Eric Wright was an English-Canadian author, best known for his mystery novels. He is the author of the Charlie Salter and Joe Barley series. Wright was born on May 4, 1929, in Kenington Park Road, South London, England, and grew up in Lambeth. He was one of eleven children, which resulted in the family remaining poor for much of his childhood. In 1951, Wright moved to Canada in search of better work and a higher standard of living.
Once in Canada, Wright attended the University of Manitoba, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. He later obtained his master's degree from the University of Toronto in 1963. In addition to his career as a novelist, Wright also worked as a professor in Canada. He taught English at Ryerson University from 1958 to 1989. During his time as a novelist, Wright received several awards for his work, including the Arthur Ellis Award, City of Toronto Book Award, the John Creasey Award, and the Crime Writers of Canada Grand Master Award.
Wright's books are primarily in the mystery and thriller genres. His first novel, "The Night the Gods Smiled," won multiple awards, including the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel, the Crime Writer's Association's John Creasey Award, and the City of Toronto Book Award. In 1999, Wright published a memoir titled "Always Give a Penny to a Blind Man," which detailed his experiences growing up poor in working-class London. Wright passed away on October 9, 2015, at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife and daughters.