Michael Shayne

Brett Halliday (1894-1977), born Anthony Berkeley Cox, was an American detective fiction writer best known for his series featuring private investigator Michael Shayne. Halliday began his writing career in the 1920s, initially publishing under his own name. He adopted the pseudonym Brett Halliday in 1933 with the publication of "Dividend on Death," the first in the long-running Shayne series. Over the next four decades, Halliday produced over 80 Shayne novels, numerous short stories, and several screenplays based on the character. Shayne became one of the most popular and enduring private investigators in mystery fiction, known for his hard-boiled demeanor, wit, and penchant for quick, decisive action. Halliday's Shayne novels were praised for their fast-paced plots, suspenseful action, and vivid characters. He received the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1953 for "Dividend on Death." Halliday's work continues to be enjoyed by fans of classic detective fiction.