James Hadley Chase
1906–1985 (age 79)
Biography
James Hadley Chase (1906-1985) chose Vevey as a retreat from the bustle of the literary world and continued to craft the taut, suspenseful narratives that made him beloved far beyond Switzerland's borders. His ability to create vivid, cinematic scenes and flawed but compelling characters kept readers turning pages and made his work a frequent companion for those seeking adventure.
In his adopted home he delighted in meeting readers and supporting a new generation of storytellers, offering practical wisdom about discipline, revision, and the importance of listening to one's own voice. His generosity, combined with his irrepressible imagination, helped Vevey claim a special place in the map of 20th-century genre writing.