Eleanor Taylor Bland (December 31, 1944 – June 2, 2010) was a prolific African-American author primarily known for her crime fiction novels, particularly those featuring the detective Marti McAllister. Bland drew inspiration from her hometown of Waukegan, Illinois, using it as the setting for the Lincoln Prairie, Illinois series. Her writing style is characterized by fast-paced plots, intricate mysteries, and a focus on realistic portrayals of police investigations and the diverse communities of the Midwest. She consistently delivered suspenseful narratives, often with strong female protagonists, and became a respected voice in the crime fiction genre.
















