I only discovered Barbara's books recently, and visited bookstore after bookstore until I had all of them. I loved the Suspicion series especially and will miss Gail and Anthony's saga very much. I am very glad I had the priviledge of experiencing Barbara's talent, late though I am. She will be missd very much.

Brenda Halsey
North Carolina | 5/7/2009 1:03:16 AM

I have read all of Babara's books, I mean all of them. The Gail Conner and Anthony series are the best.

I have been so busy with my schooling and work and didn't know she passed away.

Am going to miss her books.

Cheri Benkowski
United States, Virginia | 5/6/2009 11:36:47 PM

I too was checking to see if I had missed one of Barbara's great books - I am so sad to learn of such a loss- she will be missed by many. As a flight attendant, I learned about Barbara's writings from a fan in South Florida that handed me a book at the end of our flight and said "enjoy"... I have never stopped "enjoying" and have gotten many, including my husband, to catch the Parker" fever.... best to her family & friends - thank you for sharing Barbara with us over the year....

Karen Stieber
Peachtree City - GA | 5/5/2009 11:10:40 AM

I came to the website 5/4 to see if any new books were forthcoming. I was shocked and overwhelmed at Barbara's passing. I enjoyed reading all her books especially Gail7&Anthony. My deepest sympathy to all of Barbara" family . A light has been exstinguished in Mystery writing world.

Fortunata Barbara
Fort Lee, N.J. USA | 5/4/2009 9:27:23 AM

I recently started reading Ms. Parker's books and loved them.

The plots were not only interesting but kept me wondering how Gail and Anthony would handle the next situation and the next.

I was so sorry to read about Ms. Parker's death.

Please tell her family for me that truly great writer will be missed.

I truly wished that I had discovered these books and Barbara and gotten to know her (even from afar).

Gloria Kirkpatrick
LaPorte, Indiana | 5/1/2009 11:11:31 AM

I just checked the website to see if I had missed a new book and am greatly saddened to read of her passing. I will always treasures the hours I spent lost in her works. I could smell the tropics and feel the sun. May her family and friends be comforted by memories of their time with her and the knowledge that she left us all the legacy of a bit of herself in her works. God Bless.

Faye Douglas
Cloverdale, B.C., Canada | 4/29/2009 8:59:36 PM

My deepest sympathy to all of Barbara's family. Your loss is so much greater than mine but I have been moved to tears on finding of her death.
While I'm a great fan of her books and feel that her characters have now died with her,
I will long remember her wonderful newsletters and how she shared her "cancer" story with all of us. I had so hoped she had won her hard fought fight and sad that she didn't. She made a difference in so many lives by sharing her story with us all.
You have your personal memories to comfort you and her fans now have treasured books to remember her by.
May Barbara find her own peace now.

Mary Holland
Vancouver, BC, Canada | 4/28/2009 8:01:37 PM

I have just recently gotten hooked on Barbara's books. I was so sad to read of her death. I was checking her website to make sure that I continued reading her books in order when I found out that she passed away. My sympathy to her family. She was a fabulous writer and will truly be missed.

Brenda
Friendswood, Texas | 4/27/2009 2:52:34 PM

She will be missed. Her books were fantastic and enjoyed by many!! God bless her and her family!!

Donna Hunter
N.J. | 4/27/2009 12:25:19 PM

I am totally shocked and at a loss for words. I came to the website today to check to see if any new books were in the works. I never expected the report of her death. I loved her Suspicion series and her other books. She was the first and only writer I have ever e-mailed. She was very quick to respond. I have read some of her books twice. It is so hard to believe that there will never be another book published with her name. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Marta McCoy
Southampton NJ USA | 4/26/2009 1:54:27 PM

Barbara served with me on the Mystery Writers of America National Board of Directors. She gave her spirit and dedication supporting fellow writers and readers every where. Barbara's wit and charm were genuine. I miss Barbara more than I can express. My sympathy and prayers go out to her family and friends. What a special friend.

Charles Todd

Charles Todd
Winston Salem NC | 4/25/2009 9:14:36 PM

I just started reading Barbara's books.I am so sad to hear of her passing, Peace be with her family and loved ones

Toni
East Haven,Ct | 4/25/2009 4:15:20 PM

I have written Barbara a few times regarding her books and even though she must have had a zillion e-mails, she always took the time to e-mail me, a total stranger, back. I am shocked and saddened by her death.

