THIS UPDATE is long overdue, dear fans of Hester, Nate and Pim. It was just something I couldn't bring myself to write until now.
Almost two years ago, in April 2021, my best friend and beloved partner, in life as well as publishing, died of breast cancer. Barbara was diagnosed in May 2016. Thanks to a combination of traditional and nontraditional medicine and her own almost indomitable willpower, she lived five more years. Four of those years were quite good. We retired to our island, took some wonderful trips, and she and I continued to collaborate on the Murdermobile series, publishing the Christmas-themed mystery "Iced, with Sprinkles" just four months before her passing. (Click here to read Barbara's obituary.)
Before I lost her daily corporeal companionship and the enjoyment of her lovely smile and lively sense of humor, we had solidly begun plotting out a fourth book. I've resolved -- more than once -- to complete and publish that final Portland Bookmobile Mystery. It's tough to do it on my own, and not as much fun. Even as her illness progressed, Barbara was solidly involved in plot and characterization.
But Nate and Hester live on in my mind. They're like imaginary friends, and I find some solace in revisiting them as I type away in my writing hut on the rocky knoll behind our San Juan Islands cabin. When the plot takes an interesting new twist or a good red herring presents itself, I feel Barbara looking over my shoulder.
It's slow going, but I'm gaining ground on it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks to everybody who has read and enjoyed our books. It made Barbara happy, and that made me happy.
Gratefully,
Brian Cantwell
Almost two years ago, in April 2021, my best friend and beloved partner, in life as well as publishing, died of breast cancer. Barbara was diagnosed in May 2016. Thanks to a combination of traditional and nontraditional medicine and her own almost indomitable willpower, she lived five more years. Four of those years were quite good. We retired to our island, took some wonderful trips, and she and I continued to collaborate on the Murdermobile series, publishing the Christmas-themed mystery "Iced, with Sprinkles" just four months before her passing. (Click here to read Barbara's obituary.)
Before I lost her daily corporeal companionship and the enjoyment of her lovely smile and lively sense of humor, we had solidly begun plotting out a fourth book. I've resolved -- more than once -- to complete and publish that final Portland Bookmobile Mystery. It's tough to do it on my own, and not as much fun. Even as her illness progressed, Barbara was solidly involved in plot and characterization.
But Nate and Hester live on in my mind. They're like imaginary friends, and I find some solace in revisiting them as I type away in my writing hut on the rocky knoll behind our San Juan Islands cabin. When the plot takes an interesting new twist or a good red herring presents itself, I feel Barbara looking over my shoulder.
It's slow going, but I'm gaining ground on it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks to everybody who has read and enjoyed our books. It made Barbara happy, and that made me happy.
Gratefully,
Brian Cantwell