Charles Willeford Books in Order

Charles Willeford is a masterful writer of diverse genres, including poetry, crime fiction, and literary criticism. His crime novels are distinguished by a lean narrative style and a distinct lack of sentimentality. Born on January 2, 1919, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Willeford's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. After his parents' untimely death from tuberculosis, he spent time with his grandmother and attended boarding schools before becoming a hobo in his teenage years. Willeford's military service, including a stint as a tank commander with the 10th Armored Division in Europe during World War II, earned him numerous medals, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Luxembourg Croix de Guerre. A prolific author, Willeford's notable works include "High Priest of California," "Pick-Up," "The Woman Chaser," "Cockfighter," and "The Burnt Orange Heresy." His Hoke Moseley series, comprising "Miami Blues," "New Hope for the Dead," "Sideswipe," and other novels, brought him significant commercial and critical acclaim.