Kay Webster
Sopchoppy, Florida | 4/23/2009 11:28:21 PM

I was very sad to read about Barbara's passing. I work in a library and three of us were big fans of her Gail & Anthony books as well as her other ones. We were always looking forward to the next one and are sorry to see such a talented person leave us. She will be greatly missed.

Sharon R. Schall
Ellington, CT | 4/22/2009 10:10:46 PM

I am an avid reader of Ms. Parker's novels. I am very, very sorry for your loss! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Abbie Lyons
Boston, MA | 4/22/2009 8:52:39 PM

I went to Ms. Parker's web site to see when her next book would be published only to discover that she was deceased. She was my favorite mystery/romance novellist. My condolences to her familly and friends.

brenda keyes
Edmonton, AB, Canada | 4/22/2009 8:04:31 PM

I always enjoyed all of Barbara's books and I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Miami Book Fair International a few years ago. After that we had some e-mail correspondence and she mailed me pens and other promotional materials from her books. She was a lovely person and I will miss her books.

Beth Bowen
North Laurel, Maryland | 4/22/2009 3:39:40 PM

I loved all of her books. I used to e-mail her and she would answer me right back. She brought back so many memories of my childhood in Cuba. Sometimes we would write back and forth for a bit. I shall miss her writing and communicating with her. What a sad day this is.

Giannina Cecilia Longmire
Miami, FL | 4/21/2009 2:15:27 PM

So sad to hear this, my sympathies to Barbara's family.

My mother and sisters and I have long been fans of her books. I came to the site today to see if a new book about Gail and Anthony might be coming out soon today and saw the news. I'll miss her stories along with all her other fans.

Pam P
CT | 4/21/2009 3:53:03 AM

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will deeply miss reading her books. They were a great way to dive into a book and loose the stress of life that is going on. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her as well as whom read her books.

Joni Odegaard
Mount Vernon, Washington | 4/20/2009 7:45:23 PM

This afternoon I finished reading Suspicion of Betraylal. I immediately went to Barbara's web site to find a listing of her books. Sadly, I found that she had passed away.

If offer my condolences to her family.

Wyn Gonsoulin
Lafayette, Louisiana | 4/19/2009 5:31:43 PM

I bought my first Barbara book at an especially difficult time in my life. The Pedrosa family got me through it. Barbara introduced me to her Miami through Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana/ she introduced me to Cuba and the Cuban people. She became my friend through e-mail.
Her and her sister were going to come to Penetang someday...it never happened. We were to meet in Lauderdale by the Sea last year...it never happened.
i have lost a very dear friend in Barbara...she will be missed...

Phyllis Leggett
Penetanguishene. CANADA | 4/17/2009 12:16:53 AM

Someone gave me your "Suspicion of Innocence" novel after my home was flooded out in 1997. It made me fall in love with reading novels all over again, and over the years I've relished your new books coming out. I will always remember that you did that for me, although you knew me not. Thank you so much for Gail and Anthony. I'm a caucasian woman married to a Latino man, and I adored the parallels between our lives and cultures. God bless you.

Julie Acatitlan
Bessemer City, NC USA | 4/15/2009 11:12:14 AM

I was hooked on her writting before I had finished the first half of the first chapter of suspicion. I am so thankful that she was a writer that thought enough of her readers, and herself not to sell either of us short. She will be missed greatly, and the thought of not ever having the pleasure of reading another one of her transending tales saddens me.

Peace and Blessings to her Family and Friends.

Angela
Houston, Texas | 4/15/2009 9:55:00 AM

I looked forward every year to reading a new "Suspicion" book and have really missed Anthony and Gail. That was one of my favorite series.
I just got her latest book to read today.
Barbara was absolutely on my top list of favorite authors. I will miss her writing.

