Richard W. Helms

Born to Marvin Warren and Marie Thomas Helms on January 14, 1955. Worked uncredited on The Last American Hero (1973), as a stunt driver. Worked in industrial films for Walter J. Klein Studios (Charlotte, NC) 1971-1973. Worked as technical assistant and stunt driver in Lisa, Lisa, for Empire Studios/Pat Patterson (1974). Author of ten novels in print. Nominated for the PWA Shamus Award for private eye novels three times (Juicy Watusi, 2003; Wet Debt, 2004; Cordite Wine, 2006), and is the only author ever to win two Short Mystery Fiction Society Derringer Awards in the same year (2008 - The Gospel According to Gordon Black; Paper Walls/Glass Houses). Owner/publisher of Barbadoes Hall Communications/Back Alley Books, and owns The Back Alley Webzine, a hardboiled/noir ezine that has been nominated for four SMFS Derringer Awards, and one Spinetingler Award.