This is a very sad time for the Cozy Mystery world. Joyce Lavene passed away yesterday. Most of us read at least one of her Cozy series which she co-wrote with her husband of forty four years, Jim Lavene. As a team they co-authored many, many Cozy Mystery series, both as Joyce and Jim Lavene and also as J.J. Cook and Ellie Grant.
Rest in Peace, Joyce. She will be sorely missed by many, and our sympathy goes out to Joyce’s family and friends.
Elaine says
Such sad news. So sorry for your loss Lavene Family.
Cathy Ace says
Terribly sad news – a great loss for her family, and our community.
Kath says
Such a terrible loss, first for her family and then for us that loved their books.
Anne says
Oh, I am heartbroken. My love and prayers go out to her husband and family. Anne F
Sheila in CT says
OMG! I didn’t hear about her passing. I just went to their Facebook page and left a message for the family. Thanks for letting your blog followers know.
dragons3 says
So sorry to hear this news. I love the Lavene’s Renn Faire series and the biscuit bowl series. My sympathies to her family.
Margaret StashEmpress says
Joyce was a lovely gracious & generous lady. I was a fan of her many cozy series & member of her & Jim’s Facebook group. She started every day by posting a lovely upbeat message & photo to the group. She was warm & friendly & always quick to give away books & other “swag” that related to the themes of the books. And a couple of times I received a gift package in the mail totally by surprise –a book, a book light, cute notepads, pens, a mug, etc. She was a sweet, lovely & warm hearted lady & will be missed by so many.
Marion says
Do you know what happened to her? I couldn’t find any information.
Rob says
My sympathies to Mr. Lavene at this time and your readers, Sir, will miss the teamwork that you two so effortlessly (and we know better)
execute those great books.
My prayers will be with you, Jim, and your family for peace and healing. I lost my mom 10 years ago next month and my dad especially misses her at all the important days as well as every day.
He and Mom were married for 53 before she passed so he can definitely stand in your shoes and understand.
Sincerely, one of many thousands of happy readers and fans
Rob J
Kentwood, MI
Kathy says
I’m so sorry. It will be a great loss in the Cozy family.
Margaret M. says
Oh, I have not heard until now. I am so sorry to hear the sad news. My sympathies to her family.
Linda MH says
I was stunned when I heard this sad news. I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne says
My heart goes out to her husband and family, she will be missed.
Tamara says
Thank you for letting us know, this is very sad news. I have her books on my shelf. One is waiting to be read, and I will think of her while reading it.
Jill G says
Thank you for sharing this news! My thoughts and prayers are with her family. The books by Joyce and Jim are some of my favorite cozies. She will be missed!
Ruth says
Thanks for posting. I had just got a book in the mail today from the Lavenes and getting ready to say thank you when I read your post. I’m heartsick for Jim and family. They had a wonderful storybook marriage. Joyce had a great sense of humor but also a kind and gentle soul. Over the years I’ve read their books she always replied and made you feel she cared. I’m wondering if Jim will keep on writing these books that we loved so much.
Jetty says
Oh this feels like such a big loss. I have read three series by her and am such a big fan. Someone who can (co-)write such heart felt lovely books and make the subjects in her book so real must be a wise and lovely human being with such a diverse interests. A big loss for all her readers, but especially for her husband and family members and friends. I will miss her. I do hope her husband will feel consolation in continuing their series.
Judy says
So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Joyce Lavene, she will live on in her books that bring such joy to all.
Donna Mc says
A sad day for the cozy mystery community. Thoughts & prayers for the Lavene family, especially Jim. She will be missed by many!