James Crumley, the hard boiled American crime writer has died aged 68. He was a much acclaimed novelist, who published only seven private eye novels. His detectives were often drug-infused, alcohol-soaked, violent and enjoyed the use of profanities, but all were likeable, complex characters, that reflected some of their creator’s life experiences. His first published novel in 1969, was his only non-detective novel titled, One to Count Cadence. The Last Good Kiss published in 1988, was considered by most to be his best novel. The Right Madness was his last work published in 2005. He was divorced four times and is survived by his fifth wife.