Thoughts on the End of Confessions of a Mystery Novelist

It is a sad week for the virtual world of crime fiction bloggers. Margot Kinberg of Confessions of a Mystery Novelist has decided to cease writing her blog. For almost 10 years Margot provided a daily post. By my calculations she wrote over 3,000 posts. She highlighted at least 500 different authors!

Beyond the high quality of her posts she was a constant source of encouragement to crime fiction bloggers around the world. I appreciated her generous spirit. She is such a positive person.

I looked forward to her posts. On my computer an icon provided instant access to her blog.

I wish Margot well as she turns her amazing energy to other interests. I am glad she will continue to visit crime fiction blogs. Her comments are another source of encouragement.

One of my favourite parts of her blog were her posts she called “flights of fancy” where she used her clever imagination to write witty posts about the fallibilities of writing. In many she used crime fiction sleuths as characters. I have consulted a number of those sleuths and they have asked me to pass on their remarks.

So many wanted to contribute I have had to winnow down the comments.

Hercule Poirot: Je suis désolé Madam Kinberg. The little grey cells can barely comprehend your absence from blogging. I had so appreciated in your blog the almost daily references to myself and, where necessary, the other characters of Mrs. Christie. At times I almost thought you knew more about my life than myself. I keep track of crime fiction blogs and I state confidently no one knew the works of Ms. Christie better than yourself. 

Nero Wolfe: Dr. Kinberg, I am bereft. I so enjoyed our interactions. I remember those satisfactory, no splendid, Christmas gatherings we shared especially with Monsieur Poirot. Your keen intelligence and tact helped me in dealing with Ms. Milhone’s love of MacDonald’s burgers when she was chosen to plan a meal. I still shudder at the thought Big Macs could have been our fate. I had always thought if I needed an independent consultant on a case, though it has never happened, that I would call on you. The spare bedroom in the brownstone and a place at my table will always be ready for you.

Kinsey Milhone: Margot, enough of those gloomy old men, I am glad you are freed from the blog. If I remember correctly you are a runner. We are not so far apart in California. I would love to have you come for a visit. We could take Henry’s dogs and have a good run on the beach. When we get back we could go over to Rosie’s for dinner. It is time I pulled out my little black dress and I am sure you have a go-to dress for a festive evening. It’ll be great. You’re not allergic to paprika are you?

Henry Standing Bear: Margot, Walt and I have had a conversation. It is time you got out of the city. I would like to take you out to the Reservation. Cheyenne people love to celebrate with our friends and we respect your thoughtful approach to books. A sweat lodge ceremony has been arranged. And Walt wanted me to tell you he has already bought a cowboy hat for you and will be buying you a Rainier at the Red Pony!

Armand Gamache: Ms. Kinberg, during our long Quebec winters Reine Marie and I looked forward to your daily posts. She said you had the mind of a librarian – her highest praise. You have always referred to Three Pines with such affection. One of your last blog posts described the houses of our village as characters. Reine Marie and I have been thinking and had a discussion with our fellow residents. We want you to come see us even though we are not on the map. Gabri and Olivier at the bistro will have café au lait and croissants ready. They guarantee you will get the table next to the fireplace. Myrna has some books she wants to show you. Ruth and Rosa are determined to greet you as you arrive. Ruth may even pen a few lines in your honour though we fear what she may say. We want you to stay with us. Marie Reine has your room ready. And Clara will do a watercolour portrait of you.

David Hasselhof: Margot, Margot, Margot. I may have made but a brief appearance in the comments on your blog as I provided “hair” advice but the Hof has not forgotten you. I have kept an eye on your blog, especially the Crime Fiction News Breaks. They were always informative and I admired how you kept track of crime fiction around the world. Congratulations on keeping up the lovely curls and just the right bounce. You may be gone from blogging but never forget you were a star, you are a star, you will always be a star!

Flavia de Luce: Mrs. Kinberg, I have appreciated that you value the presence of children in crime fiction. Too many authors exclude us from meaningful roles. And while you are not a chemist, no one is perfect, you are a scientist of words. 

Arthur Beauchamp: Ah, Margot, your very name reminds me of my beautiful Margaret who brightens and enlivens my senior years. I shall miss your erudite yet never pompous posts. Some might suggest I am an expert on pomposity. I prefer to think of my expectations of precision in the use of the Queen’s English as maintaining standards. My mornings will be lonelier without your posts. As with you I rise early in the morn to check out blogs. In the words of the immortal Juliet “parting is such sweet sorrow”. Thank you lovely lady. I am blessed to have known you through your blog.

Bart Bartkowski: As you know Margot I live about 80 km down the highway from Bill Selnes. I have been an avid reader of your blog. I admit there was not a lot to do at night when I was at our fly-in fishing camp. You may live in the city but you understand the country. What most impressed me was that you highlighted and valued authors known and unknown. My adventures as small town Saskatchewan mysteries are far from bestsellers but you included lots of examples from the series on your blog.

Joanne Kilbourn: Life will be duller without your posts Margot. I know writers are glad to have refuges where they can write in peace. I have never found a more tranquil setting than St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster here in Saskatchewan. Every year Canadian writers come for a week or more to stay at the monastery and write. The monastery is a destination of peace and serenity. Contemplation comes naturally at a monastery. Should you arrive in winter the chickadees will land upon your hand to eat a peanut. I will make sure Father Demetrius has some cookies ready for you.

All the best Margot from myself and the sleuths of our reading.