Janwillem van de Wetering, RIP

Though so far there's nary a peep in the English-speaking world, the Literary Saloon gleans from Dutch reports that Janwillem van de Wetering, one of Holland's greatest crime writers and the author of many police procedurals featuring detectives Grijpstra and de Gier, passed away in Maine on July 4. He was 77. More here from Radio Netherlands and an extensive appreciation site run by Dunn & Powell books. 2Blowhards also recently paid tribute to van de Wetering.

UPDATE, 7/9: Soho Press has issued a press release on de Wetering's death:

Janwillem van de Wetering, one of Holland's most acclaimed crime writers and author of the Amsterdam Cops series, died on July 4, 2008, following a struggle with cancer. He was 77.

Van de Wetering was born in Rotterdam in 1931. After living in Amsterdam, Cornwall, Capetown, Bogota, Lima, and Brisbane, he finally settled on the coast of Maine with his wife in 1975. He is the author of numerous works in Dutch and English, including the Amsterdam Cops mystery series, a children series featuring the porcupine Hugh Pine, non-fiction books, and dozens of short stories. His work often incorporated his experiences as a one-time Zen Buddhist monk and the time he served with the Amsterdam Reserve Constabulary. van de Wetering was awarded the French Grand Prix de Littérature Policière in 1984.

Soho Press published fourteen books by van de Wetering, featuring adjutant Henrik Grijpstra and Sergeant Rinus de Gier. Critical acclaim was unanimously enthusiastic in publications such as the New York Times, Time, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, L.A. Times, Boston Globe, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Soho Press will be reissuing all of van de Wetering's Soho Crime novels in paperback, beginning in the fall of 2008.

Comments

[I.J.Parker]

Very sad news indeed. Van de Wetering was absolute tops for police procedurals long before more recent Scandinavians came along. He also had a great interest in Japan and he wrote a biography of Robert van Gulik, a fellow countryman famous for his diplomatic service and historical research in China and Japan and for the historical mystery series featuring Judge Dee. But van de Wetering will be most missed on his own account. His detective duo is unforgettable and his novels held a perfect balance between the stark realism of crime and the humor inherent in human frailty.

[David Thayer]

He is one of my all time favorites.

[Kerrie Smith]

Thanks for the pointer Sarah

[Peter]

I.J. Parker's comment makes me think that Van de Wetering was, among other things, a pioneer as far as Western crime writers' interest in Japan. But his stories really had three protagonists. Don't forget wily, memorable commisaris.

As far as lack of comment in the shallow world of American journalism, I am shocked but not at all surprised.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

[Peter]

I forgot to mention that it was Van de Wetering who got me interested in international crime fiction. To put it another way, he was opened my eyes to the possibility of crime fiction as a vehicle for serious and entertaining exploration.
===================
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

[I.J.Parker]

Ah, yes. How could I forget Commissaris and his pet turtle? And the extraordinary and touching respect for helpless creatures which made van de Wetering's world both human and deeply humane.
Do please read those fine novels, especially the earlier ones.

[Penelope Plumb]

Those of us privileged to live in the same seacoast area as Janwillem were touched, delighted, and sometimes stunned by his wit, humor, warmth and extraordinary creativity. His deep love for his wife and his compelling presence were profoundly moving, his artistry wonderfully over the edge! We will miss him so.

[Dan]

Janwillem wrote wonderful books. Original and offbeat, with a quirky rhythm all their own. His outsider's take on rural New England in "The Maine Massacre" is a minor masterpiece. He also gave quite a charming one-on-one interview as the honored Int'l Guest at a Bouchercon several years back (can't remember which one right now).

I'm glad you posted this, or I never would have known.