Born in Seattle, Washington, Leland E. Hale started as an avid reader and slowly, but surely, became an avid writer. Blame it on the rain and the persistently gray skies of the Pacific Northwest. His most notable work is "Butcher, Baker," the true crime story of serial-killer Robert Hansen. His work on that book turned him into a permanent fan of all things Alaska. That book also served as the inspiration for the film, "The Frozen Ground," starring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack. Mr. Hale has written one novel, titled "Huck Finn is Dead." His work on that book convinced him that his true love is nonfiction.