Lynn Abercrombie

Edgar Award-winner Walter Sorrells is the author of eighteen novels. His most recent thriller for adults, Blind Fear, just appeared under his pseudonym Lynn Abercrombie.

Last year another mystery, Feet of Clay, appeared under his pseudonym Ruth Birmingham. Feet of Clay is the sixth novel featuring Atlanta private investigator Sunny Childs.

Sorrells also writes novels for young adults. His latest novel for young adults is The Silent Room. His mystery Fake ID, released last year, was just named one the 10 Best Mysteries of 2005 by Booklist. Fake ID features a girl who has to unlock secrets from her past in order to find her missing mother. The follow-up, Club Dread, was released earlier this year.

Under the pen name Ruth Birmingham, Sorrells writes a mystery series featuring Atlanta-based female private detective Sunny Childs. The second Sunny Childs mystery, Fulton County Blues, won the Edgar Award for best original paperback and was also nominated for the Shamus Award. The first book in the series, Atlanta Graves was also an Edgar nominee. The latest titles in the series are Sweet Georgia, Blue Plate Special and the recently released Cold Trail.

Sorrells is a past president of the Atlanta chapter of the crime-writers' organization, Sisters In Crime, and a former member of the board of directors of the Mystery Writers of America. Sorrells's work in both journalism and fiction has been published in a variety of national publications. He has written scripts for a number National Public Radio programs, including the award-winning docu-drama "The Three Governors." He is a 1985 graduate of Haverford College, where he majored in History.

A devoted martial artist, Sorrells holds a 3rd degree black belt in Japanese Shito-ryu karate, and has also studied Brazilian jiujitsu, aikido, Tai Chi, various Okinawan kobudo (weapons) systems, and the Japanese sword arts of Iaido and Shinkendo. He lives in Atlanta with his wife Patti and son Jake.

Sorrells is also a part-time swordsmith who specializes in hand forging swords and knives with a Japanese flavor.