Barbara Zengerling
St. Louis, Missouri | 4/14/2009 3:00:34 PM

i was just introduced to barbaras books recently reading her latest and enjoying it very much. i was very sad to hear of her passing. my condolences to her family and all that new her. sincerely, frances niczewicz

frances niczewicz
santa clara, ca | 4/13/2009 9:34:14 PM

You will be greatly missed. I loved reading your novels. I am still in shock, I went on your web-site to find out when your next book will be released. Only to hear the sad news. To Ms. Parkers family.
Your mother was an excellent writer and I throughly enjoy reading all her books. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Her fans.
Good Bless all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Carroll McClain
Tampa, Florida | 4/10/2009 6:46:42 PM

Loved The Perfect Fake, and am proud to own a copy signed and given to me by Barbara.

It was made possible by her lovely sister Laura, who works at Levenger. Such a tragedy to lose Barbara so young, yet she lives on through her work that will continue to thrill and captivate readers for years to come.

Steve Leveen
Delray Beach, Florida | 4/10/2009 7:34:40 AM

We (my mother and I) are terribly saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. I am finishing up her Suspicion series and was curious about something, so tuned in to her website. Seeing the sad news struck me like a blow to the heart. Very, very sorry, and we send prayers to her family and close friends. She will be truly missed.

Sandra Firth
Castroville, Texas | 4/9/2009 11:18:01 PM

I'm very picky about the authors I read. I will miss Ms. Parker's contributions to my leisure time reading. Her plots and characters made for good reading.

Louise Lear
Des Moines, IA | 4/9/2009 7:51:46 PM

I was truly upset to hear of the passing of Ms Parker. I have enjoyed her books over the years, and I am sad to know that the characters will not continue to live on thru her.

Sheila Andersen
Liberal, KS | 4/9/2009 1:40:01 PM

may the Lord have you in Glory!
I was a fan reading most of your books and thought of wrighting in your styl with someof the work I am doing. Thanks for your inspiration.

mario jimenez
miami, fl. | 4/6/2009 9:21:17 PM

may the Lord have you in Glory!
I was a fan reading most of your books and thought of wrighting in your styl with someof the work I am doing. Thanks for your inspiration.

mario jimenez
miami, fl. | 4/6/2009 9:18:18 PM

I am so sad to hear of Barbara's passing. Having been a Florida resident for many years, I visualized the pictureque places and colorful characters she wrote about in each novel and looked forward to following her characters from one adventure to the next. I will miss her and the many hours of truly enjoyable reading her books provided.

Suzanna Bajger
Florida | 4/6/2009 12:48:05 PM

I stumbled upon news of Barbara's passing from Jim Born's blog. I don't regularly see local newspapers because I now split the year between Florida and NC. Simply put, Barbara was unique. Always supportive, always the teacher, always funny and always a friend. I had the pleasure of photographing her for her web site and creating, with Laura, the author photo for Suspicion of Madness. No island, of course, just partly done in my garage and partly from sky, sand and trees through Photoshop. I've rarely had more fun on a shoot. Barbara's passing is a loss for all who ever met her.

Jim Norman
Plantation, Florida and Weaverville, NC | 4/6/2009 7:10:27 AM

I am one of millions who enjoyed her enormous abilities with the written word. She was an inspiration and guide to others who came to know her and respect her even more over time.

I pray that her family and friends may find the peace and happiness that she has found elsewhere now.

patricia brooks stewart
safety harbor, florida | 4/5/2009 12:54:46 PM

I am shocked and very sad to learn of Ms. Parker's death. My condolences to her family. She was my very favorite mystery writer and I too, as others have written, loved her series with Gail and Anthony. I am so grateful for her work and devasted there will be no more. What a loss!

Marian
Indianapolis | 4/3/2009 10:28:50 AM

I am devastated. It's like losing a friend. Not only is she gone but the characters that she brought to life so vividly are gone also.

What a loss.

Mickey Mangos
Coatesville, PA | 4/1/2009 10:58:48 AM

I just finished reading The Perfect Fake. I picked it up at a book store last week. Did not know anything about Barbara's writing. I really enjoyed the book and thought I might read other ones she wrote, so I looked at her website this morning and saw that she had passed away. I am so very sad.
She looks like a wonderful person and she really had talent. I will definitely read more of her books, but with some sadness knowing she won't be doing more. My sympathy to her family. Such a loss.
Marje

Marjorie Meyer
Ft. Wayne, IN | 4/1/2009 9:46:23 AM

I am shocked and saddened to read about Ms. Parker's death. She was one of my favorite authors. I thoroughly enjoyed her "Suspicion" series. She will be will missed and as a salute, I read all her books again.

