Step into the charmingly chaotic world of E.J. Pugh, where a Texas romance novelist turns amateur sleuth, solving mysteries with sharp wit and a big heart! Susan Rogers Cooper’s E.J. Pugh series blends cozy mystery vibes with Texas-sized suspense, following Eloise Janine Pugh as she juggles family life, writing steamy novels, and uncovering secrets in Black Cat Ridge. With humor, heart, and a knack for stumbling into trouble, E.J. is a heroine you’ll root for from page one.
Since its debut in 1992, this series has hooked readers with its down-to-earth characters and twisty plots. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just love a good whodunit, E.J.’s adventures offer a delightful escape into a world where danger lurks behind picket fences.
How E.J. Pugh Began
Susan Rogers Cooper, a self-described ‘half fifth-generation Texan, half Yankee,’ launched the E.J. Pugh series with One, Two, What Did Daddy Do? in 1992. Inspired by her Texas roots and love for quirky characters, Cooper crafted E.J. as a relatable everywoman—a romance writer with a nosy streak and a talent for solving crimes. Living in Austin, Cooper drew on the small-town dynamics of Texas to create Black Cat Ridge, a setting as vivid as its residents. Her goal? To blend humor and suspense in a way that felt like chatting with a witty friend.
The Heart of E.J. Pugh
The series kicks off with One, Two, What Did Daddy Do?, where E.J.’s carpool plans unravel when her neighbors are murdered, thrusting her into a chilling mystery. In Hickory Dickory Stalk, prank calls and a candy-spiked glass shard lead E.J. to a dead body in her car, with her husband among the suspects. Home Again, Home Again sees E.J. tracking her missing husband Willis to a bizarre cock-fighting ring, while Romanced to Death throws her into a murder at a romance writers’ convention. Each book delivers standalone mysteries tied by E.J.’s sardonic humor and fierce loyalty.
Themes of family, community, and resilience shine through, set against the backdrop of small-town Texas. Cooper’s style mixes cozy charm with gritty stakes—think nosy neighbors, dark secrets, and laugh-out-loud banter. Black Cat Ridge feels like a character itself, with its tight-knit gossip and Southern quirks. E.J.’s investigations often explore personal struggles, like protecting her adopted daughter Bessie or navigating sibling rivalry, making her relatable and real.
With 13 books, the series spans over two decades, evolving with E.J.’s family and Cooper’s knack for fresh plots. Fans praise the balance of humor and suspense, though some note later books lean heavier on flashbacks. Still, E.J.’s voice—sharp, funny, and unapologetic—keeps readers coming back.
Why E.J. Pugh Resonates
The E.J. Pugh series carved a niche in cozy mysteries by blending Texas flair with universal themes. E.J.’s imperfect juggling of motherhood, marriage, and sleuthing resonates with readers who see themselves in her chaos. Cooper’s Edgar-nominated storytelling earned critical praise, with outlets like Booklist lauding her ‘richly atmospheric’ settings. While not a household name, the series has a loyal fanbase, drawn to its quirky charm and E.J.’s tenacity. Its lasting appeal lies in its heart: a heroine who faces danger with courage and a quip.
- First Book: Published in 1992
- Total Books: 13
- Setting: Black Cat Ridge, Texas
- Awards: Edgar Award nomination for Susan Rogers Cooper
Ready to meet E.J. Pugh? Grab One, Two, What Did Daddy Do? and dive into a Texas mystery where wit meets grit!