Dorothy Uhnak (1930–2006) was an American crime novelist and former police officer known for her gritty, realistic portrayals of law enforcement. Her firsthand experience as a New York City Transit Police detective deeply influenced her writing.
Born in New York City, Uhnak studied at City College of New York and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She served as a police officer for 14 years before leaving law enforcement to write full-time.
Her début book, Policewoman (1964,) was a nonfiction account of her experiences. She then transitioned to fiction with The Bait (1968,) which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, followed by The Witness (1969) and The Ledger (1970,) featuring NYPD detective Christie Opara. These novels inspired the TV series Get Christie Love!
Uhnak later wrote ambitious crime novels, including Law and Order (1973,) The Investigation (1977,) False Witness (1981,) Victims (1986,) The Ryer Avenue Story (1993,) and Codes of Betrayal (1997,) exploring justice, corruption, and the psychological toll of police work.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Dorothy Uhnak
It’s funny how your initial approach to a person can determine your feelings toward them, no matter what facts develop later on.
—Dorothy Uhnak
Take everything easy and quit dreaming and brooding and you will be well guarded from a thousand evils.
—Dorothy Uhnak
Topics: Attitude
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