Mercedes Talarico
Norwalk, CT | 3/30/2009 7:14:47 PM

I came across the "suspicion" series by accident had became totally addicted, I had been saving the Perfect Fake for a cold wet sunday when I needed to loose myself totally and live in another world, today was that day, I was just thinking that there must be another book out there waiting for me when i came across the announcement on this web site. I would just like to pass on my sympathy to her family and let them know that lotsof people in Scotlan loved her stories as well.

Lotus
Iona, Scotland | 3/29/2009 10:53:53 AM

As a fellow author, but also an all-time fan of Barbara's books, I read of her death with real sorrow, both for her family, who must be devastated, and for her many readers who have loved and admired her work for so many years.
I was lucky enough to have a brief correspondence with Barbara in October 2008, and just recently I wrote again, asking when her new book would be available. I find it very hard to believe there will be no more wonderful books from her. She was so young. Many condolences to family and friends.
Anne Mather

Anne Mather
U.K | 3/29/2009 8:01:03 AM

I am sorry to hear of Barbara's death, and my sympathy goes out to her family and friends. I have read and re-read Barbara's books and love her work. We corresponded a couple times by email and I found her response to a fan warm and gracious.

Judith Markham
Michigan | 3/26/2009 2:03:04 PM

I am tremendously saddened by Barbara's untimely passing. Some five years ago I participated in Barbara's critique workshop at Sleuthfest. When Barabara chose my manuscript as one of five to be critiqued, that is when I knew I was on my way to becoming a published writer. The feedback she provided that day indeed made its way into the book and shaped it and all my future writing. That evening Barbara invited the five "chosen" to her suite at the conference hotel to provide support and encouragement. She sure made this newcomer and outsider feel welcome.

When that first book was published, Barbara's sister Laura designed my author website. And since then, I ran into Barbara sporadically and she always had words of kindness and encouragement. I bought her last book and she inscribed it with a personal message and sketch; I will always treasure it.

Barabara was not only a talented author, but more importantly, and kind and generous human being. I shall greatly miss her and my thoughts are with Laura and the rest of Barbara's family.

Miriam Auerbach
Boca Raton, FL | 3/25/2009 8:56:52 AM

I am so saddened by this news. I read and loved all of her books & talked to her by email a few times. She will be greatly missed!! I'm so shocked!!!

Libby Sanders
Belmont, NC | 3/23/2009 7:59:32 PM

What a loss. I have checked her website occasionally with the hope that Barbara would be releasing a new "Gail" novel soon, but had no idea that she had been sick. I am so sad for all of her family and fans...the literary world has suffered a great loss.

Laurie Mickley
Louisville, Ohio | 3/22/2009 4:19:31 PM

My sympathies go out to Barabara's family, I was just checking her website to see when the next "Suspicion" was coming out and am shocked and saddened to see this today..
Barbara Parker was one of my first mystery/suspense authors and I had always hoped one dayto meet her if she toured Southern California. I have all of her books and will treasure them even more than I already did.
The literary world has lost a great writer~kj :(

Kathy Jund
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca | 3/20/2009 9:14:53 PM

These books renewed my love for reading after many years raising my girls. I feel in love with the characters Gail and Anthony. I'm shocked and sadded by Barbaras death. She and her terrific imagination will be sorely missed. God Bless her and her family

Janeece Chambosse
Columbia, Tn | 3/20/2009 8:48:16 PM

I am so sad to hear of Ms Parker's death. I went to the Web site (for the first time) just now and was shocked to see that she died earlier this month. I have loved her novels. I just finished reading the last of the Gail Connor series and loved every one -- I felt as if Gail and Anthony were my friends and I so regret that there will be no more books about them.

Joan Quillen
Atlanta, GA | 3/20/2009 7:41:40 PM

I was so saddened when I read that Barbara had passed away. I first met her at a book signing at the USF Bookstore and have been an avid fan since. I introduced her books to my book club, The Literary Dames of Tampa, and they too have enjoyed her books, as I have. Next month's selection is The Dark of Day and I was checking her website for pictures and ideas of how to make it special for the club meeting when I read the announcement. I will miss her emails and stories.

