Historical crime novelist Maureen Jennings, whose Detective Murdoch series inspired the long-running TV show Murdoch Mysteries, was named an officer of the Order of Canada this week, one of 88 new appointments to the Order.

Governor General Mary Simon announced the appointments on Dec. 18.

Jennings was recognized for works that “explore important aspects of Canadian history, especially women’s roles during the Second World War.”

Karen Levine, the author of Hana’s Suitcase, a children’s book about the Holocaust, was named a member of the Order of Canada for her book and also her four-decade-long career at CBC Radio.

The military historian Mark Zuehlke was also named members of the Order of Canada, as were writers John Donald Longhurst, Joseph A. Schwarz, and Diane Sims.

Actor Ryan Reynolds and musician Heather Rankin are among the other appointees.