Reed Farrel Coleman is a highly acclaimed American author, particularly known for his hardboiled detective fiction. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including three Shamus Awards for Best Detective Novel of the Year and nominations for two Edgar Awards. Coleman has also won the Macavity, Barry, and Anthony awards, demonstrating his wide-ranging talent in the mystery genre.
Born in the United States and raised in Brooklyn, Coleman's love for storytelling began on the streets of his hometown. His work is often praised for its poetic qualities, earning him the nicknames "hard-boiled poet" by NPR’s Maureen Corrigan and "noir poet laureate" in the Huffington Post. Coleman is a former executive vice president of the Mystery Writers of America and has taught at Hofstra University and MWA U. He is currently an adjunct instructor of English at Hofstra University and one of the founding members of MWA University.
Coleman is best known for his Moe Prager series, but his bibliography is extensive and varied. In addition to his series work, he has written stand-alone novels such as Gun Church and collaborated with other authors, including Ken Bruen on the novel Tower. Coleman has also been nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award in three different categories: Best Novel, Best Paperback Original, and Best Short Story. He has also received the Shamus Award for Best PI Novel of the Year four times, as well as the Audie, Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards.
Coleman now lives with his family, including his wife, teenage children, and two cats, Knish and Cleo, in Suffolk County at Long Island. His personal experiences and Brooklyn roots have greatly influenced his writing, providing a unique and authentic voice in the world of detective fiction.