William P. McGivern (1918-1982) was a novelist and screenwriter.   He worked as a police reporter in Philadelphia, then moved to Los Angeles in 1960. His works include over twenty thrillers and mysteries as well as SOLDIERS OF 44, a novel based on his experiences in World War II.  His novels turned into movies include THE BIG HEAT, ROGUE COP, SHIELD FOR MURDER, ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW and the bestselling NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER.  He was the master of the hard-boiled detective novel.  With his wife Maureen Daly McGivern (author of the classic SEVENTEENTH SUMMER), he wrote a travel book MENTION MY NAME IN MOMBASA.