Isabel Allende apologizes for saying she was not a mystery fan; says she was misunderstood

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Isabel Allende would like to apologize to all the fans and writers of mystery novels.

The million-selling author, whose latest book is a thriller that updates the story of Jack the Ripper, angered many when during a recent interview with NPR she said that her novel was a “joke.” During a telephone interview Friday with The Associated Press, Allende said her comments themselves were a joke, a joke that didn’t work. She said she had great respect for mystery fiction and noted that she was married to a mystery writer, William C. Gordon.

The owner of one Houston bookstore was so offended by her remarks on NPR that it sent back copies of her new book, “Ripper.” Allende has emailed a letter of apology to the owner.