Rita Lakin (January 24, 1930– ) is the creator of the Gladdy Gold mystery books. These include Getting Old Is Murder, Getting Old Is The Best Revenge, and Getting Old Is Criminal.
One of the pioneers of female Hollywood writers, she worked on shows such as Dr. Kildare, Peyton Place, Mod Squad & Dynasty. She created her own shows: The Rookies, Flamingo Road and Nightingales. Additionally, Rita wrote many Movies of the Week and mini-series such as Death takes A Holiday, Women In Chains, Strong Medicine, and Voices of the Heart. She has also written two original theatrical plays, No Language But a Cry and Saturday Night at Grossinger’s (co-authored) which are still being produced.
Her many awards include Writers Guild of America, Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Avery Hopwood Award from the University of Michigan.