Delma Rodriguez
Tampa | 3/20/2009 12:46:16 PM

I'll never forget the first time I read one of her amazing books. I had to run to the book store and get every book in the series. It was a special moment I know other readers understand. I can honestly say she was #1 top of my list of hundreds of authors I read. And my love of her books brought me together with my best friend, another huge Barbara Parker fan. And how generous she was to spend an evening on the phone with my friend and I and discuss her characters, inspiration. It was amazing and unforgettable. I'm just so sad right now and I know she touched so many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Sandy Zamora
Raymondville, TX | 3/20/2009 9:38:14 AM

I am devastated by this news. Her books have been the most amazing works of fiction and to think that this will be no more is just very sad.

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family who I know and understand her greatness.

Mary Gramlich
Florissant, MO | 3/19/2009 4:06:02 PM

I am so sad to learn of Barbara's passing. She was a rare and lovely woman, admired and respected by all who knew her. In our every encounter, she was unfailingly kind, generous and joyful. I am honored to have known her.

I can only offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to her family.

Lisa Unger
Florida | 3/19/2009 7:02:20 AM

Was shocked when I saw the obit in the Sentinal. I loved her writing and will miss her. She was a good read. It was fun recognizing local neighborhoods in her stories

Sid Royal
Delray Beach, Fl | 3/18/2009 12:23:01 AM

Barbara was one of the brightest, caring, and most giving human beings I have ever met. I was blessed to book sign with her more than a few times. Although we were writing for different genres, Barbara always had something kind to say about my writing. She was also gracious enough to grant me a wonderful interview last year; one I will be republishing in my spring newsletter 'Marcia's Romantically Yours.' May she continue to write wonderful books in the great beyond. God bless you, Barbara! South Florida will miss you.

Marcia King-Gamble
Florida | 3/17/2009 4:26:39 PM

Barbara wasn't just a friend, she was my mentor in my writing career. Her advice has endowed my writing with finessee I didn't think I had. Barbara also gave me the best advice I've ever heard: Sit your self down in that chair and write!

So I have...and I have never regretted a minute of it. Barbara, I'm going to miss you so much!

Rebecca B Swets
Boca Raton, FL | 3/17/2009 2:35:32 PM

I had no idea she had passed away. I was visiting the site to see if there was any info on a new book by one of my all time favorites and you can imagine my shock. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the family. Barbara Parker will be greatly missed in my heart and my bookshelf.

amy
Orange, VA | 3/17/2009 2:02:55 PM

I felt terrible when I heard that Barbara passed away. My mother actually found the obituary in the Chicago Tribune and I was shocked. We both loved her books and couldn't wait until the next one came out. I stumbled upon her book "Suspicion of Innocence" by accident while browsing books on Amazon, and after reading it I was hooked. I had to read all of the books in order and enjoyed each one, and then I would give them to my mom. The last in the Suspicion series was my favorite and I actually felt like I visited Cuba. I would eagerly await each new book. She was a wonderful author and will be missed!

Barbara
Schaumburg, IL | 3/15/2009 10:33:02 AM

I had the opportunity to meet Barbara at a book signing in San Mateo, CA in March of 2005. She was a wonderful, sweet, woman. I have kept all of her books. She was a great writer. For a number of years we exchanged e-mails and Christmas cards. Not having heard from her, I was afraid the cancer had come back. I will miss her writing and I am so sorry for the loss of a great person.

Marge Gissberg
Port Orchard, WA | 3/14/2009 4:32:48 PM

I also was looking to see what I was missing in her books and ound out of her passing. so sorry or her family, how lucky youall were. I still reread the suspesscion books when I need a good reading feeling. I will miss gail and anthony and new characters . what a gift and talent who will be missed

trish jackson
toprka kansas | 3/14/2009 4:26:34 PM

I was so shocked to hear of Ms. Parker's passing. I started reading her books and was hooked. I was just checking what books I missed when I found out about her untimely death. Though I do not care obituaries that define a person's lfe by their career, I find this totally different. She gave me joy and time to be lost in another world. Barbara will always be one of my favorites.

