A native of Virginia, Robert Hartley began drawing and telling stories at age four and never really stopped, having written and published poetry and worked as a freelance artist. The author of thrillers and romantic mysteries, Hartley states as follows: When I'm publishing, I'm dying. But when I'm writing-and my characters spring to life-I'm living! Words move: they conjure drama. Stories are thrilling to tell, and the warm response I receive from readers fills my heart with joy!