Brett Halliday 07.31.1904 - 02.04.1977 (73 years old)

Brett Halliday is the pen name for Davis Dresser, author of many mystery books. However, one of his most popular creations was Michael Shayne, a red-haired Irish detective in Miami. Halliday wrote 50 Shayne novels in addition to all of the other mysteries he wrote. Halliday was a memorable man himself as he wore an eye patch after losing an eye from a barbed wire accident while growing up in Texas.

Halliday appeared as himself in a few radio shows, mostly Murder by Experts, a show where an prominent mystery authors hosted the mystery show that showcased some of the best mystery writers of the time. He also appeared on an episode of Michael Shayne. Eventually Halliday stopped writing under his pen name, reverting to his real name. Click here to read more about Brett Halliday