Lynds was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the only child of actors who were touring at the time. He grew up in New York City and fought in Europe during World War II, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He studied chemistry (Bachelor's degree in 1949) and journalism (Master's degree in 1951). After working as a magazine editor in New York, he moved to California in 1965 to write full-time. Married to thriller author Gayle Lynds, he lived in California until his death.
