Howard Engel was a renowned Canadian mystery author, best known for his Benny Cooperman series. These books follow the title character, a Canadian Jewish detective, and are set in the Niagara region of Canada. Engel's writing is highly regarded in the mystery genre, and his series has garnered a dedicated following.
Beyond his work as an author, Engel was also a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) producer. His career in broadcasting and writing allowed him to make significant contributions to Canadian culture and literature. Engel's influence extends to the creation of Crime Writers Of Canada, an organization he co-founded with fellow author Eric Wright.
Engel had a rich personal life, including a marriage to author Marian Engel, with whom he had twins Charlotte and William. After his marriage to Marian Engel ended, he went on to have a son, Jacob, with his late wife, author Janet Hamilton. Engel and Hamilton also co-wrote "Murder In Space" together.
In 2001, Engel suffered a stroke that resulted in a rare condition called "alexia sine agraphia." This condition impaired his ability to comprehend written words, but he was still able to write. Despite this setback, Engel continued to write and inspire aspiring authors and writers of all kinds. He retired in Toronto, where he continued to be a mentor to many. Engel passed away due to complications from pneumonia after a stroke. He is survived by his beloved cat, Kali.