RIP Judith Barnard, of Best-Selling ‘Judith Michael’ Fame

Judith Barnard, the half member of the husband and wife team behind the Judith Michael’s name, passed away this past month of heart failure. She was 94. If you recall, she is mostly responsible for the megahit DECEPTIONS in 1982. She wrote the narrative and her hubby predominately served as an editor. But together they created magic, launching 11 bestsellers in their joining careers. 

I discovered them in 1985 after watching the TV miniseries adaptation of DECEPTIONS starring Stefanie Powers. Of course, I was clueless about the fact that they were hiding behind the Judith Michael name. Just like the mini, I devoured the book, and later on started collecting their work.  Fast forward to 2026, I not only still own all of their paperbacks but I succeeded throughout the years in amassing their hardcover first editions as well. I’m really proud of both collections. 

It saddens me, however, to know that there won’t be any more Judith Michael novels in the future—though I already had a hunch about that since their last book THE REAL MOTHER was published in 2005. Yet, silly as it may sound, I still had a tiny glimmer of hope that it would happen. But like the woman behind the name and the many successful and least successful compatriots alongside her, the subgenre has officially passed on. Yes, the glitz and glam novel is pretty much a thing of the past. Thankfully I still have tons and tons of unread ‘80s books in my house to enjoy. 

So here’s to you Judith Barnard.  Thank you for making this gay man who he is by giving him what he wants, a little radiance of escapism from life’s hardships.

 

Until next post,

Martin 

'PLACES' BY ROBIN ST. THOMAS

 

Here we go. My first re-read of 2026: PLACES by Robin St. Thomas. Why that one? Well, easy: I totally have a soft spot for it. Problem is I seem to be the only one who does. Most readers of the genre would rather forget about it. I don’t know why since I think it is truly enjoyable, if not remarkable in its own right. Yes, I agree, the book is far from being perfect: there are some spotted inconsistencies, typos, exclamation points everywhere. However, it’s a Zebra book. It’s what is expected. Still, it is a fun read. It has a fine heroine, an intriguing plot, and an opulence set during the late ‘60s, early ‘70s. Everything I need in a trashy book.

 

The story centers on Aurora Styles, an orphan, who as a late teen, dreams of cinema and its male stars from which she indulges in sexual fantasies. She soon ends up being deflowered by her older and more experienced foster brother who, later on, urges her to go to New York to study acting. Once there, she befriends a Meryl Steep-like fellow student who ends up being more of a troubled soul. She also comes across a pair of socialites in the form of a gay prince and an older countess who will be favorable in her quest for stardom, amongst other things. Throw into the mix a couple of lovers, a woman hunt related to a possible murder case, and what you end up with, besides adding even the kitchen sink, is the innermost urge to sit down and finish this thing. 

 

PLACES definitely goes places, like New York, Hollywood, Rome, London...  However, the authors (more on that later) linger little on settings, focusing more on plot and characters, or should I say character, for besides the central one, little else is spotlighted. Clearly, the novel is all about Aurora achieving her goal of becoming a famous actress. Though she does eventually get there (in about a third of the book), PLACES takes a surprising turn by making her lose it all which ends up giving this would-be rags to riches novel a second wind.

 

As for the secondary characters lacking development, this may be a tad unfair on my part. The authors do try to put some emphasis on them. Aurora’s Meryl Streep-like actress friend is one good example. St. Thomas gradually make a point of showing the psychological downfall of the quirky character. The same can be said about Aurora’s two socialite friends. Sexual identity and ageism regarding these two are notably hint at. Not to mention the addition of a gigolo-type character who temporarily puts a dent in their rock solid friendship.

 

Simply put, 1987 PLACES is indeed quite the paperback. Oh it may be flawed but authors Robin Stevenson and actor Tom Bade (1946-2005) do a good enough job at keeping the reader intrigued. Seven other Hollywood novels follow this reviewed title, including SWITCHBACK for which they drop their nom de plume, and I look forward to each and every one of them.

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 Actor / novelist Tom Bade from 1971 SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE... (to be reviewed).