Judy Clemens

When the first reviews began coming out for the Grim Reaper series under "paranormal mysteries," I was surprised. I had just spent eighteen months with Death as my constant companion as I watched my father suffer and die from cancer. Death seemed to hover over me constantly, from when I woke up to when I went to bed—and then sometimes even in my dreams. It seemed so real. So when my books were put into the category of the supernatural it felt somehow odd. But as the series grows, and as I begin to see the world again through the eyes of a writer and reader instead of as that daughter, I realize that yes—the Grim Reaper is definitely a creature from another world. My father was able to read Embrace the Grim Reaper in ARC form (advanced reader copy) and especially enjoyed the character of Death. In fact, the Grim Reaper has become the favorite character of most of my readers. These same readers (and some reviewers) ask what exactly Death is in the books—Is it really the Grim Reaper? A figment of Casey's imagination? A male or a female? Hmm. Good questions, and I can't say I can definitely answer. Perhaps these answer are some that you can help me figure out as the series progresses. I spend my days as a very fortunate writer in a beautiful office in a century-old Ohio farmhouse, my kids at school, my husband working. I also serve as mother, wife, chef, laundress, lawncare provider, accountant, tax preparer, chauffeur, shopper, note-signer, homework helper, negotiator, housecleaner, dishwasher, Sunday School teacher, and so many other roles. But then, don't we all put on multiple hats, depending on the day and the time? These jobs keep us honest, and, hopefully, interesting. It's all good. As a writer I have begun branching out into the Young Adult and Middle Grade genres, and hope to bring you news sometime soon of those books. Until then, I hope you continue to enjoy Casey and Death and Stella, as well as all of the wonderful books out there by so many talented authors.