Crime writer and Helena native James Sallis dead at 81

Crime writer and Helena native James Sallis dead at 81

Helena native James Sallis, a multitalented author best known for crime writing, died Jan. 27, per an obituary from The New York Times. He was 81.  Known most widely for “Drive,” a 2005 novel that was adapted into a 2011 film starring Ryan Gosling, Sallis published dozens of books throughout his life, 18 of which were novels. He also wrote poetry, essays, criticism and short stories, even significantly exploring science fiction with the latter. …

James Sallis (1944-2026) - Find a Grave Memorial

Author. A best-selling, crime fiction writer, he will be remembered for creating the character Detective Lew Griffin who is featured in the 2005 novel Drive. A 2011 motion picture adaptation was made which starred Ryan Gosling and Bryan Cranston. He studied at Tulane University and following graduation, he relocated to London where he began his career as a writer with the magazine New Worlds. Sallis taught creative writing, prior to penning his …