Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned a small-town detective into a national treasure—meet Howard Engel! Known for his Benny Cooperman mystery series, Engel blended wit, heart, and a touch of Niagara charm into his novels. Even a stroke that stole his ability to read couldn’t stop this literary hero from crafting stories that captivated readers worldwide.
Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Engel’s journey from CBC producer to celebrated author is as gripping as his detective tales. His unique ability to weave personal struggles into his work, paired with his knack for creating relatable characters, made him a cornerstone of Canadian crime fiction.
The Making of Howard Engel
Howard Engel was born on April 2, 1931, in St. Catharines, where his father ran a clothing store—a detail that later inspired Benny Cooperman’s roots. After graduating from McMaster University in 1955, Engel briefly taught before diving into journalism. His career took him to Europe, reporting for the CBC from Paris and London, before he returned to Canada as an executive producer for shows like Anthology. It was during his marriage to literary novelist Marian Engel that he found his own creative spark, fueled by a desire to step out of her shadow and tell his own stories.
Howard Engel’s Unforgettable Stories
Engel’s Benny Cooperman series, starting with The Suicide Murders in 1980, introduced a Jewish private eye in the fictional Grantham, Ontario—a stand-in for St. Catharines. Unlike hard-boiled detectives, Benny was gentle, funny, and fond of chopped-egg sandwiches, solving crimes with brains over brawn. The Ransom Game (1981) showcased Benny’s knack for unraveling complex cases, while Murder Sees the Light (1984) earned Engel an Arthur Ellis Award for its clever plotting.
In 2001, a stroke left Engel with alexia sine agraphia, a condition that made reading nearly impossible, yet he continued writing. His 2005 novel Memory Book mirrored this struggle, with Benny suffering a similar affliction after a head injury. Engel’s memoir, The Man Who Forgot How to Read (2007), offered a poignant look at his recovery, earning praise for its resilience and humor. East of Suez (2008) proved his storytelling prowess endured, taking Benny on an international adventure.
Engel’s style was distinctly Canadian—unassuming, witty, and rich with local flavor. His prose, compared to Raymond Chandler’s by critics, brought Grantham to life with vivid details, from diner counters to Niagara’s misty falls. His ability to craft lovable, flawed characters made Benny a household name in Canadian fiction.
Why Howard Engel Matters
Howard Engel didn’t just write mysteries; he helped define Canadian crime fiction. As a co-founder of Crime Writers of Canada, he championed the genre, paving the way for authors like Maureen Jennings. His appointment to the Order of Canada in 2007—the first for a crime writer—recognized his cultural impact. Engel’s resilience after his stroke inspired readers and writers, proving that creativity can triumph over adversity.
His legacy lives on through Benny Cooperman, a character who captured the heart of Canada’s rust belt. Engel’s stories remind us that small towns can hold big secrets, and determination can rewrite any ending.
About Howard Engel
- Born: April 2, 1931, St. Catharines, Ontario
- Key Works: The Suicide Murders, Memory Book, The Man Who Forgot How to Read
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Award, Order of Canada (2007), Crime Writers of Canada Grand Master Award (2014)
- Died: July 16, 2019, Toronto
Snag The Suicide Murders and dive into Howard Engel’s witty, small-town mysteries! Let Benny Cooperman guide you through Grantham’s secrets.