Acclaimed author John Lutz and his wife, Barbara, bought four-bedroom, three bath at 12444 Balwyck Lane in Des Peres for $440,000 from Edmund C. Johnson on Apr. 19.

Kevin Kreikemeier of Kreikemeier Real Estate was the agent for the sale. The listed price was $459,900.

Once a switchboard operator for the St. Louis Police Department, Mr. Lutz is the author of over 35 novels, approximately 250 short stories and is regarded as one of the most well-known mystery writers in the country.

He has served as the president of both the Mystery Writers of America and the Private Eye Writers of America, and has received the MWA Edgar Award, the PWA Shamus and numerous others.

He is arguably best-known for his series surrounding Alo Nudger, the fictional offbeat St. Louis private eye who survives on antacid tablets and grocery coupons. Mr. Lutz's other well-known series include the Fred Carver series and Cat Crimes.

Lutz also penned the 1990 novel SWF Seeks Same, which served as the basis for the 1992 film Single White Female, starring Bridget Fonda. His other venture into film includes The Ex, a novel adapted to a film by the same name and directed by Commando director Mark L. Lester.

Address: 12444 Balwyck Lane
Buyer(s): Lutz Barbara Et Lutz John Et Ux Con
Seller(s): Edmund C Johnson (Revocable Living Trust) and Edmund C Johnson Trust
Sale date: Apr. 19, 2007