Ruth Rendell, 85, author of more than 60 novels under her own name as well as Barbara Vine, died May 2 from complications of a stroke suffered in January. Rendell wrote 24 Inspector Wexford novels starting with From Doon with Death (1964) as well as many standalone suspense novels, including 14 under the Barbara Vine name. Rendell’s final novel, Dark Corners, will be published by Cornerstone and Scribner in October.
Michael McKenzie will join Algonquin as executive director of publicity on May 26, working out of the company’s New York offices and overseeing both adult and young readers lists. Previously he was senior director of publicity at Ecco/Harper.
Katy O’Donnell will join Nation Books as associate editor on May 5. Previously she was associate editor at Basic Books.
Amanda Rutter is joining Red Sofa Literary as an associate literary agent. Previously she was an editor at Angry Robot’s defunct YA imprint Strange Chemistry.
At Open Road, Julie Blattberg has been promoted to vp, marketing operations.
At Tor/Forge, Desirae Friesen has been promoted to associate publicist.