Michael Malone (1) (1942–2022)
Author of Handling Sin
For other authors named Michael Malone, see the disambiguation page.
About the Author
Image credit: via Goodreads
Series
Works by Michael Malone
Associated Works
Growing Up in the South: An Anthology of Modern Southern Literature (1991) — Contributor — 163 copies, 1 review
Major Problems in the History of the American West: Documents and Essays (1989) — Contributor — 65 copies
A Confederacy of Crime: New Stories of Southern-Style Mystery (2001) — Contributor — 42 copies, 1 review
The Best of the Best American Mystery Stories: The First Ten Years (2014) — Contributor — 39 copies, 1 review
The Best American Mystery Stories 2002 [Audio Book, abridged] (2002) — Contributor — 3 copies, 1 review
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Malone, Michael Christopher
- Birthdate
- 1942-11-01
- Date of death
- 2022-08-19
- Gender
- male
- Education
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Bx & Mx)
Harvard University (doctoral studies in English) - Occupations
- author
television writer
university teacher - Relationships
- Quilligan, Maureen (widow)
- Short biography
- Michael Malone
Michael Malone, the novelist, TV writer and Edgar and Emmy winner, died on Friday, August 19, of pancreatic cancer. He was 79 or 80--his date of birth was unclear.
Many of his novels and short stories were set in South, particularly in North Carolina, where he was born and grew up. "Red Clay" won the 1997 Edgar for best short story. Malone was working on the fourth book in his Justin & Cuddy series when he died.
Besides being involved in theater and teaching at several universities, Malone wrote for several soap operas, most notably as head writer for One Life to Live from 1991 to 1996. (He won a Writers Guild award and an Emmy in 1994, and was nominated for Emmys in other years.) One of his novels, The Killing Club, was "written" by a character on the show, then published under her and Malone's name.
Most of his books were published by Sourcebooks Landmark. Sourcebooks publisher and CEO Dominique Raccah said in part, "He is the New York Times bestselling novelist of First Lady and Four Corners of the Sky, among many other beautiful books. He was an extraordinary Southern novelist, award winning mystery writer and celebrated television writer. Personally, of course, he was the first established novelist to believe in Sourcebooks and to allow us to publish him, changing our future forever. He was a warm, kind and generous (and very funny) human being, and well loved in our community. There's so much that one could write about his very big life. We will all miss him."
As his obituary noted, "At the end of First Lady, Malone wrote about the difference between rock stars and saints: stars 'draw all the light to them, but throw it off too, like real stars.... It's different with saints. If stars are the light, then saints are the people the light shines through, and illuminates what they love so that we all can see its beauty.' Although many people thought he was a saint when he helped them to see their own dreams, Malone didn't think so. Instead he hoped to become an angel, as in the plot of some of his favorite movies. He is doubtless an angel now, and like his namesake, one with a truly magnificent wingspan." - Cause of death
- pancreatic cancer
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Places of residence
- Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA
- Place of death
- Clinton, Connecticut, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- North Carolina, USA
Members
Reviews
Novels set at Christmas are often sweet, the equivalent of Hallmark movies. This isn't always a bad thing (a much loved member of my own family adores these movies) but sometimes you crave a little more substance in your stories. Michael Malone's The Last Noel has that substance mixed with some lovely heartwarming moments and some tear jerking moments as well.
Noni Tilden, the wealthy, white daughter of a banking family in a small Southern town was born on Christmas Eve. Kaye King, the poor, show more black grandson of the Tilden's long-time maid, Aunt Ma, was born early the next morning on Christmas Day. In 1963, the Christmas when Noni and Kaye are seven, Kaye climbs through her window in the middle of the night and urges her to come outside to play in the snow with him on the sled that's waiting for her under the Christmas tree. And so begins a life-long relationship which sees Noni and Kaye's lives intertwine in ways both expected and unexpected.
The story of Noni and Kaye spans forty years, twelve Christmases, and an immeasurable distance of the heart. Despite their clear differences, their initial bonding over the snow and the sled binds them together no matter all of the changes in their lives and in the world as a whole. Once close, their lives will diverge as Noni marries and sacrifices her earlier dreams and as Kaye joins the Black Power Movement before going on to become a respected doctor. The story is both epic, touching national, historical, and political events of note, and personal, showing the effect of those events on individual people and families, in its scope. Checking in on the dramas, joys, and tragedies of family life on occasional Christmases over the years, the story of Noni and Kaye's interconnectedness and their deep abiding love for each other, by turns innocent, troubled, remote, supportive, heartbreaking, and heart warming all, is a fitting tale for the holidays. The South of the story is a mild evocation, a fairly genteel South, and its ills are acknowledged and confronted but mostly easily addressed. But the framework of reality is there nonetheless. Not your usual holiday read, this is a good one for readers interested in a seasonally appropriate story that isn't sentimental and over the top twee. Well written and epic in scope, this is Noni and Kaye's story but also a tale of the US writ small. show less
Noni Tilden, the wealthy, white daughter of a banking family in a small Southern town was born on Christmas Eve. Kaye King, the poor, show more black grandson of the Tilden's long-time maid, Aunt Ma, was born early the next morning on Christmas Day. In 1963, the Christmas when Noni and Kaye are seven, Kaye climbs through her window in the middle of the night and urges her to come outside to play in the snow with him on the sled that's waiting for her under the Christmas tree. And so begins a life-long relationship which sees Noni and Kaye's lives intertwine in ways both expected and unexpected.
