Milton Ralph Bass was born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1947 and a Master's in English from Smith College in 1948. During World War II, he served in the army as a medic. In 1986, he retired from The Berkshire Eagle after 35 years as entertainment editor, theater and movie critic. He is the creator of:
1. 'Benny Freedman', a San Diego homicide detective.
2. 'Vinnie Altob', an ex-cop-turned-gumshoe.
Bass also wrote western novels.