Once described as "the best crime writer you've never heard of," James Sallis is a largely underexplored figure in contemporary American literature. Best known for his thriller novel Drive—later adapted into the acclaimed 2011 movie of the same name starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan—Sallis has written across a range of genres and forms, including short fiction, poetry, musicology, science fiction, biography, nonfiction essays, literary reviews, and criticism.

This companion, the first comprehensive examination of Sallis' writings, locates him as a vital voice within mystery fiction. In addition to an alphabetized analysis of his works, it includes a biography, career chronology, and an interview with the author. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of Sallis' extraordinary life and career, as well as insight into the recurrent themes and motifs of his rich and varied writings. This book is both an introduction to Sallis' work for new readers and a thorough reference guide for established fans and scholars.