http://www.jillmcgown.com
A RENOWNED murder mystery writer from Corby has died at the age of 59.
Author Jill McGown, who remained in her home town despite huge success on both sides of the Atlantic, recently died in hospital after an operation to rectify complications caused by the lung-disease emphysema.
Fans across the globe have paid tribute to Miss McGown on fan websites.
Miss McGown was known for her intricate crime plots and hot-shot investigators Lloyd and Hill, who featured in 13 of her 18 novels.
Her final book, Unlucky for Some, was published in 2004, shortly before she became ill.
Her sister Una Adams, who lived with Jill for many years, said: "I'll remember her for her sense of humour, which never disappeared, and for the fortitude with which she put up with her illness.
"She was absolutely unchanged by having to suffer a great deal, especially over the last three months."
Miss McGown also leaves a sister, Patti Oliver, niece Katy Wilkinson, and great-niece Georgia.
Una added: "We have always been a very close family, especially after my dad died.
"Like all sisters we still had blazing rows – but of course they were soon forgotten.
"We will miss Jill immensely."
Miss McGown was born in Campbeltown, Scotland, and moved to Corby with her family when she was 10.
She attended Corby Grammar School, where she was taught Latin by Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter.
She went on to attend Kettering Technical College and later worked at British Steel, writing her first novel after being made redundant 22 years ago.
She never moved from the family home in Corby, staying there until her death on April 6.
A celebration of Miss McGown's life will take place on Wednesday at Kettering
