Alabama state officials are investigating a complaint of alleged elder abuse of acclaimed author Harper Lee as controversy continues to rage over whether the the 88-year-old really wants to publish a new novel . Since HaperCollins announced the new book last month , many have questioned whether Lee , famously reluctant to seek publicity , would really have a follow-up to her classic 'To Kill a Mockingbird ' over more than 50 years . Many claim her mental health is not sound enough to endorse such a proposition while another says she is backing the release of the new book , 'Go Set a Watchman . ' Scroll down for video . Controversy over the author 's mental state has raged since it was announced she would publish a book after more the half-a-century without a new novel . The New York Times reports investigators have interviewed staff at the Meadows assisted living facility where Lee resides as well as friends and acquaintances . A doctor who asked to remain anonymous said he had filed a complaint after knowing Lee for two years and believing her infirm . He said he had been told she was mostly incapable of communication . Such investigations can involve law enforcement if financial exploitation can be shown . One person speaking to the Times anonymously said Lee seemed to understand the investigators and give clear responses . As the investigation continues , people have argued for several different pictures of Lee : funny , depressed , witty , confused , or even varying from day to day . She reportedly had a stroke in 2007 resulting in health and vision problems . 'It ’ s a call only God or a doctor can make , ' attorney Philip Sanchez , who was a pallbearer for older sister Alice 's funeral , told the Times . I am more concerned that Nelle is content than the discussion of her cognizance . ' Accounts of Lee 's mental and physical state have been contradictory . A friend of Lee , Wayne Flynt , said he visited her recently and found her mentally cogent . But he agreed she had some health issues , telling him ' I 'm not so sure anymore , ' in response to a congratulations on the new book.Lee has only given statements about the novel through her attorney , Tonja B. Carter . Carter handled the book deal and declined to respond to interview requests .
Since HaperCollins announced the new book last month , many have questioned whether Lee would really want a follow-up to her classic 'To Kill a Mockingbird ' over more than 50 years . The author has said she is not interested in writing another sequel and that it was time for her fans to move on from her.