On November 12, 2023 Dawn Dowdle, owner of Blue Ridge Literary Agency passed away.

Dawn was my agent for more than three years and in that time she became my friend.

Not only did she believe in me and was an enthusiastic and tireless advocate for my work, she cared about me, my family, and all of her authors on a personal level. She didn’t just build an agency, she built a community. A family.

She’d often reach out just to see how I was doing, and if she sensed I was frustrated or struggling, she’d call to give me space to vent and talk through things with her.

Dawn was a lover of mysteries, jigsaw puzzles, and was devoted to her husband and daughter.

I will always be grateful for the years I spent knowing Dawn. I will never forget her laugh. Her impact on my life, the lives of her authors, and the mystery/crime fiction community is a legacy that will endure.