Ira Berkowitz (born October 8, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York) is an American writer of crime fiction. His Jackson Steeg Mystery Series novels are set in Hell's Kitchen.
Berkowitz's debut novel Family Matters, published in 2006, won the Washington Irving Award for Literary Merit, and was a USA Today Top Ten Summer Read selection. He followed up with his second Washington Irving Award for his novel, Old Flame published in 2008.Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>.
The third novel in the Jackson Steeg series, Sinners' Ball published in December 2009, won the Shamus Award for Best Original Paperback Crime Fiction Novel of 2009.
Biography
Ira Berkowitz's path to writing fiction took thirty years to complete. Growing up in Brooklyn, Berkowitz dreamed of a career in medicine or law. But advertising beckoned. When he retired, he began to write. His first attempt at a novel garnered fifty rejections. A few were encouraging. So, he kept at it.
Berkowitz's novels explore the themes of family, loyalty, and asymmetrical justice – an all too familiar condition where the cards are stacked against the weak.
His novels are set in Hell's Kitchen.
Berkowitz lives with his wife in Westchester County, New York.
Novels 2006 Family MattersBerkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. 2008 Old FlameBerkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. 2009 Sinners’ BallBerkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>.
Major characters
Jackson Steeg Ex-NYPD Homicide Detective.Graduate of Most Precious Blood parochial school,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Dave Steeg Jackson's brother. Controls the Hell's Kitchen Rackets,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Anthony Steeg Dave's son. Attended Dartmouth,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Luce Guidry Steeg's former partner. The only person who uses his first name,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Dominic Steeg Retired NYPD Homicide Detective. Father of Jackson and Dave,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. DeeDee Santos Steeg's favorite kid,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Justin Hapner DeeDee's boyfriend,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Ginny Doyle Steeg's ex-wife,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Allie Lebow Steeg's new flame. Advertising copywriter,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Nick D'Amico Mobster. Owns Feeney's, Steeg's favorite hangout,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Zev Barak Russian mobster. Known as The Golem,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Kenny Apple Mobster. Refuses to kill on the Sabbath,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>. Hell's Kitchen Steeg's neighborhood,^ Berkowitz, Ira. "Ira Berkowtiz." Ira Berkowitz. Random House, Web. Oct 13, 2009. <www.iraberkowtiz.com>.
Honors and awards Washington Irving Award For Literary Merit – Family Matters, Old Flame,
Shamus Award. Best Original Paperback Crime Fiction Novel of 2009 – Sinners' Ball
References
External links Ira Berkowitz