Monday, January 21, 2008

R.I.P. Edward D. Hoch

On January 17, the mystery genre lost one of it's true greats. Edward D. Hoch died at the age of 77.

Anyone who has picked up a copy of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine is no doubt familiar with his stories. One has appeared in every issue since 1973.

Even to the end, Hoch was writing. He was truly the master of the short story. Probably one of the most versatile writers, Hoch penned over 900 stories; everything from cozies and police procedurals to hardboiled tales. Hoch was also a former president of The Mystery Writers of America as well as a Grand Master.

The writing community has lost a great writer (and from what I understand a fine man as well). I know it's going to take a little getting used to opening up a copy of EQMM and not see one of his stories.

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