Poetic Obituaries: [George Chesbro] published his first poem at

the age of 27 for $1 and his first short story when he was 29.

The novel "Shadow of a Broken Man" (1977), starring Mongo, proved to be his breakout hit. He kept his day job through several more books and later, during lean times, he worked as a night security guard. He wrote screenplays and books under the pen name of David Cross, published more than 100 short stories and sold book reviews and articles on the art of writing. He was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America.

His novels include "City of Whispering Stone" (1978), "Affair of Sorcerers" (1979), "The Beasts of Valhalla" (1985), "Second Horseman Out of Eden" (1989), "Bleeding in the Eye of a Brainstorm" (1995) and "Dream of a Falling Eagle" (1996).

from The Washington Post: George C. Chesbro dies at 68; wrote offbeat detective novels

~~~~~~~~~~~