Kinky Friedman is a mystery novelist from the "baby boom" generation known for his wry wit and irreverent approach to issues of political correctness. Prior to becoming an author, he had a cult following as a country singer. Although no scholarly criticism of his novels has yet been written, there is one academic article that deals with the cultural significance of his song lyrics, many of which have to do with being both Jewish and a Texan. His mystery novels have reached a broad audience, however, and are popular not only in the United States but also in England, Australia, and New Zealand.

Richard Samet Friedman was born in Chicago on 1 November 1944. He was raised in Texas, where his father, Tom Friedman (who had been a navigator during World War II), was a psychology professor at the University of Texas. His mother, Min Samet Friedman, was a teacher...