About
An American mystery writer, he is best known for his series of novels about African-American police detective, Virgil Tibbs. He published the first novel in the series, In the Heat of the Night, in 1965.
Before Fame
He studied at Wisconsin's Carroll College. He later wrote for several magazines and newspapers, including the Brooklyn Eagle.
Trivia
In 1971, he published a bestselling thriller entitled The First Team.
Family Life
He was born in New York, and he grew up in Wisconsin. He married Patricia Ball.
Associated With
His works have been compared to those of Tom Clancy.
