Wednesday, October 14, 2026

MARK PRYOR: R.I.P.


Sad news. Mystery author Mark Pryor passed away on October 8, at the age of 59. Way too young. Mark was a talented writer, a truly good man, and a friend. I enjoyed chatting with him over email and in person. His talent was spread over many novels (and two non-fiction book). He wrote 9 novels in the Hugo Marston series, 3 novels in the Henri Lefort wartime mystery series, 2 novels in the Hollow Man psychological thriller series, and 2 novels in the Paris Bookshop Mystery series (The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris, will be released in early 2026) He will be greatly missed by many. May his memory be a blessing.
Mark Pryor, a remarkable husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on October 8, 2026. Born on May 8, 1967, in Welwyn Garden City, England, Mark lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love. 
 
Mark was the beloved son of Virginia Ann and the late George "Toby" Pryor. He was predeceased by his father, Toby, and his sister Nicola. He leaves behind a family who cherished him deeply, including his devoted wife of 25 years, Sarah; his children, Blake, Henry, and Nicola; his brother, Richard; his sister, Catherine; and his caring mother, Virginia Ann. 

Mark's journey of learning and discovery began at Strad Broke College of Journalism in Sheffield, England, and led him to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with the highest honors in journalism in 1999. His academic pursuits then took him to Duke University School of Law, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2002. His legal career was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, serving as Travis County Assistant District Attorney for 14 years before becoming a criminal defense attorney at Cofer & Connelly. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was a prolific author, channeling his love for literature and storytelling into the publication of 16 books. His writing was a testament to his intellect and creativity, capturing the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. 

Mark's personal qualities were as profound as his professional accomplishments. He lived with kindness and integrity, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. His intelligence was matched by his thoughtfulness, with a charismatic personality that was always complemented by a delightful sense of humor and quick wit. 

Mark and Sarah's marriage, celebrated on October 12, 2001, in Castet, France, was a union built on genuine love, sharp wit, and endless joy. Their life together was a testament to the strength of their partnership and the deep love they shared. 

A private celebration of life will be held to honor Mark's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests patronizing and supporting your local bookstore, in memory of Mark's passion for literature and his unwavering support for the written word. 

Mark Pryor's life was a story of love, laughter, and learning, and though his chapter has come to a close, his legacy will continue to inspire and influence those who were fortunate to know him.

Saturday, October 10, 2026

KAY HOOPER: R.I.P.

Kay Hooper passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Kay's family shares the news of her recent passing. 

'We know how much Kay is admired and adored within both the writing and the reading communities and know you'll miss her as much as we will. Today we just want you all to know how very important you were to Kay. Her passion was writing, but her driving force was all of you. 

At this time there are no service plans to announce but we know that her wish would be that any honorary acts or remembrance from fans or friends would be in the form of donations made to your own local bookstore or pet shelter. 

That's what she would have wanted.'

From the PadgettKing memorial site:

Kay was born (1957) in Merced County, California to Martha and James Hooper. Her father, an Air Force employee, was stationed in the base hospital. James, Martha, and Kay lived on the base. Shortly after Kay's birth, the family moved back to North Carolina where she was raised and went to school. Her two younger siblings were born in North Carolina.

Kay loved to foster cats and kittens for the Community Pet Center, a non-profit rescue organization on whose board she also has served.

Her first book, entitled The Lady Thief, was published in 1981 and she has since gone on to publish over 70 books. She made the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2000 with her book Stealing Shadows and was nominated for the Shamus Award for Best Original P.I. Paperback for House of Cards, part of The Bishop Series, in 1992.

She is survived by her brother, Jimmy Hooper and wife Sonja of Forest City, her sister, Linda Parks of Boiling Springs, SC, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and friends that loved her. 

Cartoon of the Day: Library

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