James Sallis: A Companion to the Mystery Fiction

Once described as “the best crime writer you’ve never heard of,” James Sallis is a vastly underexplored figure in contemporary American literature. Best known for his thriller novel Drive—which was later adapted into the acclaimed 2011 movie of the same name starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan—Sallis has written prolifically across a range of genres and forms, including short fiction, poetry, musicology, science fiction, biography, non-fiction essays, literary reviews, and criticism.

This companion, the first comprehensive examination of Sallis’ writings to date, locates him as a unique and vital voice within mystery fiction. In addition to an alphabetized analysis of his works, it includes a biography, career chronology, and an exclusive interview with the author. Through these entries, readers will gain a deeper understanding of Sallis’ extraordinary life and career, as well as insight into the recurrent themes and motifs that span his rich and varied writings. This book is both an introduction to Sallis’ work for new readers and a thorough reference guide for established fans and scholars.