Parnell Hall is a multifaceted individual with a diverse array of accomplishments. As an author, he is best known for his Puzzle Lady crossword puzzlemysteries, Stanley Hastings private eye novels, and Steve Winslow courtroom dramas. His debut novel, DETECTIVE, garnered significant recognition, earning nominations for both an Edgar award from the Mystery Writers of America and a Shamus award from the Private Eye Writers of America.
Throughout his career, Parnell has demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft engaging stories, with his tenth Stanley Hastings novel, MOVIE, earning nominations for both a Shamus award for Best Private Eye Novel of 1995 and a Lefty for the funniest mystery novel of 1995. His novel, SCAM, also received a Lefty nomination. Interestingly, his experiences working as a private detective in New York City for two years served as the foundation for his Stanley Hastings series.
Despite having no courtroom experience, Parnell drew inspiration from his childhood fascination with Erle Stanley Gardner, which led to the creation of his Steve Winslow series. Additionally, he has recently ventured into the world of crossword puzzle construction, honing his skills with each new book.
Parnell's creative endeavors extend beyond writing, as he is also an accomplished actor. He has appeared in various stage productions, including summer stock and regional theater, as well as in several films, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hercules in New York, in which he proudly sported a leopard skin. He has also made appearances in interactive dinner theater events for Bogies Mystery Tours.
As a member of the Writers Guild of America East, Parnell has credits for several screenplays, including the underground horror movie C.H.U.D., which has been satirized on Saturday Night Live. His earliest professional writing credits date back to his teenage years, when he sold a song to the renowned folk singer Pete Seeger at the age of 15. The song, titled The Literacy Test Song, mocked voting tests in the South and was later recorded by Seeger on the Folkways album Gazette, Volume 2.
