A Belated Obit

Several people have called to my attention that Joseph Hansen passed away a couple of weeks ago. Joseph was the author of the Dave Brandstetter mystery novels with the first “gay detective” (in this case an insurance investigator) in mainstream publishing – at least to my knowledge. We were friends during the 1970s and 80s when we appeared together ocasionally on panels since we were both supposed to be radicals in our genre. It doesn’t seem so revolutionary now (particularly me) but I remember Joseph fondly. He was (like Ray Bradbury) one of those atypical Angelenos who didn’t drive and I would pick him up at his house to ferry him to local mystery writer events. It was then we had some interesting talks. He was always a gentleman, always quietly witty. Rest in peace.