William G. Tapply was an acclaimed American author, best known for his legal thriller and mystery novels. Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, Tapply grew up in Lexington and developed an early interest in writing, inspired by his father who wrote a weekly column for "Field and Stream" magazine. After graduating from Lexington High School, Tapply attended Amherst College before transferring to Harvard, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in American studies and his Master's degree in teaching.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Tapply worked as a teacher and administrator at Lexington High School, his alma mater. He also taught at Emerson College and Clark University. In addition to his work in education, Tapply was a talented writer who published more than 40 novels and several short stories over the course of his 25-year career. He is best known for his "Brady Coyne Mystery" series, which features a lawyer turned detective who investigates a series of bizarre mysteries.
In addition to his mystery novels, Tapply was an avid outdoorsman and wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He also published essays and wrote regular columns for "Field and Stream" magazine, "Gray's Sporting Journal," and "American Angler." Tapply's love of the outdoors also inspired several short stories featuring a Maine fishing guide named Stoney Calhoun, who lost his memory after a tragic event.
Tapply's debut novel, "Death at Charity's Point," was published in 1984 and introduced the world to his beloved character, Brady Coyne. Over the course of his career, Tapply wrote 26 novels in the "Brady Coyne Mystery" series, as well as several standalone novels and short story collections. He was a prolific and talented writer who will be remembered for his contributions to the mystery genre and his love of the outdoors. Tapply passed away in 2009 at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.