On March 27, 2025, The Eastern Echo will induct Kristy Montee, along with two other Echo alumni, into the Echo Hall of Fame during its annual Student Media Gala.
Montee is renowned for her contributions to the “golden age of journalism,” including her critique of dance and her success as a New York Times bestselling author of mystery novels.
During her freshman year in 1968, Kristy Montee was hired at The Eastern Echo as a reporter. Her first assignment was to cover the University’s student senate meetings.
“I remember my first story was about the student senate trying to legalize beer in the dorms,” Montee said.
Montee continued at The Echo throughout her college years, and she graduated as the Managing Editor under Ann Lindner.
“I helped to put myself through school by working at The Echo,” Montee said.
Although she graduated with a degree in Education, the teaching job market was challenging at the time. Upon her advisor's suggestion, she pursued journalism instead.
“The thought never crossed my mind,” Montee said. “I had four years of experience and a pretty good portfolio, but I had never considered it as a career.”
Montee quickly landed a job as a reporter for The Southfield Eccentric right out of school. She worked at the weekly newspaper for about two years, before moving to Florida to join Fort Lauderdale News in 1974.
In 1980, Montee shifted her focus from full-time reporting to writing novels after getting married. She continued freelancing for Fort Lauderdale News while exploring the world of mystery writing. Montee’s big break came when her editor asked if anyone had knowledge of ballet or dance. After taking ballet classes throughout her youth, Montee volunteered, leading to her first assignment with The South Florida Sun-Sentinel: reviewing the New York Ballet.
After reviewing the biggest dance company in the county, Montee became a regular dance critic for the paper. “It was a golden era for dance those days, because the government was giving money to help dancers tour all around,” Montee said. She rose within The Sun-Sentinel to become assistant Managing Editor.
In addition to her freelance work, Montee co-authored the "Louis Kincaid" mystery series with her sister under the pen name P.J. Parrish. The series, which includes thirteen novels, earned a spot on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Montee and her sister won numerous accolades, including eleven major crime-fiction awards, an Edgar nomination, two Shamus awards, an Anthony award, and the International Thriller Writers' competition.
Montee’s love of writing started long before her college years. “I've always written, ever since I was a kid. I used to write neighborhood newspapers and draw pictures in them. I was a writer and editor for my highschool newspaper. Then, I went to Eastern, and I didn't intend to go to the Echo, but sometimes things just fall into place,” Montee said.
“I am extremely chuffed and honored to be in the Hall of Fame," Montee said. "I didn't expect the call, but I was shocked and happy when I found out.
Montee, along with Joe Misiewicz and Kim Kozlowski, will be honored and inducted into the “Echo Hall of Fame” at the third annual Student Media Gala on March 27. The gala will take place at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse and feature speeches from the inductees, an award ceremony for current reporters, a catered meal, a silent auction, and more. This event celebrates the outstanding work of The Echo’s student journalists over the past year.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through the event's website or at the door on the day of the event. For more information or to buy tickets, visit The Echo's website.
