Local Mystery Writer Thrills Fans at Book Signing

Local mystery writer Les Roberts made a special appearance at the Borders book store in Strongsville on Saturday to sign copies of his latest thriller, “The Cleveland Creep.”

Roberts, who moved to Cleveland from California in 1990, is the author of 23 novels, as well as many short stories, screenplays and articles. He is most loved in Cleveland, however, for the creation of his Slovenian detective, Milan Jacovich. Roberts has completed 15 Jacovich mystery novels to date, including “The Cleveland Creep.”

Roberts explained that he first found himself in Cleveland back in 1987 when he worked for the Ohio Lottery. He spent four months here while he created the Cash Explosion Double Play game show. He eventually returned to his life in Los Angeles, but could never forget Cleveland.

“I began writing about it and I eventually moved here. I’ve been here ever since,” he said of Cleveland, which he calls his “spiritual home.”

Roberts took his time signing books at Borders, as he got to know his fans. Among those who were thrilled to meet him was retired Strongsville school teacher Louise Bedford.

“I really enjoy him as an author because he writes hometown mysteries — they are about things that happen here. He gives a good perspective,” she said.  “And if you put the book down, it’s one that you can easily pick up and read again and again.”

Roberts sells his books world-wide. In addition to his Jacovich mystery series, he has also written a series about Saxon, an actor-turned private eye, as well as four other stand-alone books.

For more information on Les Roberts or to read excerpts from his books, log onto www.lesroberts.com.