Picture a New York kid who swapped jazz clubs for crime novels, weaving gritty 1950s tales at 70—meet David C. Taylor! A master of historical crime fiction, Taylor’s life is as colorful as his noir thrillers, blending Peace Corps adventures, Hollywood scriptwriting, and award-winning storytelling that’s earned him Emmy and Peabody accolades.
Born in 1944, Taylor grew up in a creative family, with his father, Samuel Taylor, a Broadway playwright, and his mother penning diaries. His early years were a transatlantic dance between Europe and America, shaping a storyteller with a global lens. From Yale to the Marshall Islands, Taylor’s journey is a testament to chasing dreams, no matter how winding the path.
The Making of David C. Taylor
Raised in New York City, Taylor and his brother roamed free, soaking up the city’s pulse—Times Square arcades, pool halls, and smoky jazz clubs. After graduating from Yale, he joined the Peace Corps, teaching in the Marshall Islands for two years. Back in New York, he taught before moving to Madrid to hone his writing. Love led him to Vienna, chasing a cellist who became his wife, before settling in Los Angeles for over 20 years as a TV and movie scriptwriter.
His diverse career—bartending in Greenwich Village, producing Broadway shows like Cats, and scripting for HBO—gave him a rich tapestry of experiences. These fueled his late-blooming novel-writing career, proving it’s never too late to start anew.
David C. Taylor’s Unforgettable Stories
Taylor’s crime novels, set in the gritty 1950s New York, are noir masterpieces. His debut, Night Life (2015), introduces Michael Cassidy, a tough yet introspective cop navigating Cold War paranoia and mob ties. Nominated for a 2016 Edgar Award and winner of the Nero Wolfe Award, it’s a vivid time capsule of McCarthyism and murder.
Night Work (2016) follows Cassidy to Havana during Castro’s rise, blending historical intrigue with personal demons. Night Watch (2019) continues the series, tackling Fidel Castro’s New York visit. Taylor’s non-series novel, L.A. Burning (2022), shifts to modern Hollywood, following ex-con Cody Bonner seeking justice for her twin’s murder. His style—taut, atmospheric, and steeped in historical detail—channels Hammett and Chandler, earning praise for its cinematic grit.
Known for weaving real history into fiction, Taylor draws on his New York childhood and Hollywood years. His characters, like Cassidy, grapple with moral ambiguity, reflecting Taylor’s knack for humanizing the chaos of crime and power.
Why David C. Taylor Matters
Taylor’s work resonates for its vivid historical settings and flawed, relatable heroes. His Michael Cassidy series captures the 1950s’ tension—Communist witch hunts, mob influence, and societal shifts—making history feel alive and urgent. His late start as a novelist inspires, showing that creativity knows no age limit. Awards like the Emmy (2004) and Peabody for his TV work, alongside literary nominations, cement his storytelling legacy.
By blending his global adventures and industry insights, Taylor offers readers a unique lens on crime fiction. His stories don’t just entertain—they invite us to reflect on power, loyalty, and redemption in turbulent times.
- Born: 1944, New York City
- Key Works: Night Life, Night Work, Night Watch, L.A. Burning
- Awards: 2016 Nero Wolfe Award, 2004 Emmy, Peabody Award
Snag Night Life and dive into David C. Taylor’s thrilling noir world—your next favorite crime story awaits!