Law and Order

Uhnak was herself a detective for the New York City Transit Police Department. She first hit headlines when she was decorated for bravery after arresting a much larger armed robber. She went on to win $125 on a television quiz, which she gave to the man's pregnant wife. She resigned after 14 years to complete a degree and write fiction. Her debut Bait won the 1968 Edgar Award for best crime novel. She went on to become a hugely popular bestselling novelist. She died from a self-administered drug overdose in July 2006.