Regina Herz
Brigantine | 3/13/2009 5:55:15 PM

I have always loved reading books, hence the profession of librarian. I have always read the ending of a book FIRST, then gone to the beginning, back to the ending, into the middle, then back to the front. Needless to say, I ALWAYS KNEW the ending of a book whatever the genre! While looking for a "new" author to read, our daily paper had an article on Barbara Parker. BINGO! She will now my favorite author to read until some of my other favorites publish a book this year. I plan a visit to the local library this week so I can take out some of Barbara's books. What sadness to have lost an author so young!

Judy
Pine Ridge FL | 3/13/2009 3:51:24 PM

I work at a library in Gladstone, Mo and I have gotten several mystery readers addited to Barbara Parker. I am so sorry for her families loss of a great person and for the worlds loss of a great author. I have enjoyed all of her books. It will be strange knowing that Gail Connor adventures are at an end and that C. J. Dunn didn't get a chance to continue. I know that God now has a great author to entertain the heavens. May those she left behind find a peace that will allow them to remember the good and be happy for the good times.

Jean
Gladstone, Mo | 3/12/2009 1:16:24 PM

This came as an incredible shock to me. Laura called me Monday morning after hearing a message I had left on Barbara's answering machine last week. I last saw her two years ago and she never let on that she was ill--she seemed as healthy and as happy as I have ever seen her.

I first met Barb in 1987 at a planning meeting for the "King Mango Strut" in Coconut Grove. How could I not have been impressed with her bubbly personality, sense of humor, and the twinkle in her eye. We soon became close friends, and through all of her struggles as she tried to get her writing career going, she never lost those qualities and her zest for life.

It seems to be sort of a secret that her first book was not "Suspicion of Innocence," but was, in fact, a paperback mystery-romance novel entitled "Running Mates," published by Penguin Books in 1991 using the name Barbara Jeanne Parker. As I began reading that first work, I was very impressed with the vividness of each scene, and how thoroughly she fabricated each character and setting. Every now and then I would lower the book and stare into space and say to myself, "Wow. Barbara wrote this!" She truly had an awesome talent.

I was amused by her telling of first seeing her book on the shelf in a store. She said, "I stared at the small stack for a moment, hardly believing my eyes, and then I picked one up, leafed through it, and bought it!''

She was a lovely person and a good friend, and I will miss her.

Ray King
Jacksonville, Florida | 3/11/2009 5:31:38 PM

I hadn't read a book in 23 years, I'm embarrassed to say. Then one day in 2007, I was at my towns library and started to browse mystery books. I thought it was time to start enjoying sitting and reading.

I came upon Barbara's books. I started to read the Perfect Fake and could not put it down. I then discovered her Suspicion series, and read everyone, even if it was not in order at first.

I have gone on to read other thrillers by other authors, and have not stopped reading.

So, I sincerely thank you Barbara for inspiring me to read, and showing me what I have been missing for so many years. You will be greatly missed.

Ann Marie Ponzini
Burlington, MA | 3/11/2009 1:03:10 PM

I met Barbara three times, each time at the Mystery Writers Conference on Longboat Key. How fortunate I was. Such a sassy and take-charge lady. I was born and raised on Miami Beach. Her writing transported me back as no author ever has. Such a clear and accurate view of a beautiful and challenging place. Such a compelling spinner of tales; such a clear vision about human nature. I will miss her terribly. My heart goes out to you who knew her. My love to her family and loved ones.


Barbara A. Smith

Barbara A. Smith
St. Petersburg, Fl | 3/11/2009 10:19:52 AM

Barbara, no words to express but you'll be missed. I have great memories that will last forever for all those moments i spent with you, you'll always be remembered. My most sincere condolences to the family and rest in peace( I know you told me)

Dinorah
Hialeah Gardens | 3/11/2009 7:59:44 AM

I was sadden to hear of the lost of a great writer, Barbara Parker. I really enjoyed reading her novels and could not wait until the next one would come out. It is everyones lost that she has passed on.

Martha Hernandez
Melbourne, Florida | 3/11/2009 6:23:38 AM

I was blessed enough to have worked for Barbara for 4 years. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She will be missed, but always loved.

Jennifer Violi
Orlando, FL | 3/10/2009 9:49:22 PM

My sincere sympathy is extended to the Parker family. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

I was devasted when I read of Ms. Parker's passing. I wasn't aware she had been ill.

