Karen Ann Spengler

I was out of town when Karen passed away, and did not find out about it for a couple of weeks. When I did, I was saddened but also, somewhat glad that she will no longer suffer. She was courageous and inspirational. I will always be grateful for having known her.

I am still digesting the news of Karen's passing and am so saddened by it. She was such a cool person and such a friend to so many. I knew Karen when I became published in mystery, years before I would go through my own experience with breast cancer. She was a hero to me first because of her deep love of the mystery genre and her support of its authors; and later, when I better understood, for her struggle to beat the odds (which she did for a long, long while). She's still a hero in my...

I just read the tribute to Karen in the Kansas City Star and I am so sad to hear of her death. I met Karen ar Turning Point, the Center for Hope and Healing and admired her strength and courage in battling her cancer. I am living with breast cancer too and she was an inspiration. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I am happy to know that her spirit will live on in her bookstore!

Getting to know Karen was a real pleasure, during the process of her purchase of our building on Johnson drive. Our family is saddened by your loss.

I looked up to Karen. She was a wonderful example of a can-do woman. May she always be remembered for all the help she gave to people (including authors getting started) and for being a nice person.

My deepest sympathies. Karen was a friend to authors and readers and a wonderful bookseller.

When I moved to Kansas City, one of the first places I visited was the ILAM bookstore. It was a treat just to browse the shelves. I last saw Karen at a library reading for Michael Dymmoch and Libby Fischer Hellmann in 2008. She didn't just sell mystery books...she loved and supported the genre. She will be greatly missed.

I will always remember Karen's vivacious personality from my first tour for WILD INDIGO, when I was invited to sign at I Love A Mystery and we packed the store and sold out of books! Karen and her staff were wonderfully welcoming to me as a new author in the genre. And again, the Spengler spirit surrounded us when when we all returned to ILAM for the WILD INFERNO tour in 2008. Karen created a memorable venue for book-lovers and authors to meet in person, and a wonderful place where fans of...

Dear Aunt Jean and family,

My deepest sympathy goes to you and yours. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.