Robert Terrall

Robert Terrall was an American author, born on December 6, 1914, in Neihart, Montana. He was known for his significant contributions to fiction, particularly in the crime and comic genres. Throughout his career, he wrote under various pseudonyms, including "Robert Kyle" and "John Gonzalez."

Terrall's crime novels were well-received and often featured prescient themes. One notable example is his 1948 novel, "A Killer Is Loose Among Us," which eerily prefigured modern concerns about bioterrorism. This book revolves around a biological weapons lab developing weaponized anthrax for use in a terrorist attack, showcasing his ability to anticipate real-world issues in his fiction.

In addition to his crime novels, Terrall is also celebrated for his humorous work, such as the Ben Gates series. This series began with "Blackmail, Inc." in 1958 and included titles like "Kill Now, Pay Later." His comic writing was characterized by its light-heartedness and wit, providing a contrast to his more serious crime novels.

After the original creator of the detective Mike Shayne series, Davis Dresser, stopped writing novels under the pseudonym "Brett Halliday," Robert Terrall took over these duties. He wrote more than two dozen Mike Shayne novels under the Halliday name, further expanding his literary output and influence. Throughout his life and career, Robert Terrall left a lasting impact on American fiction, particularly in the crime and comedy genres.