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| Barbara Neely | |
Mystery author Barbara Neely, who was recently named the Mystery Writers of America's 2020 Grand Master and "who created the first black female series sleuth in mainstream American publishing," died last week, the Associated Press reported. She was 78. Neely is perhaps best known for her four-book Blanche White series, which had at its center "a nomadic amateur detective and domestic worker who uses the invisibility inherent to her job as an advantage in pursuit of the truth."
The series includes Blanche on the Lam (1992), which won the Agatha Award, Anthony Award, and the Macavity Award for best first novel, as well as the Go on Girl! Award from Black Women's Reading Club; Blanche Among the Talented Tenth (1994); Blanche Cleans Up (1998); and Blanche Passes Go (2000). The novels "push past mystery into political and social commentary, like tackling violence against women, racism, class boundaries and sexism," the AP noted.
In a statement, the MWA said Neely "was an inspiration, a trailblazer, and a remarkable talent and voice whose loss is deeply felt. We are grateful we had the opportunity to let her know how much she meant to the mystery community before she left us. Her talent and memory will live on forever in her wonderful books. She will be missed."
Her publisher, Brash Books, shared an obituary from Neely's family, which said in part: "In addition to her writing, Barbara was also a Social Justice Warrior who dedicated her time and talents to causes such as Economic and Criminal Justice, Women's Rights and Equality. Her Socially Conscious work was acknowledged by receiving several awards. She incorporated her dedication to social change with her love of writing."
When Neely was announced as the 2020 Grand Master last December, MWA board president Meg Gardiner described her as "a groundbreaking author, and MWA is delighted to recognize her work, in which she tackles tough social issues with an unflinching eye and a wry sense of humor."
Neely's reaction on learning of the award: "MWA Grand Master! I hope this doesn't mean I have to relinquish my position as Empress Regnant of the Multiverse."