John Franklin Bardin was an American crime fiction writer known for his captivating and suspenseful novels. Throughout his career, he wrote ten novels, each filled with intricate plots and complex characters. His works, such as The Deadly Percheron, The Last of Philip Banter, and Devil Take the Blue-Tail Fly, are still widely read and enjoyed by fans of the genre.
John Franklin Bardin was born on November 30, 1916, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father was a coal merchant, and he grew up in a working-class household. Bardin attended the University of Cincinnati, where he studied engineering. Despite his technical background, he had a passion for writing and storytelling from a young age.
After graduating from university, Bardin moved to New York City, where he worked for Edwin Bird Wilson, Inc., an advertising agency. His experience in the world of marketing and advertising would later influence his writing style, as he learned to craft compelling narratives that captured the audience's attention.
John Franklin Bardin was influenced by a variety of literary figures, including Henry James. James's complex and psychological exploration of characters and settings inspired Bardin to create intricate plots and delve deep into the minds of his characters. This influence is evident in Bardin's novels, which often feature unreliable narrators and ambiguous storylines.
Bardin's personal life was marked by both tragedy and success. He was married twice, with his second wife being Phyllida Bardin. Despite facing personal challenges, Bardin continued to write and publish novels throughout his life, leaving behind a legacy of gripping and thought-provoking literature.
In 1978, John Franklin Bardin published his final work, Purloining Tiny. This novel marked the end of his prolific writing career and is considered a fitting conclusion to his body of work. Bardin's unique storytelling style and masterful use of suspense and intrigue are evident in this final novel, cementing his reputation as a master of the crime fiction genre.
John Franklin Bardin's contributions to the world of crime fiction continue to be celebrated and appreciated by readers and critics alike. His novels are prized for their clever twists, engaging characters, and psychological depth. Bardin's talent for creating suspenseful and thrilling narratives has solidified his place as a true master of the genre.
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