Mystery writer Joe Gores dies at 79 in Calif.

[January 15, 2011]  GREENBRAE, Calif. (AP) -- Mystery writer Joe Gores -- a former San Francisco private investigator whose books include "Hammett," "Come Morning" and "Spade & Archer" -- has died at age 79.

A stepson says Gores died Monday. The San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times say he died of a stomach hemorrhage.

Gores wrote 16 novels and three collections of stories during his more than 40-year writing career. He may be best known for "Spade & Archer: The Prequel to Dashiell Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon,'" which was published in 2009.

Gores also wrote TV scripts for "Kojak" and "Columbo."

His first novel, "A Time of Predators," about a Stanford professor turned commando, won the Edgar Award for best first novel from the Mystery Writers of America when it was published in 1969.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/

[Associated Press]

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