Picture a New England storyteller who weaves gritty mysteries and chilling horrors with a philosophical twist—meet Dale T. Phillips! A master of the page-turning thriller, Phillips honed his craft under Stephen King at the University of Maine, crafting tales that linger like a Maine fog. His Zack Taylor series, set in the rugged streets of Portland, Maine, blends hard-boiled action with soul-searching depth, making him a hidden gem in the mystery world.
The Making of Dale T. Phillips
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Dale T. Phillips spent his formative years in Maine, soaking up the state’s moody landscapes and quirky charm. At the University of Maine, he studied under horror legend Stephen King, whose mentorship shaped his knack for suspense and vivid characters. Before writing full-time, Phillips lived a life as varied as his stories, working as a blackjack dealer, bartender, and technical writer while traveling across all 50 U.S. states, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. This eclectic background infuses his work with authenticity and grit.
Dale T. Phillips’s Unforgettable Stories
Phillips’s flagship Zack Taylor mystery series follows a troubled ex-con navigating Portland’s underbelly, wrestling with guilt and redemption. The series kicks off with A Memory of Grief, where Zack investigates a friend’s suspicious death, blending noirish action with themes of loss inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A Shadow on the Wall, the third installment, dives into Hollywood intrigue and organized crime, showcasing Phillips’s ability to escalate stakes seamlessly. Beyond mysteries, his horror novel Shadow of theEncounter Wendigo unleashes a mythical terror in the Canadian wilderness, earning praise for its Joseph Campbell-inspired mythic depth. Phillips’s clean, efficient prose and over 80 published short stories across crime, horror, and sci-fi reveal a versatile storyteller who balances raw intensity with literary nuance.
His style draws comparisons to Travis McGee and Matt Scudder, with reviewers lauding his “fine bourbon” smoothness and “junkyard dog” grit. Whether exploring Jungian concepts in A Certain Slant of Light or delivering pulse-pounding thrills, Phillips crafts stories that resonate with both casual readers and literary buffs.
Why Dale T. Phillips Matters
Dale T. Phillips brings Maine’s rugged beauty and complex characters to life, carving a niche in the mystery and horror genres. His work captures the struggle between light and shadow, making readers root for flawed heroes like Zack Taylor. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Phillips inspires aspiring writers through workshops and conventions, sharing insights from his Stephen King days. His stories remind us that even in the darkest corners, redemption is possible.
- About Dale T. Phillips
- Born: Providence, Rhode Island
- Key Works: Zack Taylor series, Shadow of the Wendigo
- Notable Fact: Studied writing under Stephen King
- Fun Fact: Competed on Jeopardy, losing spectacularly
Snag A Memory of Grief and dive into Dale T. Phillips’s thrilling world of mystery and mayhem!