Picture a New Orleans-born storyteller who swapped newsrooms for noir, crafting thrilling crime tales that hooked readers worldwide—meet Dick Lochte! Born in 1944, Lochte burst onto the crime fiction scene at 41 with his debut novel, Sleeping Dog, a witty, award-winning masterpiece that redefined the genre with its oddball detective duo and razor-sharp humor.
From his roots in the vibrant, jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans to his status as a Los Angeles Times bestselling author, Lochte’s journey is as captivating as his stories. His blend of hard-boiled grit and playful wit has earned him accolades like the Nero Wolfe Award and a lasting spot among crime fiction’s greats.
The Making of Dick Lochte
Born Richard Samuel Lochte on October 19, 1944, in New Orleans, Dick grew up steeped in the city’s rich culture, from its sultry music to its shadowy underbelly. Educated under a Jesuit system, he discovered his knack for storytelling early, winning a writing award at 11 for a quirky tale inspired by Richard Strauss. After earning a journalism degree from Tulane University, Lochte honed his craft in newsrooms, penning snappy TV Guide blurbs and articles for outlets like Playboy and the Washington Post. By 1985, at age 41, he took a leap into fiction with Sleeping Dog, a gamble that paid off with critical acclaim and a new career.
Dick Lochte’s Unforgettable Stories
Lochte’s debut, Sleeping Dog (1985), introduced Leo Bloodworth, a hard-drinking Los Angeles PI, and Serendipity Dahlquist, a precocious 14-year-old roller-blader, in a comedy-noir thriller that’s both gritty and hilarious. The novel, praised for its Rashomon-style dual narratives, won the Nero Wolfe Award, was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and earned a spot among the Independent Mystery Booksellers’ 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Century. Its sequel, Laughing Dog (1988), kept the wild ride going, diving deeper into the duo’s misadventures against Mexican crime lords.
Beyond the Bloodworth-Dahlquist saga, Lochte’s Blue Bayou (1992) and The Neon Smile (1995) brought New Orleans’ sultry underworld to life through PI Terry Manion, blending local flavor with dark intrigue. His noir thriller Blues in the Night (2012) earned high praise, while collaborations with Al Roker, like The Talk Show Murders, added comedic flair to his repertoire. Lochte’s style—sharp dialogue, quirky characters, and a knack for capturing California and New Orleans’ vibes—sets him apart as a master of modern noir.
His screenwriting gigs for stars like Jodie Foster and Roger Moore, plus his theater criticism (earning an Ovation Award), showcase his versatility. Whether crafting novels or reviews, Lochte’s work pulses with a bold, irreverent energy that keeps readers hooked.
Why Dick Lochte Matters
Dick Lochte’s impact on crime fiction lies in his ability to blend humor with hard-boiled suspense, creating stories that are as entertaining as they are thought-provoking. His characters, like the unlikely duo of Leo and Serendipity, challenge genre norms, while his vivid settings bring California and New Orleans to life. As a former president of the Private Eye Writers of America and a respected critic, Lochte has shaped the genre’s evolution, inspiring writers and delighting fans.
His transition from journalist to novelist at 41 is a testament to chasing dreams at any age, proving that great stories can come from unexpected places. Lochte’s legacy endures in his timeless tales and the joy they bring to mystery lovers.
About Dick Lochte
- Born: October 19, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Key Works: Sleeping Dog, Laughing Dog, Blue Bayou, Blues in the Night
- Awards: Nero Wolfe Award (1985), Ovation Award for theater criticism
- Fun Fact: Lochte once wrote TV Guide one-liners before becoming a bestselling author!
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Sleeping Dog and dive into Dick Lochte’s witty, noir-soaked world!