Dennis Lynds grew up in New York City and fought in Europe during World War II, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He studied chemistry(Bachelor) and journalism(Master). After working as a magazine editor in New York, he moved to California in 1965 to write full-time. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America in 1988. Married to thriller author author Gayle Lynds, he lived in California until his death.
Also writes under the names Michael Collins, William Arden, Carl Dekker, John Crowe, Mark Sadler and Maxwell Grant.