Robert Ellis is a highly regarded American author, best known for his crime fiction novels. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1954, Ellis was encouraged by his parents to pursue his interest in art from a young age. During his teenage years, he played rhythm guitar in several garage bands and worked in a nightclub, where he had the opportunity to meet and interact with various jazz and blues greats.
Ellis' interest in crime fiction was sparked by a murder that occurred near his home when he was young, and was further fueled by his exposure to Hitchcock films and the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, John Buchan, and Dashiell Hammett. Before becoming an author, he worked in film, television, and advertising. A pivotal moment in his life came when he was mistaken for a paparazzi while gathering surveillance footage of a mobster running for public office, an experience that solidified his decision to become an author.
Ellis' novels have received critical acclaim and have been translated into more than ten languages. His books have been selected as top reads by numerous publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. His two critically acclaimed series include the Lena Gamble novels, which consist of City of Fire, The Lost Witness, and Murder Season, and the Detective Matt Jones Thriller Series, which includes City of Echoes, The Love Killings, The Girl Buried in the Woods, and City of Stones.
Ellis has studied screenwriting with Walter Tevis and John Truby, and his writing has been praised by authors such as Janet Evanovich and Michael Connelly. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to write compelling crime fiction novels.
In conclusion, Robert Ellis is a talented and accomplished author who has made a significant contribution to the crime fiction genre. His novels have captivated readers and received critical acclaim, solidifying his position as one of America's noteworthy authors.