C: EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Susanna Calkins

She writes the Lucy Campion Mysteries set in England in the mid 1660s. A great historical read.

Lucy Campion is a chambermaid turned printer’s apprentice. Seeing life in that time period through the eyes of Lucy is fascinating. There are 4 books in this series.

That being said—as much as I enjoy Lucy’s world—Calkins has now published The Speakeasy Murders.

The first in this new series is Murder Knocks Twice.

1920s. Prohibition. Chicago (my hometown). What’s not to love?

Great historical read and the second novel—Fate of a Flapper—is due out in July. I find this series (and premise) fascinating.

E.J. Copperman  /  Jeff Cohen

Another writer who has penned several series, but my favorite is his Asperger Mysteries.

A heartwarming protagonist, Samuel Hoenig, owns a business called Questions Answered. He will find the answer to any question a client might have.

Of course, Samuel becomes embroiled in murder cases and his condition provides a unique point of view which helps him solve the crimes.

Agatha Christie

My personal idol! I grew up on Agatha Christie and in my humble opinion, she’s the best mystery writer ever! Enough said.

B: EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Tamara Berry
An Eleanor Wilde Mystery.

This series (of 2 books so far) is set in England.

The author's use of language is amazing. I don't know how to put it in words, but the words she uses and the way she handles description (of settings & characters) and the way she pens the protagonist's inner thoughts is remarkable.

The plot is solid, too.


Ella Barrick

This author writes under various pseudonyms. My personal favorite is her Ballroom Dance Mysteries.

They are excellently written—words flow smoothly, painting a great picture whether it’s dialogue or narration.

The protagonist, Stacy Graysin, and her soon-to-be-dead ex-husband share ownership in a dance studio.

Frances Brody

The Kate Shackleton Mysteries are set in England in the 1920s.

A great historical read. Her husband was listed as missing in action in the war. Her adopted father is a police superintendent. It’s inevitable that Kate becomes embroiled in crime-solving.

Alan Bradley

Set in 1950s England, Flavia de Luce is a refreshing heroine—she’s eleven years old.

The little girl is appalled, yet fascinated by murders and inserts herself into solving the deaths. She’s also quite the chemist which helps her decipher evidence.

An endearing series of 10 novels.

Jim Benton

Benton doesn’t fit into the mystery category, but I had to include him in my list of wonderful writers.

He writes many children’s series, but my granddaughters (and I) adore Franny K. Stein. She’s in grade school and gets into many weird situations she must fix.

Which is only fair, since—in being a Mad Scientist—she creates the situations!

A: EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Ellery Adams

She writes many different series, but my favorite is the Books By The Bay Mysteries.

Olivia Limoges is the protagonist. The initial premise—she’s returned home to Oyster Bay, NC and keeps to herself, but as a budding writer, she decides to join the Bayside Book Writers.

So far, there are 8 books in the series.

Jeffrey Allen

Author of the Stay At Home Dad Mysteries.

The protagonist is Deuce Winters, a stay-at-home dad (of 3 yr old Carly) who lives in Texas. His wife is a high-powered attorney. 

Very witty writing which makes me sorry there’s only 3 books in the series.

Donna Andrews

Author of the Meg Langslow series.

This series has the quirkiest group of characters all present in one small college town.

So far, there are 26 books to enjoy and it’s not stagnant—Meg’s life progresses nicely. FUNNY, FUNNY, FUNNY.

EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Welcome to my blog posts regarding mystery writers

Disclaimer         

By no means is this an inclusive list—there are so many mystery writers out there. I’ve just compiled a smattering of authors whose series I enjoy.

Many of the authors I name write multiple series, but I’m listing the series I’m particularly keen on. I don’t mean to diss any writer, these are just my personal favorites.

As you’ll see, the mysteries I’m enamored with are steeped in humor, set in foreign countries or historical eras, involve K9s…or a combination thereof.

I’m sure you have your own list of favorites, but maybe you’ll find a new darling here.

Up next-- we start with the letter 'A' with a new post every few days until we end with 'Z'.   Stay tuned.

Interesting Facts

Looking for something different? Here are a couple of interesting (but weird) conditions.

PROSOPAGNOSIA

A condition where a person can't recognize their own reflection in the mirror, or the faces of others.

Seems to be genetically determined and begins at a young age, before the development of normal facial recognition abilities.

They recognize family and friends by some combination of voice, clothing, hair, style, mannerisms, body language and so on...

SUBJECTIVE DOUBLES

Also called the Subjective Capgras Syndrome

Here the victim believes he's been duplicated and his duplicate is living another life independently. (The old doppelganger theory.)