Those of you who loved the Purple Sage mysteries about Jolie Wyatt, or Barbara's new series Bead on Trouble, will be sorry to hear she died this week while assisting a rescued dog.
When I posted on a mystery list about my search for clean cozies, she emailed me about her books. I responded that I was a fan and had all of her Purple Sage books except her last one, and she promptly sent me an autographed copy to enjoy, and included a beaded bookmark she had made herself. Over the days following her death, I read of many who had been touched by her many kindnesses to others: encouragement to timid new writers, gifts to fans and even to complete strangers struggling with challenges, and her volunteer work. She's greatly missed in the world of mystery fans.