Corinne Holt Rickert

Corinne Margaret Holt Rickert, born in 1924, is an American scholar and author known for her mystery series and other writings, often published under variations of her name. She retired in 1988 as an English professor at Clemson University, where she remains Professor Emerita. Her literary career began with academic works on 16th-century English literature, including studies related to her doctoral research at Birmingham University. She later gained popularity for the Benbow/Wingate mystery series, which centers on two elderly women solving crimes. This series was recognized with an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel. Beyond her writing, Rickert was an educator involved in initiatives to support minority students in higher education.

Rickert's academic background provided a foundation for her literary pursuits. She earned degrees from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from the Shakespeare Institute at Birmingham University. Her early career included teaching at the University of Maryland Overseas and developing television lectures at East Carolina University. She also had a background in radio and television, hosting programs and narrating features. Her move to Clemson University in 1966 marked a significant period in her academic and writing life, culminating in her professorship and retirement. Her contributions extended to creating programs aimed at improving access to education for minority students.

Corinne Margaret Holt Rickert's academic journey began at the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English. During her studies, she adapted material for radio and stage. Her doctoral research led her to England, where she pursued a Ph.D. in English from the Shakespeare Institute at Birmingham University. Her graduate work was supervised by Professor Allardyce Nichol. She was among the initial doctoral graduates from the institute, which was established in 1951. Rickert's early literary output focused on 16th-century English literature and history, reflecting her academic specialization. These works include 'Books and Readers 1595–1600,' published under the name Corinne Holt, which examined books printed during that era, and 'The Case of John Darrell. Minister and Exorcist,' written as Corinne Holt Rickert, detailing the prosecution of a 16th-century clergyman accused of fraudulent exorcisms.

Corinne Holt Rickert is widely recognized for her popular Benbow/Wingate mystery series, which features two elderly female protagonists, Angela Benbow and Caledonia Wingate. The series is noted for its tradition of featuring older women as amateur detectives who navigate mysteries in upscale retirement communities and beyond in Southern California. The first novel in the series received a nomination for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel in 1988. Critics have compared her mystery writing style to that of authors like Gladys Mitchell and Patricia Wentworth, highlighting her engagement with themes of aging and challenging ageist attitudes within the genre. The novels often depict the protagonists using their wit and experience to solve crimes, sometimes operating outside formal police procedures, and exploring the characters' concerns and daily lives.

Beyond her literary achievements, Corinne Holt Rickert made significant contributions as an educator. She taught English and popular culture at Clemson University, eventually becoming a full professor before her retirement in 1988, where she holds the title of Professor Emerita. During her tenure, she was instrumental in establishing the Sawyer-Snelsire-Robinson Workshop, a program designed to support minority students in their transition to college and academic success. Her earlier career also included teaching at the University of Maryland Overseas, providing college-level instruction to U.S. Air Force personnel, and developing innovative educational programs, such as television lectures for large freshman classes at East Carolina University. Her work in radio and television also included hosting and appearing on various programs.