Picture a storyteller who spun Hollywood’s glitz and grit into page-turning mysteries—meet Robert S. Levinson! This bestselling author traded a dazzling career in journalism and music PR for the thrill of crime fiction, crafting novels that pulse with insider scoops and intricate plots. From rock-and-roll scandals to Tinseltown murders, Levinson’s stories are a love letter to the entertainment world he knew so well.
Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Levinson’s journey to literary stardom was as colorful as his novels. His knack for storytelling, honed by a cab-driver father with a writer’s soul, made him a natural for the mystery-thriller genre. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of suspense!
The Making of Robert S. Levinson
Robert S. Levinson’s story began in New York, but Los Angeles shaped his creative spark. As the eldest of five, he learned to type by ten, thanks to his father, who went into debt for a typewriter to fuel his own writing dreams. This early lesson ignited Levinson’s passion for words. After attending UCLA, he dove into journalism, reporting for the Los Angeles Times and later running his own PR firm, Levinson Associates, rubbing shoulders with music legends. His TV production work, including Soap Opera Awards specials, gave him a front-row seat to Hollywood’s drama—perfect fodder for his future novels.
Levinson’s shift to fiction wasn’t planned. He initially aimed for a mainstream rock-and-roll novel, but his agent steered him toward mysteries, a genre that clicked with his knack for weaving fact and fiction. His debut, The Elvis and Marilyn Affair, was a bold leap that paid off, launching a career that would captivate readers and critics alike.
Robert S. Levinson’s Unforgettable Stories
Levinson’s novels are a thrilling blend of Hollywood glamour, hard-boiled detective vibes, and seriocomic twists. His Neil Gulliver and Stevie Marriner series, starring a crime reporter and his soap-star ex-wife, is a fan favorite. The Elvis and Marilyn Affair (1999) kicks off the series with a juicy premise: love letters between Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe spark a murder mystery. Critics called it “smart, sassy, and fast-paced,” praising its droll humor and intricate caper.
Other standouts include Hot Paint (2002), where Andy Warhol prints unlock a decades-old art heist, and Phony Tinsel (2013), a noir set in 1930s Hollywood with a scheming starlet and a naive screenwriter. Levinson’s standalone thrillers, like In the Key of Death (2008), showcase his versatility, diving into the music industry’s dark side with a vengeful ex-cop. His style—rich with insider details, colorful characters, and twisty plots—reflects his entertainment world roots, making every book a wild ride.
Levinson’s short stories, published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, earned him a 2009 Derringer Award for “The Quick Brown Fox.” His ability to craft compelling narratives, whether in novels or short form, cemented his reputation as a storyteller who could make Hollywood’s underbelly sing.
Why Robert S. Levinson Matters
Levinson’s impact lies in his ability to turn his insider knowledge into stories that resonate beyond the page. His novels offer a time capsule of Hollywood’s golden eras, blending real-world intrigue with fictional flair. As president of the Mystery Writers of America’s Southern California chapter and a national board member, he championed the genre, mentoring aspiring writers and producing the Edgar Awards. His dedication to craft—writing daily from 6:30 a.m. until exhaustion—set a standard for perseverance.
Readers love Levinson for his vivid characters and plots that keep them guessing. His work, though sometimes criticized for complex plotting, earned praise for its substance and energy. For mystery fans, Levinson remains a hidden gem whose stories capture the thrill of showbiz and the human heart.
- Born: New York, NY
- Key Works: The Elvis and Marilyn Affair, Hot Paint, Phony Tinsel, In the Key of Death
- Awards: 2009 Derringer Award for “The Quick Brown Fox”
- Hobbies: Movies, music, art, pleasure reading
Snag The Elvis and Marilyn Affair and dive into Robert S. Levinson’s thrilling world of Hollywood mysteries!