1980-1983. More than 30 pieces of correspondence (22 typed letters signed and 10 typed notes signed) from Estleman, written to his publisher during the time frame of his second, third, and fourth Amos Walker detective novels (Angel Eyes, The Midnight Man, and The Glass Highway). In the very first letter, Estleman delves into multiple facets of his protagonist's (Amos Walker's) character: "I hadn't realized that his lifestyle was so repugnant, perhaps because in some particulars it echo es my own..." He then spends paragraphs on his character's diet, decor, distrusts, hobbies, fitness habits, choice of car, mental health, physical health, (lack of) personal opinions, and his saving wit. In another letter, Estleman hashes out a response to a review of his first Amos Walker book, Motor City Blues, in part by contrasting himself with the traditions of Hammett, Chandler, Spillane, Ross Macdonald, John D. MacDonald, and Robert Parker. The first letter mentioning The Midnight Man exposes the struggles he had writing it. Some of the letters in this collection submit the author's revisions (generally not included save for one batch of 7 changes), accompanied by satisfying, detailed explanations for the changes. Some of his letters offer his well thought-out opinions of his critics; some offer marketing input. A long letter addressing The Glass Highway echoes the first letter here, which addressed Angel Eyes, and delves into Walker's character, providing behind-the-scenes insights "to lift some of the ambiguities from Walker's actions." In addition to the author's correspondence, there is a typed letter signed from Robert Parker declining to offer words of praise for publicity, as "I have to reserve them for friends (I'm infinitely corruptible) or books for which I have an uncontrollable enthusiasm." Jon Winters (pseudonym of Gilbert Cross) submits praise in a typed letter signed, and is apparently so uncomfortable with his pseudonym he mistypes his name; and there are two typed notes signed by Donald Hamilton. A dozen retained copies of letters provide context. Occasional publisher's markings on the letters; otherwise the lot is fine. [#036691] $3,500