David Dodge (novelist)

David Dodge (1910-1974) was an American author, primarily known for his mystery and suspense novels, as well as travel writing. Born in Berkeley, California, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1934. Before becoming a full-time writer, Dodge worked as a certified public accountant, which likely influenced the meticulous plotting and financial details sometimes found in his books.

His writing career began in the late 1930s, and he published numerous novels and short stories throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Several of his works were adapted into films, including "To Catch a Thief" (1955), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on Dodge's novel of the same name. Other notable works include "How Lost Was My Weekend," "The Long Escape," and "Plunderers."

Dodge's writing often featured exotic locales and witty dialogue, reflecting his own love of travel. He and his wife traveled extensively, and his experiences informed both his fiction and his non-fiction travel books. He is remembered for his ability to blend suspenseful narratives with vivid descriptions of the places he visited, offering readers both a thrilling story and a glimpse into different cultures. His novels remain popular among fans of classic suspense and mystery.