About the Author

Les Roberts is the author of 16 mystery novels featuring Cleveland detective Milan Jacovich, as well as 11 other books of fiction. The past president of both the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writer's League, he came to mystery writing after a 24-year career in Hollywood. He was the first producer and head writer of the Hollywood Squares and wrote for The Andy Griffith Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., among others. He has been a professional actor, a singer, a jazz musician, a teacher, and a film critic. In 2003 he received the Sherwood Anderson Literary Award. A native of Chicago, he now lives in Northeast Ohio.

Reviews

[Roberts] writes accurately and honestly about Cleveland and the other locations that find their way into his novels . . . I felt like I was having a firsthand experience. . . As I turned the pages of this book, I once again appreciated the author's wit (he always makes me laugh out loud) and his smooth style of writing . . . More than just one book. It's three books: it is a memoir, a personally guided tour of Northeast Ohio and it is a book about writing.--Sandra Fahning "Medina County Gazette" (6/10/2006 12:00:00 AM)

A marvelous book. The tone is captivating. Reading it is like having a private conversation with Les Roberts. He brings to life the many people and places native Clevelanders take for granted.--Dick Feagler "WVIZ TV25" (6/16/2006 12:00:00 AM)

A nearly perfect paean to a particular place and the people who made it that way, and continue to keep it so . . . It's almost as though you were invited into a warm, charming home on a cold, snowy night . . . You know it's true love as you listen to Les talk about his city here; he praises the people--their warmth and sincerity, but doesn't flinch from the warts to be found here, either . . . Les Roberts is a writer, and a damned good one.--Kelly Ferjutz "CoolCleveland.com" (5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

In addition to the rewarding Cleveland friendships, Roberts' book is enriched by the intimate glimpses he offers of the writer's life, the writing process itself, and some of his more meaningful personal experiences, including a bout with cancer and finding the love of his life . . . After 15 years of life on the North coast, Roberts is still madly in love with Cleveland and northeast Ohio--both the current reality and the promise of what they could be--and he loves the life he's had here.--John Chidester "Mount Vernon News" (10/5/2006 12:00:00 AM)

Mystery readers, particularly of Cleveland and Clevelanders in general, should enjoy Roberts' exploration of the city. Aspiring writers should enjoy his techniques and his dedication as a new mystery is born . . . Generally, a warm, loving portrait of a city and the surrounding area-smoothly and sincerely written. Thank you, Les Roberts, for a positive look at Cleveland.--Joan Schmutzler "Ohioana Quarterly" (4/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

Those living in Cleveland who haunt the same places as the fictional [private eye Milan] Jacovich, or visit the same restaurants and inns that impress Roberts, will enjoy reading about them. Those who have not been there might want to make it their business to do so.--Peggy Russell "Hinckley Record" (9/6/2006 12:00:00 AM)