Step into the charming world of the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series, where murder, mouthwatering menus, and community theater collide in the cozy town of Etonville, New Jersey! Created by Suzanne M. Trauth, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Dodie O’Dell, a resourceful restaurant manager turned amateur sleuth, as she dishes up culinary creations and solves crimes with a side of small-town charm. Perfect for fans of quirky characters and lighthearted whodunits, this series is a recipe for fun.
With its blend of theatrical flair, delectable food themes, and a knack for keeping readers guessing, the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series invites you to savor every page. Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or new to the genre, Dodie’s adventures offer a fresh twist that’s as satisfying as a perfectly plated dessert.
How Dodie O’Dell Mystery Began
Suzanne M. Trauth, a novelist, playwright, and former theater professor, launched the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series in 2016 with Show Time. Drawing on her extensive theater background, Trauth crafted a world where the stage and the kitchen intertwine, inspired by the quirky dynamics of small-town life and community theater. Her vision was to create a cozy mystery series that paired the warmth of a tight-knit community with the thrill of amateur sleuthing, all anchored by a heroine who’s as sharp as she is relatable.
Trauth’s experience as a playwright shines through in the series’ witty dialogue and vivid characters, while her love for cozy mysteries shaped Dodie’s knack for stumbling into (and solving) crimes. The result is a series that feels like a night at the theater—full of drama, humor, and just the right amount of suspense.
The Heart of Dodie O’Dell Mystery
The series kicks off with Show Time (2016), where Dodie, new to Etonville after a hurricane upends her Jersey Shore life, manages the Windjammer Restaurant and gets roped into helping with a chaotic production of Romeo and Juliet. When a theater member is murdered, Dodie’s sleuthing skills take center stage. In Time Out (2017), a food festival tied to Arsenic and Old Lace turns deadly when the guest director chokes on a knish. Running Out of Time (2017) sees Dodie unraveling a murder during a colonial-themed adaptation of Our Town, while Just in Time (2018) brings a musical twist with Bye Bye Birdie and a mysterious death.
At its core, the series blends cozy mystery staples—small-town settings, quirky characters, and clean storytelling—with unique theatrical and culinary elements. Dodie’s themed menus, crafted to match each play, add a delicious layer, from 1940s Brooklyn knishes to colonial desserts. Themes of community, resilience, and clever problem-solving shine through, set against Etonville’s charming backdrop. Trauth’s humor and knack for red herrings keep the mysteries engaging, while Dodie’s budding romance with Police Chief Bill Thompson adds a subtle spark.
The series’ style is fast-paced yet cozy, with well-developed characters like the dramatic dispatcher Edna and the quirky Bangor sisters. The theater setting brings a fresh angle to the genre, avoiding the usual clichés and offering a stage for both humor and suspense.
Why Dodie O’Dell Mystery Resonates
The Dodie O’Dell Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, delighting fans with its blend of theater, food, and sleuthing. Readers praise Trauth’s ability to craft engaging mysteries that keep them guessing, with Goodreads reviews highlighting the series’ quirky characters and vivid settings. Its appeal lies in its relatability—Dodie’s a down-to-earth heroine who juggles work, love, and crime-solving with wit and grit, making her a fan favorite.
While not a household name, the series has built a loyal following among cozy mystery enthusiasts, offering a refreshing take on the genre. Its focus on community and creativity resonates, inviting readers to escape into Etonville’s warm, quirky world. For those craving a cozy read with a theatrical twist, Dodie O’Dell delivers.
- Publication Years: 2016–2020
- Number of Books: 6
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Setting: Etonville, New Jersey
Grab Show Time and dive into the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series’ delicious blend of murder, menus, and small-town magic! Whether you’re solving crimes with Dodie or savoring her latest culinary creation, Etonville’s stage is set for a cozy adventure you won’t forget.