Yesterday, author Charles Todd announced the death of his mother, Caroline Todd. Caroline was the other half of the mother-son writing team who wrote the Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford mysteries. Here was Charles Todd’s announcement on Facebook.
“It is with a heavy heart that I along with my sister Linda and Caroline’s sister Martha must tell you we lost Caroline this morning 8-27-21 at 10 am. She passed peacefully and was with Linda at the end. Caroline left the world a better place and was immensely happy to have met and gotten to know so many readers, authors and booksellers. She was to the very end a class act. More information will follow. I am delighted we have completed A Game of Fear featuring Ian Rutledge and the next in the Bess Crawford. Caroline will always be alive in the hearts of all she touched. Everyone’s notes have been greatly appreciated. Charles”
I didn’t know Caroline Todd, although I was lucky enough to sit with her once at a librarians’ tea at Boucheron in Raleigh. I stayed after the tea so I could get a couple photos. She and Charles spoke, along with Deborah Crombie. If you want to see that post from Sept. 2016, here’s the link. https://lesasbookcritiques.com/tea-with-deborah-crombie-todds/
If you don’t want to read that post, let me quote just a couple bits, and I’ll share a couple photos.
The event was by invitation only, so most attendees didn’t get to see this one. And, it was my favorite program at Bouchercon. It was quiet and intimate, and nothing else is quiet at the mystery convention.
HarperCollins invited a small group of bloggers, librarians and booksellers to a two-hour tea with Deborah Crombie and mother-son team of Charles and Caroline Todd. While the attendees were at small tables, Charles, Caroline and Deborah talked, and then joined us at the tables.
After the talk, Caroline Todd joined our table, and we had a delightful conversation until it was time for the session to be over.
Caroline Todd was so kind, and so interested in everyone. Of course, her death is a loss to her family. Her death is also a great loss to the mystery community. May she rest is peace.
Sad. She always seemed a lovely, classy person.
I agree with you that these small, intimate gatherings can be the highlights of conventions.
RIP
And, a friend reminded me, Jeff, that Caroline and Charles Todd were to have been Guests of Honor at Bouchercon in New Orleands this weekend. She always seemed so gracious.
Thank you for that link to your previous post. I’ve read quite a few of the Ian Rutledge series and will miss Caroline Todd’s storytelling.
You’re welcome, MM. Even though you know there will be one more, it doesn’t help much, does it?