Thomas, Ross

(US, 1926–95)

Thomas (who also wrote as Oliver Bleeck ) was born in Oklahoma City, where he was educated at the University of Oklahoma. He worked as a political adviser before becoming a full-time writer in 1966. Begin with The Seersucker Whipsaw (1967), which draws on his behind-the-scenes experience of American politics. It concerns a campaign manager working with the CIA in an African state to ensure a suitable outcome to elections. His other novels centring on dubious political practices include The Fools in Town are on Our Side (1970) and If You Can't Be Good (1973). In Twilight at Mac's Place (1990) the death of a former CIA agent finds his son offered $100,000 for a memoir left by his father. As a web of deceit and treachery unfolds, events in the dead man's past make clear the extent of the security risk posed by the memoir.

Ted Allbeury, Lawrence Block  DH