She will remain one of my favorite authors. I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida and it was always fun to read about Gayle and Anthony in the Miami area.

Barbara Parker will be sorely missed...

Patty
Fort Myers, FL | 3/10/2009 8:19:57 PM

I loved all of the "Suspicion" novels and was so sad to read Barbara Parkers's obituary in the Columbia, SC newspaper. I live in Florence, SC and had no idea that Barbara was a SC native. I will dearly miss the adventures of Gail Connors and Anthony Quintano.

Linda Wyche
Florence, SC | 3/10/2009 6:44:21 PM

I'm just devasted - Ms. Parker was one of my favorite authors and a talent that will be truly missed.

Her friends and family are in my thoughts.

Linda Burchett
Cincinnati OH | 3/10/2009 3:22:55 PM

I loved the Gail and Anthony series and all her other books!
An unbelievable loss to the world....and she was so YOUNG!
Ms. Parker was a role model for all women everywhere...and this is especially worth pointing out now..since March is Women's History Month!!


I am going to write about Barbara Parker in my weekly column today..for the Madera Tribune.

Oh, NO..tell me it isn't so!!!
Madera, CA | 3/10/2009 10:21:49 AM

I am so sad about her death. I just read it in the Miami Herald. I've read all her published novels. Her novels has been a great source of joy and entertainment for me and several friends. Although I never met her, I always felt some kind of connection to her work and proud that her work features south Florida as a focus location. My best to her family. Her words will be missed.

robert
miami, fl | 3/10/2009 9:46:52 AM

Barbara provided a great inspiration to me when I decided to try my hand at writing mystery novels five years ago.

She provided guidance and hope to many others like me. I appreciated her gentle verbal guidance and inspiration when all seemed lost.

Paul McElroy
Stuart, Florida

Paul & Michi McElroy
Stuart, Florida | 3/10/2009 9:46:38 AM

Barbara was the first author I ever wrote to to say how much I enjoyed a book. It was "Suspicion of Innocence," and before emails. I received a wonderful letter from her and later won an autographed copy of the book in a contest she had on "Gail and Anthony." I emailed her around the time each year that I thought a new book would come out, and she always graciously replied. I asked her once whether she would do any book signings in the Chicago area. She remarked that her books usually came out when it was very cold in Chicago and she was from the South, but she would think about it. I am sorry I never got to see her in person and that there will never be another "Gail and Anthony" book, but am so glad for the wonderful books she did write. Like someone else mentioned, I, too, had just checked Amazon to see when a new book would be coming out. To her family, friends, and other readers, my heartfelt sympathy.

Margaret Franson
Elmhurst, IL | 3/10/2009 2:06:34 AM

I have enjoyed Barbara's "Suspicions" series books very much. I was just doing a search on the internet for an audio book of hers when I found out she had passed.
I had emailed her back in September to let her know how much I enjoyed her books and was looking for one particular book on audio. She responded that that book was not on audio.
This past Saturday, I was listening to an audio book of hers. She will be missed by all her fans.
Sincerley
Brenda

Brenda
California | 3/9/2009 10:51:20 PM

I first met Barbara when we were 18 and 19 years old, theatre majors at USF in Tampa. I was lucky to get to know her as a friend as we worked together, but I also admired her performances. Her excellence in a range of roles revealed her skills as an actress, including analytical approach to character development, a sensitive artistic nature, and a strong stage presence rooted in her own well-centered perspective and quiet but firm sense of self.
She was a gentle guide to good behavior even at that young age when most of us were more prone to be thrown off-kilter by romances -- either in bloom or going awry.
She was a disciplined, hard worker but when she determined that a barrier required more time than she felt it merited, she found another route to success. This proved to be emblematic of her creative approach to Life. We had a joyous reunion in our late 40's and she spoke of how much she loved her children but was trying hard to be supportive without interfering as they became independant.
I was delighted to see her at book fairs, and in recent years shared a happy gathering with dear old pals in Tampa where she was honored as a distinguished alum.
We are so saddened by her death and the profound loss to her family, tho I know --like all great mentors-- her sprit will live within you and light your paths.

barbara Molloy
Sarasota, Florida | 3/9/2009 9:30:38 PM

Barbara's enthusiasm remind us that perhaps we should spend the rest of our lives saying goodbye to those we love

Denis Bedu
Hollywood, Florida | 3/9/2009 9:04:49 PM

I enjoyed Barbara's books very much and purchased each one as soon as it was published.

