Some years ago I wrote to an author whose books Rouan and I both enjoyed, Judith Merkel Riley. In fact Rouan originally introduced me to her first book A Vision of Light, back when I was in a previous reading desert. JMR is an author of beautifully crafted novels with historical settings. Several of her books stand alone but there is also a short series.

I wanted to know if she was still writing. She sent a friendly reply and telling me that the third novel in her series would be coming out shortly (The Water Devil). It had been published previously in Europe but not in the United States.

That was in 2005. The book came out and I read it. Her earlier novels were re-released in paperback, which she mentioned would happen. But she also said that another novel was in the works, publication date yet to be determined. Given that this is now 7+ years, I went looking to see if I had somehow overlooked it. To my regret I found that JMR died in 2010. Not only will we not have that next book, but also a writer who has given me many hours of pleasure is no more.

I'm glad I wrote to her all those years ago. Most mid-list writers don't get the fan appreciation they richly deserve.

Rosefolly