Gary Phillips is the author of the Ivan Monk mysteries, Violent Spring and Perdition USA. He has also worked as a security guard, printer, a shade tree mechanic (rebuilding a ?58 Ford Fairlane with his father), a labor union organizer, a radio talk show host, a foundation staffer, and a community activist for over 22 years. He lives in the wilds of Los Angeles with his wife Gilda Haas, and their children Miles and Chelsea.
