Howard Engel was a very good man, and a terrific writer. I had the privilege of publishing two of his Benny Cooperman detective novels in their US editions, Memory Book and East of Suez. While working with him in the mid-2000s, I visited Toronto from NYC. He had me over for tea and then we went to dinner at a great Hungarian restaurant on Bloor St. After our paprikash and schnitzel, we stopped in at the Book City nearby and he signed a few copies of his books they had on hand. He was very popular among the booksellers. Howard was delightful, so warm and interesting to spend time with. RIP Howard Engel, age 88. More info on Howard via this link.