Floridian author of the popular Dixie Hemingway series of mysteries, Blaize Clement, has passed away from cancer at the age of 78.

The Dixie Hemingway novels are lighthearted, cozy mysteries with a splash of romance, suspense and lots of humour. The stories centre around Dixie, a former policewoman turned pet sitter in sunny Sarasota. The quick pacing, quirky characters and creative plots, along with a southern setting that comes to life are the key appeals.

Clement didn’t start writing the series until late in life, with her first mystery, Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter not be being published until 2006. She was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award for Cat Sitter on a Hot Tin Roof. Blaize reportedly worked hard to complete books 7 (due out in Jan) and 8 before her death, and her son John is said to have agreed to add a couple more novels later on. He spent weeks with his dying mother in a hospice where they discussed and planned out the future for Dixie.

Rest in peace Blaize.

“Blends elements of cozy and thriller to produce an unusual and enjoyable hybrid… Clement’s deft hand with plot and characters is sure to delight readers.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“..a knock-out read. In her debut mystery,Clement offers vivid characters, a super plot, and a sense of place so real you can almost feel the sand between your toes. For anyone who loves mysteries, animals, or just plain great writing, this is a book to savor.” Laurien Berenson, author of the Raining Cats and Dogs

Source: http://www.thereader.ca/2008/08/in-memoriam-blaize-clement.html