John Dunning (January 9, 1942 – May 22, 2023) was an American writer primarily known for his detective fiction series featuring Denver bookseller and ex-policeman Cliff Janeway. Dunning’s writing style is characterized by a blend of mystery, suspense, and often, a focus on the antiquarian book trade and its associated puzzles. He meticulously crafted his stories, employing detailed settings and a strong sense of place, particularly within the context of Denver’s literary scene. Throughout his career, Dunning also produced a substantial body of non-fiction works, most notably his comprehensive encyclopedias on old-time radio.