She will be greatly missed.

Prayers that she is now in the arms of our Lord.

Eileen Kinney
Island Lake, Illinois | 3/9/2009 6:48:09 PM

I e-mail Barbara in Oct asking if she was going to write another book about Anthony and Gail. She wrote back that she had a health issues .
I was so impressed that she answered me. I will miss her wonderful writing I would just lose my self in her books. What a huge loss. I would pass her books onto my friends who would always say don't forget to give me her next book.

Patricia Ventra
Liverpool,NY | 3/9/2009 5:29:43 PM

As a mystery writer wannabe I would just like to say how inspirational Barbara was. She was not only a wonderful writer and a gifted story teller, she was an outstanding teacher. And of course, a little anal which is part of why we loved her so. Bigger than life, with a heart twice as huge, she was a personality that the world will miss terribly. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Please accept my heartfelt condolences because she was a shining light in this business of writing well. Sincerely, Jan Fogt, Stuart, Fl.

jan fogt
Stuart, FL. | 3/9/2009 4:54:41 PM

I had the pleasure of first meeting Barbara at her sister's home just after she'd returned from Cuba researching Suspicion of Rage. After listening to her talk about her experience I couldn't wait for her to finish the book. The time wsa spent catching up on her previous novels. All of which have provided much entertainment. She and her talent for story telling will be missed. Laura and family: Take care of one another. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Parks Morgan
Fort Lauderdale, FL | 3/9/2009 3:49:01 PM

I will miss her work. I always looked forward to her new books.

Pauline Klein
Port Charlotte Florida | 3/9/2009 1:03:28 PM

I came across Ms. Parkers books while looking for a Robert Parker Book. I was so thrilled and read everything she wrote one after another. I went to a book signing a couple of years ago in Lexington, KY and she was delightful. I am reading The Dark of Day now. I will greatly miss her writing. She was so gifted.

My prayers and sympathy go out to her friends and family.

Betsy Thomas

BetsyThomas
Lexington, Kentucky | 3/9/2009 12:56:18 PM

Wow...I am stunned. I just googled to see when her next book would come out.

She had the perfect combination of suspense and relationship development set in Florida. I immensely enjoyed her writing. Selfishly, I am saddened that the characters will no longer exist.

Dawn Newhouse
STEWARTSTOWN, PA | 3/9/2009 12:38:27 PM

Barbara Parker was a dear friend and colleague. She was always willing to help me get a passage in my writing "right," and without her encouragement and critiques, I never would have been published.

The world without Barbara is a little smaller, however, through her wonderful novels her indomitable spirit will live on forever.

So long, dear Barbara--I guess we'll have to do that lunch at another time and place...

C.K. Laurence
Miami Beach | 3/9/2009 12:25:47 PM

Laura and Family:

I was devastated to learn Barbara is gone. You know she was my mentor and a dear, supportive friend. I dedicated my first book to her--a book that never would have happened without her guidance and critiques.

The whole world is a little quieter now, but her wonderful spirit and determination--as well as all her incredibly delightful mysteries--will live on forever.

Knowing Barbara made me a better person, and my heart goes out to you.

Much love, Claudia ("C.K.")

Claudia Laurence
Miami Beach | 3/9/2009 11:57:47 AM

What a brave and courageous lady.
I had the pleasure of meeting her years ago. I live just south of her and we would Email one another after one of our famous Florida storms. Our joke was we would wave to each other on the beach even tho we live about 10 miles apart.

I got hooked on her Suspicion novels when I moved to South Florida.

My thoughts & prayers are with her friends & family.

She will be missed.

pat dover
Dania Beach, Florida | 3/9/2009 8:19:04 AM

i met barbara at a book signing a few years ago. i went to meet her because her books were facsinatingly entertaining. in person, she was a delight. she took the time to talk to all of the people at the signing. i have been looking forward to the book she told me that she was working on. hopefully, it was completed and will be publlshed. i will miss her dearly. ralph

ralph oko
plantation, floirda | 3/8/2009 9:59:47 PM