Howard Engel

Howard Engel was a Canadian author and producer, renowned for his contributions to the mystery genre. Born in 1931 in St. Catharines, Ontario, he drew inspiration from his hometown, which later influenced the setting of his notable Benny Cooperman detective series. The series is set in the fictional city of Grantham, Ontario, located in the Niagara Region, mirroring the real-life city of St. Catharines. Engel's work as a mystery author earned him recognition, and he became a prominent figure in Canadian literature.

In addition to his literary career, Engel worked as a producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). His achievements were acknowledged with the appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada (CM). Engel was also one of the founding authors of Crime Writers of Canada, an organization established in 1982 to promote and support Canadian crime writers. Through his work, Engel left a lasting impact on the literary world, and his Benny Cooperman series remains a notable part of his legacy. He passed away in 2019, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated by readers and writers alike.