Dig into the quirky, thrilling world of the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries, where coffins hide secrets and a small-town undertaker moonlights as a sleuth! Written by Mark de Castrique, this mystery series follows Barry Clayton, a former cop turned reluctant mortician, as he unravels crimes in the misty Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. With gallows humor and heart, these novels blend the somber duties of a funeral home with pulse-pounding investigations.
Picture this: a stolen corpse, a skeleton in a grave, or a murder tied to a haunted house. Barry’s life in Gainesboro, North Carolina, is anything but dull. If you love mysteries with a side of Southern charm, this series is your next obsession.
How Buryin’ Barry Mysteries Began
Mark de Castrique, a North Carolina native with a knack for storytelling, kicked off the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries in 2003 with Dangerous Undertaking. Drawing from his roots in the Appalachian Mountains and his experience in film production, de Castrique crafted a unique hero in Barry Clayton, whose nickname ‘Buryin’ Barry’ stems from his family’s funeral parlor. The author’s time working in a hospital and his father’s role as a funeral director inspired the series’ blend of dark humor and authentic small-town vibes. De Castrique’s goal? To create mysteries that feel as real as the rugged landscapes they’re set in.
The Heart of Buryin’ Barry Mysteries
The series spans seven books, each plunging Barry into a new puzzle. In Dangerous Undertaking (2003), Barry returns to Gainesboro to manage the family funeral home after his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, only to stumble into a murder case when a shooting disrupts a burial. Grave Undertaking (2004) ups the ante when Barry uncovers a skeleton with a bullet hole—and a photo of his girlfriend—in a relocated grave. Fatal Undertaking (2010) mixes Halloween spookiness with a corpse found in a borrowed casket, while Risky Undertaking (2014) tackles Native American heritage and casino politics after Cherokee remains are found in a cemetery.
Themes of family, duty, and community weave through the series, grounded by the vivid Appalachian setting. De Castrique’s knack for blending cozy mystery warmth with police procedural grit creates a unique tone—think Margaret Maron meets a quirky undertaker. Barry’s dual roles as funeral director and part-time deputy add depth, exploring the tension between his somber profession and his drive for justice. The North Carolina mountains, with their rich Cherokee history and small-town quirks, become a character in their own right.
Gallows humor lightens the mood, from Barry’s witty exchanges with Sheriff Tommy Lee Wadkins to the absurd situations—like a stolen war hero’s body in Foolish Undertaking (2006). De Castrique also tackles social issues, like Alzheimer’s in Grave Undertaking or food stamp fraud in Secret Undertaking (2018), with sensitivity and insight.
Why Buryin’ Barry Mysteries Resonates
The Buryin’ Barry Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for their authentic characters and evocative setting. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about Barry’s relatability and the series’ ability to balance humor with suspense. Publications like Publishers Weekly and Booklist have lauded de Castrique’s storytelling, with Fatal Undertaking receiving a starred review from Library Journal. The series’ focus on Appalachian culture and Cherokee traditions, especially in Risky Undertaking, adds cultural depth that resonates with readers seeking more than just a whodunit.
Though not a household name, the series’ loyal following and de Castrique’s Emmy-winning storytelling chops ensure its lasting appeal. It’s a testament to the power of small-town tales with big heart—and bigger mysteries.
- First Book: Dangerous Undertaking (2003)
- Latest Book: Secret Undertaking (2018)
- Number of Books: 7
- Awards: Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist
Grab Dangerous Undertaking and dive into the Buryin’ Barry Mysteries’ world of coffins, clues, and Carolina charm!