later convinced to come out of retirement to assist in solving criminal cases in the city.
Apart from the John Becker series, Wiltse has written several plays, teleplays, and screenplays. He began his writing career with the play "Suggs" in 1972 and wrote and published his first novel, "The Wedding Guest," in 1982. Wiltse has been recognized for his versatility in writing, having written a total of 14 plays, 12 novels, and several teleplays and screenplays. His successful teleplay series for CBS, "Ladies Man," and his play "Doubles," which ran on Broadway between 1985 and 1986, are among his notable works. Additionally, Wiltse has served as the Playwright-In-Residence at the Playhouse of Westport Country from 2007 to 2009. His most recent works for the stage include "A Marriage Minuet," "Hatchetman," "The Good German," and "Sedition."
In addition to the John Becker series, Wiltse is also known for writing the "Falls City/Billy Tree Novels." He has received critical acclaim for his work and has won the Drama Desk prize for his debut play, "Suggs." Wiltse's writing has always been popular with readers, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the literary world.