author
Lemuel De Bra
1884–1954
A prolific American short-story writer, he turned his years in federal service into fast-moving fiction full of mystery, adventure, and Chinatown intrigue. He also wrote under other names, giving his work a wide reach across pulp magazines and boys' stories.
1 Audiobook
Blue eyes and diamonds
by Lemuel De Bra
About the author
Born in Iowa in 1884, Lemuel Lawrence de Bra became an American writer known mainly for short stories. Before writing full time, he worked in government service in California, including with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and later the Secret Service, and that experience helped shape the crime and adventure flavor of much of his fiction.
He published in several modes and under several names. As Lemuel de Bra, he was especially associated with adult stories, often set around Chinese American communities and featuring mystery or adventure. As Edmond Lawrence, he wrote adventure fiction for younger readers, and he also published verse as L. L. de Bra.
De Bra died in 1954. His work remains of interest to readers of early 20th-century popular fiction, especially pulp stories that mix action, suspense, and a strong sense of place.