Dorothy Uhnak (April 24, 1933 - July 8, 2006) was an American novelist. Before
becoming a novelist, she worked for 14 years as a detective for the New York City Transit Police Department. Uhnak was born
in New
York, New York.
Uhnak's debut book, The Bait (1968), received a 1969 Edgar Award from the Mystery
Writers of America for Best First Novel (in a tie with E. Richard Johnson's Silver
Street). The Bait was also made into a 1973 made-for-television film of the same title. Her most
famous novel is The Ledger, which was adapted for the TV film and series Get Christie Love! starring Theresa Graves.
Uhnak died July 8, 2006 in Greenport,
New York, reportedly of a deliberate drug overdose that may have been suicidal
Source: Martin, D. New York Times, July 12, 2006
