Mark S. Bacon began his career as a Southern California newspaper police reporter, one of his crime stories becoming key evidence in a murder case that spanned decades.

After working for two newspapers, he moved to positions in marketing and public relations, including a job as copywriter for Knott’s Berry Farm, the large theme park down the road from Disneyland.  His experience at Knott’s formed part of the inspiration for his creation of Nostalgia City theme park.

Before turning to fiction, Bacon wrote business books, one of which was printed in four languages and three editions, named best business book of the year by Library Journal, and selected by the Book of the Month Club and two other book clubs.

His articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Cleveland Plain Dealer, San Antonio Express News, The Denver Post, Orange Coast and many other publications.  Most recently he was a correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Woke and the Dead is the fifth book in the Nostalgia City mystery series that began with Death in Nostalgia City. The first book introduced ex-cop turned theme-park cab driver Lyle Deming and former college basketball star, park PR executive Kate Sorensen. Death in Nostalgia City was recommended by the American Library Association and Desert Kill Switch, the second book in the series, received the top fiction award at the 2018 Great Southwest Book Festival.

Bacon is the author of flash fiction mystery collections including, Cops, Crooks and Other Stories in 100 Words – Revised Edition.  He taught journalism as a member of the adjunct faculty at Cal Poly University – Pomona, University of Redlands, and the University of Nevada – Reno.  He earned an MA in mass media from UNLV and a BA in journalism from Fresno State.

Contact via email or Bluesky:   mbaconauthor at gmail.com or @mbaconauthor

Member: Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers