The four-time Shamus Award–winning author takes his readers behind-the-scenes of his long running detective series in this essay."For readers who can't get enough of Elmore Leonard and Ross Thomas, try Estleman. He's that good." —PeopleIn 1980, readers first encountered hard-boiled private detective Amos Walker as he searches for an ex-mobster's missing daughter in Motor City Blue. Many mysteries and decades later, the investigator is still scuffling with bad guys on the streets of Detroit. But when and where did award-winning author Loren D. Estleman conceive the idea of Walker and his adventures?In this essay, Estleman tells the story of how Walker and his world transpired. From the 1975 film that inspired the character to Walker's weapons and cars, Estleman offers fans a look into his process of fleshing out Walker as a complex character with friends and enemies. Learn how television influenced him as a writer and how he chose Walker's name, hometown, and background. Fans looking to get to know their favorite tough-guy detective better won't want to miss this . . .Praise for Loren D. Estleman and the Amos Walker series"Amos Walker, the throwback private eye who operates out of Detroit in Loren D. Estleman's hard-boiled mysteries, is a lot like the old Cutlass he drives. The guy may look beat up, but under the hood he's a clean machine."―The New York Times Book Review"A touchstone for fans of hard-boiled crime fiction: irrepressible tough-guy dialogue, great plotting, a vibrant Detroit milieu, and a hero who has whiskey on his breath and nicotine stains on his fingers." —Booklist"Estleman's latest intricate and wholly enjoyable yarn is peppered with mob lore, Detroit history, and the ever-present one-liners. It's sure to please fans of urban mysteries as well as classic detective genre devotees. Strongly recommended."―Library Journal