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