Collin Wilcox (writer)

Collin Wilcox (born 1924, died 1996) was an American author best known for her series of crime fiction novels featuring Lieutenant Frank Hastings of the Police Department of Kanonah, California. Wilcox published her first novel, The Black Door, in 1967, introducing Hastings and establishing the small-town setting that would become a hallmark of her work.

Her novels are characterized by their focus on character development, psychological suspense, and exploration of small-town dynamics rather than overt violence or intricate plot twists. Hastings himself is portrayed as an intelligent and empathetic investigator deeply connected to his community, often grappling with the moral ambiguities inherent in his profession.

Wilcox’s Frank Hastings series comprises more than a dozen novels, including titles such as Dead Aim (1971), Doctor, Lawyer, Merchant, Thief (1973), Miss Agatha Doubles for Death (1981), and Hire a Hangman (1991). While her books enjoyed modest commercial success, they are appreciated by readers for their quiet, observant style and their insightful portrayal of human nature. In addition to the Hastings series, Wilcox also wrote standalone novels and short stories.