Gregory Mcdonald, R.I.P.

Gregory Mcdonald, best known as the author of the FLETCH novels, died on September 7 in Giles County, TN. He was 71. Edward Champion confirmed the news tonight with the Giles County Ambulance Service.

I'm not even sure how I can describe what I feel, except that the mystery world was better off for Mcdonald being in it, even quietly, and now he is gone and it is diminished. No doubt there will be tributes (and feel free to post thoughts in the comments) and there won't be enough of them, I reckon. And as it happens, SOUVENIRS FROM A BLOWN WORLD, a collection of Mcdonald's writings during the 1960s and the 1970s, will be reissued in November by Seven Stories Press.

UPDATE: The AP has picked up the story, and quotes manager David List as saying Mcdonald died of cancer. There will be no funeral, but a memorial service may be planned for later.

Comments

[Grant McKenzie]

He certainly left an important legacy. I was definitely inspired to write my very first mystery because of the fantastic Fletch series. McDonald's ability to write witty, cut-to-the-quick dialogue is unparalleled.

[Cameron Hughes]

Oh no. He was so so good. I study the dialogue in Fletch and Fletch Won.

[Steve Allan]

McDonald was one of my heroes. Hell, Fletch was the reason I studied Journalism in college. I loved his novels. What sad sad news.

[Jean-Marc Laherrère]

Please excuse my poor english ...

The news also reached France.
Here he is known for The Brave, that won in 1997 the prize of best forein novel of the 813 association (association of readers and writers of crime novels).

We are all sad.

[Ruth Jordan]

In our house, the Fletch Books remain forever on a handy shelf. When nothing else will do, a dose of Fletch is always just right. A remarkable talent and one that we will continue to revisit.

[Edward Renehan]

An artful writer and a good guy.