Brett Halliday, a prominent and celebrated American author of mystery novels, came into this world on July 31, 1904, and sadly left us on February 4, 1977, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the literary world.
He is most notably and enduringly recognized for his creation of the iconic and beloved Michael Shayne series, which initially began as a solo endeavour, with Halliday himself being the mastermind behind the original stories, before later entrusting other talented writers to carry the torch and continue the rich tradition of the Shayne series.
Beyond his notable contributions to the Michael Shayne series of novels, Dresser's impressive literary repertoire extended far beyond the realm of detective fiction, as he also penned standalone mysteries, westerns, and romances under a plethora of pseudonyms.
Brett Halliday, a renowned mystery writer, harbored a secret identity that added a layer of intrigue to his literary career. In reality, Halliday was none other than Davis Dresser, a pseudonym that concealed his true persona. This dual identity, though unconventional, did not diminish Dresser's impact on the world of mystery writing.