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Gail
When I read that The Solitary Friend will be the second last book in the Joanne Kilbourn series my mind took me back over the 30 years I have been reading the series. (A copy of my review follows this letter.)
After reflection I decided to write to you about the series and our relationship before the final book. Most often a retrospective is after the end of a series but it is my blog and I am writing my summing up after the second last book.
The first, Deadly Appearances, had the greatest impact upon me. It was the first mystery I had read that was set in Saskatchewan. I was captured by how you depicted our province and our people. As with every other Saskatchewan reader of that era - it does set some perspective on series longevity that I think of the book as from a different era - I instantly recognized that Andy Boychuk was inspired by our former Premier, Roy Romanow.
The second, Murder at the Mendel, provided the most graphic image of the whole series in the painting by Joanne’s friend, Sally Love, which featured in the words of my review “100 portrayals of genitalia from the lovers of her life”. That painting always reminds me that your characters are real with sexual experiences important within their lives.
As the series went on I was caught up in the life of Joanne and her family.
While I love Joanne my favourite character is Zack. After 50 years in the law how could I not most appreciate a distinguished Saskatchewan litigator. His enjoyment practising law is refreshing. I am weary of fictional lawyers unhappy in the profession.
I thought The Gifted was brilliant in exploring the immense artistic talent of Taylor at 14 while Joanne and Zack agonize over her relationship with the 19 year old Julian.
In Kaleidoscope I was introduced to the phrase “collateral good” referring to an unexpected good event from a bad situation.
Something has surprised me in every book. I would not have thought heritage poultry could be so interesting until I read What’s Left Behind.
Personally, Sharon and I often think of visiting you and Ted and sharing a meal at your home. The hospitality of the two of you was wonderful.
Because of your recommendation to Dave Carpenter I was asked to write a chapter in Volume Three of a Literary History of Saskatchewan on crime fiction in our province. I focused on five writers - yourself, Anthony Bidulka, Nelson Brunanski, Suzanne North and Alan Bradley.
In my analysis of Saskatchewan I noted several common characteristics.
Of the different series all but Suzanne’s series make family an important part of the stories.
The sleuth of each series is an optimist.
Every sleuth respects the Rule of Law. There is not a vigilante among them.
Possibly most striking in the fictional crime world, none of the sleuths of the Saskatchewan five have ever killed anyone.
I will be sad when the last Joanne Kilbourn book is published. I have never felt the series was becoming stale or predictable. I had hopes that you would continue the series until you were 90 like P.D. James. I have enjoyed all of the books in the series.
This letter will be my 33rd post on my blog about your books and yourself. You join a few writers - Anthony Bidulka, Louise Penny, Michael Connelly, John Grisham and Jacqueline Winspear - with a comparable number of posts.
Maybe the best indicator of my regard for your books is that you have appeared 5 times on my annual Bill’s Best of Fiction which is more appearances than any other writer.
Anthony Bidulka came to the Melfort library last year. He responded to my introduction with his customary wit and deft comments, noting that some years before I had said he was Saskatchewan’s second best mystery writer after yourself. In my subsequent post to the evening at the library I said I was amending my assessment to say the two of you are Saskatchewan’s best crime fiction writers. I remain convinced that you and Anthony are the best.
As you are already crowned “The Queen of Canadian Crime Fiction” I have thought about a Saskatchewan title for you. Royals often have multiple honourary titles. “The Co-Greatest Writer of Saskatchewn Mysteries All Time” seemed too awkward. I thought “Saskatchewan’s Egalitarian Wordsmith” was pretentious. “Saskatchewan’s Most Honourable and Most Excellent Mystery Author” rolled on too long. “The Almighty Saskatchewan Crime Writer” struck me as blasphemous. “Saskatchewan’s Proletarian Mystery Master” was apt. I kind of liked “Saskatchewan’s Mistress of Mystery”. I thought “Saskatchewan’s Woman of Mystery” could work. “Her Eminence of Saskatchewan Crime” was interesting. I considered adapting the J.S. Wordsworth phrase for you - “Gail is committed to what we desire for ourselves, we wish for all”. None felt quite right. I decided upon a personal title - “Gail: A great writer and a great friend”.
Should you be able to respond to this letter I will post the reply.
All the best to you, Ted and your family.
Bill
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