Submitted by Antonio Vlachos, Feb 28, 2007 13:05

Mr. Penzler:

I have shopped in your "Mystery" store and spoken to you many times. (I was a close friend of the late Carol Brener of Murder Ink). And I make a point of buying the "Sun" every week just for your articles. I fully enjoy them.

However, I was always wondering why James W. Hall was never praised (Except for "Forests of the Night") for his series on "Thorn". I rank him on the same level (maybe a bit below) as Travis McGee, who I miss greatly. Although I read Parker, Leanord, Crais, Hiasson, Pelicanos, etc. I honestly feel that James W. Hall and James Lee Burke are the most literate of all.

So, I salute you for finally informing the world about "Thorn". I never had heroes except in fiction. And my heroes are Travis McGee, Thorn, Robichieux, Spenser (although he talks too much and I'm tired of Susan) and Augusus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call of "Lonesome Dove". I am now happy.

Thank you

Tony

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