Millars History Mystery

Writers Kenneth Millar (“Ross Macdonald”) and his wife, Margaret Millar, received major book awards and high praise prior to the 21st century: Both used “Santa Teresa” as a favorite setting. By the time a friend and I were finally granted entry, five years ago, to look through the Millar materials willed to the research library at the University of California at Irvine, many of their books were out of print. We couldn’t help but wonder if this Orange County locale was an unfortunate resting spot for the Millar letters and such. It affords difficult access for the critics and friends in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas who not only knew the Millars’ works (environmental as well as literary) but might have been more interested than people in distant Orange in investing support in honor of their talents.