Robert L. Fish

Robert L. Fish was an American crime writer born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 21, 1912, and he died in Trumbull, Connecticut, on February 23, 1981. Before writing full time, he studied mechanical engineering at Case School of Applied Science and built a career in engineering and consulting. Those years took him to several countries, and that background gave many of his mysteries an unusually grounded sense of place.

He wrote under his own name and under several pseudonyms, most notably Robert L. Pike. His first novel, The Fugitive, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and his short story "Moonlight Gardener" later won an Edgar for Best Short Story. His book Mute Witness, published as Robert L. Pike, became the basis for the film Bullitt, which helped introduce his work to a much wider audience.

Fish was also known for his range. Alongside tough police novels and international thrillers, he wrote witty detective spoofs, including the Schlock Homes stories. His reputation lasted well beyond his lifetime: the Mystery Writers of America’s Robert L. Fish Memorial Award, given for a first short story, carries his name.