Lawrence Block is a renowned American crime writer, best known for two long-running New York-set series about the recovering alcoholic P.I. Matthew Scudder and the gentleman burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr. Block has written in the genres of crime, mystery, and suspense fiction for more than half a century, releasing over 100 books. He was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1994.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Lawrence Block attended Antioch College, though he left before completing his studies due to mutual agreement with school authorities that he would thrive better elsewhere. His earliest published work, under various pseudonyms, was in the field of midcentury erotica. His first published story was "You Can’t Lose," which appeared in the February 1958 issue of Manhunt.