The story of Noni and Kaye spans forty years, twelve Christmases, and an immeasurable distance of the heart. Despite their clear differences, their initial bonding over the snow and the sled binds them together no matter all of the changes in their lives and in the world as a whole. Once close, their lives will diverge as Noni marries and sacrifices her earlier dreams and as Kaye joins the Black Power Movement before going on to become a respected doctor. The story is both epic, touching national, historical, and political events of note, and personal, showing the effect of those events on individual people and families, in its scope. Checking in on the dramas, joys, and tragedies of family life on occasional Christmases over the years, the story of Noni and Kaye's interconnectedness and their deep abiding love for each other, by turns innocent, troubled, remote, supportive, heartbreaking, and heart warming all, is a fitting tale for the holidays. The South of the story is a mild evocation, a fairly genteel South, and its ills are acknowledged and confronted but mostly easily addressed. But the framework of reality is there nonetheless. Not your usual holiday read, this is a good one for readers interested in a seasonally appropriate story that isn't sentimental and over the top twee. Well written and epic in scope, this is Noni and Kaye's story but also a tale of the US writ small. show less
The murder of his uncle’s wife, in what seems at first to be a random robbery, prompts police lieutenant Justin Savile to dredge up long-buried secrets that threaten his very old family and the monied elite that rule the small town where he lives.
I am proud of my Southern heritage, and I usually enjoy Southern fiction, in small doses. Too much, and I find it cloying, like overly sweetened tea. At first, I was afraid that was what Uncivil Seasons would be, as the Southern accents are so show more thick they almost drip from the page. Justin Savile lives in a small North Carolina town called Hillston, modeled no doubt on the town where both I and Michael Malone live. The town is peopled with all the types of Southern fiction, the old, wealthy families who rule the town, and the poor white trash raise hell on the wrong sides of the tracks. There are also a few eccentric characters: the homeless woman who spouts religious prophecies in the streets and the black music store owner with a great sense of style and a side business fencing stolen goods. And Justin’s partner Cuddy Mangum, who cannot shut up and comes off at first like a younger, wittier Barney Fife.
But there is an unexpected depth to this story and a surprising humanness to these characters. As Justin digs deeper into the case, and as we learn more about him and the people around him, the novel becomes elevated above a mere cozy Southern mystery. Through the investigation, Justin comments on small-town life and politics, his failure to live up to what his family expected of him, and his struggles to figure out the kind of life he really wants to build. At the same time, the people in his life reveal themselves not as stereotypes, but as full-fledged, interesting human beings. Malone invites us to embrace the caricatures, and then to look beyond them for the truth.
I was surprised to realize this book was published in the 1980s (although I should have realized it from the characters’ references to the Vietnam War). The story feels fresh and current. It was a pleasant discovery for me, and I will probably look for more of Michael Malone’s books. show less
I am proud of my Southern heritage, and I usually enjoy Southern fiction, in small doses. Too much, and I find it cloying, like overly sweetened tea. At first, I was afraid that was what Uncivil Seasons would be, as the Southern accents are so show more thick they almost drip from the page. Justin Savile lives in a small North Carolina town called Hillston, modeled no doubt on the town where both I and Michael Malone live. The town is peopled with all the types of Southern fiction, the old, wealthy families who rule the town, and the poor white trash raise hell on the wrong sides of the tracks. There are also a few eccentric characters: the homeless woman who spouts religious prophecies in the streets and the black music store owner with a great sense of style and a side business fencing stolen goods. And Justin’s partner Cuddy Mangum, who cannot shut up and comes off at first like a younger, wittier Barney Fife.
But there is an unexpected depth to this story and a surprising humanness to these characters. As Justin digs deeper into the case, and as we learn more about him and the people around him, the novel becomes elevated above a mere cozy Southern mystery. Through the investigation, Justin comments on small-town life and politics, his failure to live up to what his family expected of him, and his struggles to figure out the kind of life he really wants to build. At the same time, the people in his life reveal themselves not as stereotypes, but as full-fledged, interesting human beings. Malone invites us to embrace the caricatures, and then to look beyond them for the truth.
I was surprised to realize this book was published in the 1980s (although I should have realized it from the characters’ references to the Vietnam War). The story feels fresh and current. It was a pleasant discovery for me, and I will probably look for more of Michael Malone’s books. show less
Uncivil Seasons by Michael Malone was a complete surprise to me. First of all because I live within about 30 miles of the part of the US he writes about, second because I can’t believe I’ve never heard of him before, and third because this book was exquisite. I’m so happy to have discovered such a wonderful writer. Fortunately he’s written quite a few books so I can happily look forward to reading much more by him.
