Al Lamanda, a native of New York City is the author of eight mystery novels. Sunset, the first in the John Bekker series was nominated for the Edgar Award. With 6 You Get Wally, the fifth in the John Bekker series won the Nero Award for the best mystery of 2017. In addition, he dabbles in film and wrote the screenplay for the film American Violence, which stars Bruce Dern, Denise Richards and Michael Pare.