Picture a storyteller who spun gritty crime tales and peeled back the curtain on Hollywood’s underbelly—meet Gil Reavill! This American author, journalist, and screenwriter has carved a niche in crime fiction and nonfiction, blending suspense with sharp social commentary. From his chilling Layla Remington novels to true-crime exposés, Reavill’s work captivates readers with its raw intensity and vivid storytelling.
Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, Reavill’s journey from small-town roots to New York’s literary scene is a tale of grit and reinvention. His knack for weaving complex narratives has made him a standout voice in modern crime writing, with fans comparing his style to Michael Connelly and Nevada Barr.
The Making of Gil Reavill
Gil Reavill, born in 1953, grew up in Wisconsin, where his early love for storytelling took root. Educated at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Colorado, he honed his writing chops at Colorado newspapers before making a bold move to New York in 1981. There, he dove into the gritty world of ghostwriting for Al Goldstein’s Screw magazine, an experience that sparked his provocative nonfiction book, Smut: A Sex-Industry Insider (and Concerned Father) Says Enough is Enough. Throughout the 1980s, Reavill also penned off-off-Broadway plays, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Gil Reavill’s Unforgettable Stories
Reavill’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of crime fiction, true-crime journalism, and collaborative memoirs. His Layla Remington series, starting with 13 Hollywood Apes (2014), follows a tough Malibu detective unraveling dark mysteries. The novel, a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Award, blends suspense with moral complexity, earning praise for its Connelly-esque grit. Sequels like 13 Stolen Girls (2015) and 13 Under the Wire (2016) cement Reavill’s knack for high-stakes drama.
In nonfiction, Aftermath, Inc.: Cleaning Up After CSI Goes Home (2007) dives into the eerie world of bio-recovery, where Reavill’s empathetic yet unflinching prose shines. His Mafia Summit: J. Edgar Hoover, the Kennedy Brothers, and the Meeting That Unmasked the Mob (2012) unravels a pivotal moment in organized crime history with meticulous detail. Reavill’s collaborative works, like Steve & Me with Terri Irwin and Ruthless with Jerry Heller, showcase his ability to amplify others’ voices while maintaining narrative depth.
As a screenwriter, Reavill co-wrote Dirty (2005), a corrupt-cop thriller starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., proving his storytelling prowess extends to the big screen. His latest, This Land Is No Stranger (2021), a Nordic thriller co-authored with Sarah Hollister, explores new terrain with atmospheric suspense.
Why Gil Reavill Matters
Gil Reavill’s impact lies in his fearless exploration of society’s darker corners—whether it’s the mob, Hollywood’s seedy side, or the emotional toll of crime scenes. His work resonates with readers who crave stories that challenge assumptions and reveal human truths. By blending journalism’s precision with fiction’s flair, Reavill has influenced the crime genre, inspiring writers to tackle tough topics with empathy and style.
His collaborative spirit, evident in memoirs with figures like Tiki Barber and Danny Aiello, highlights his versatility and ability to connect diverse audiences. Reavill’s legacy is one of storytelling that entertains, provokes, and endures.
- Born: April 3, 1953, Wausau, Wisconsin
- Key Works: 13 Hollywood Apes, Aftermath, Inc., Mafia Summit, Dirty (screenplay)
- Awards: Finalist, International Thriller Writers Award (2015)
- Resides: Westchester County, New York, with wife Jean Zimmerman and daughter
Snag 13 Hollywood Apes and dive into Gil Reavill’s thrilling world of crime and suspense!