This book is the first in a series of mysteries with police detectives show more Justin Savile and Cuddy Mangum. It takes place in Hillston, North Carolina, a fictitious town closely resembling Hillsborough, where Malone lives, and nearby Chapel Hill.
Savile and Mangum are partners. They are as different as night and day yet work well together and have great respect and affection for each other. This book is told from Justin Savile's point of view.
Savile’s aunt by marriage, a prominent local woman, is murdered. She is the widow of a man who drowned many years ago. Her second husband, Savile’s uncle, had a relationship many years ago with a woman who supposedly commits suicide within weeks of the murder. There are textile mill and state politics involved, industrial espionage, and matters of the heart for both Savile and Mangum. How it all ties together is tightly managed and satisfyingly explained.
The dialog is rich with local color and rings with authenticity. I “saw” every character as clearly as if they had been invited over to have sweet tea on my front porch and discuss the weather. There are rich and powerful folks, working class folks, poor white trash, a crazy old black woman, and a powerful black music store owner and fence for stolen goods. There are many stereotyped characters, but especially in North Carolina, as I have discovered, the stereotypes are true and endearing, true and tragic.
This is an extremely clever and intelligent mystery, with many layers. It isn’t even one mystery, really, but a snapshot in the lives of the two detectives, Savile’s family, and how love and hate play out over decades. I found myself laughing out loud over some of the situations and language. The humor is both broad and subtle.
I recommend this book without reservation. show less
This book is the first in a series of mysteries with police detectives show more Justin Savile and Cuddy Mangum. It takes place in Hillston, North Carolina, a fictitious town closely resembling Hillsborough, where Malone lives, and nearby Chapel Hill.
Savile and Mangum are partners. They are as different as night and day yet work well together and have great respect and affection for each other. This book is told from Justin Savile's point of view.
Savile’s aunt by marriage, a prominent local woman, is murdered. She is the widow of a man who drowned many years ago. Her second husband, Savile’s uncle, had a relationship many years ago with a woman who supposedly commits suicide within weeks of the murder. There are textile mill and state politics involved, industrial espionage, and matters of the heart for both Savile and Mangum. How it all ties together is tightly managed and satisfyingly explained.
The dialog is rich with local color and rings with authenticity. I “saw” every character as clearly as if they had been invited over to have sweet tea on my front porch and discuss the weather. There are rich and powerful folks, working class folks, poor white trash, a crazy old black woman, and a powerful black music store owner and fence for stolen goods. There are many stereotyped characters, but especially in North Carolina, as I have discovered, the stereotypes are true and endearing, true and tragic.
This is an extremely clever and intelligent mystery, with many layers. It isn’t even one mystery, really, but a snapshot in the lives of the two detectives, Savile’s family, and how love and hate play out over decades. I found myself laughing out loud over some of the situations and language. The humor is both broad and subtle.
I recommend this book without reservation. show less
Handling Sin begins by putting normal guy Raleigh Hayes, an upstanding insurance salesman, into a bizarre situation. His elderly father escapes from the hospital and is seen leaving town with a young black woman. He leaves Raleigh some very odd instructions, telling him to assemble some objects and people and meet him in New Orleans in two weeks. We follow Raleigh as he strives to follow his father's demands. He is accompanied by his old friend Mingo Sheffield, a sort of Falstaffian Sancho show more Panza.
We learn various things about the extended Hayes family and its history. Raleigh's wife, Aura, is a wonderful character who misses him but blossoms in his brief absence. Raleigh locates his long-lost half brother as well as a mysterious musician. By the time he reaches New Orleans, various stories have begun to intersect and explain one another.
Malone gives us a broad mix of misunderstandings, coincidences, and flat-out hilarity. It seems he included every funny idea that ever occurred to him. Parts of the book are truly laugh-out-loud funny, and some drag rather badly, particularly in the middle. Malone also breaks the narrative to give us some crucial back-story, rather than
letting us discover it along with Raleigh. The novel would have been much stronger at a mere 500 pages, rather than 650.
In spite of these flaws, this is a wonderful, funny story about the importance of friendship and love. show less
We learn various things about the extended Hayes family and its history. Raleigh's wife, Aura, is a wonderful character who misses him but blossoms in his brief absence. Raleigh locates his long-lost half brother as well as a mysterious musician. By the time he reaches New Orleans, various stories have begun to intersect and explain one another.
Malone gives us a broad mix of misunderstandings, coincidences, and flat-out hilarity. It seems he included every funny idea that ever occurred to him. Parts of the book are truly laugh-out-loud funny, and some drag rather badly, particularly in the middle. Malone also breaks the narrative to give us some crucial back-story, rather than
letting us discover it along with Raleigh. The novel would have been much stronger at a mere 500 pages, rather than 650.
In spite of these flaws, this is a wonderful, funny story about the importance of friendship and love. show less
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- 14
- Also by
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- Rating
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