William Caunitz

He first worked as a patrolman, and eventually rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant, followed by an assignment as a detective squad commander.

[1] After retiring, he planned on becoming a teacher, but after a chance encounter in 1974 at a party with then Harcourt Brace editor Tony Godwin; who inspired him to put his "war stories" on paper, he followed that advice and pursued a career as an author.

[5] The curtain-rod murder that opens his debut novel is based on two actual homicide cases Caunitz worked on.

[6] His fourth novel Exceptional Clearance was also released as an audiobook on two cassette tapes, and was narrated by Kevin Spacey.

[8] Caunitz died in 1996 from pulmonary fibrosis[1] His last novel, Chains of Command, was half-completed at the time of his death and finished by Christopher Newman.