Step into the cozy, crime-solving world of Ellen McKenzie, where a small-town real estate agent turns amateur sleuth to unravel mysteries with charm and wit! Kathleen Delaney’s Ellen McKenzie series blends suspense, humor, and heart, following Ellen as she navigates murders, horse shows, and wine country drama in her quaint California hometown. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, this series delivers page-turning whodunits with a side of small-town gossip.
Ellen, a newly divorced 40-something, returns to Santa Louisa seeking a fresh start, only to stumble into crimes that demand her sharp mind and tenacity. With her knack for uncovering secrets and a budding romance with Police Chief Dan Dunham, Ellen’s adventures are as relatable as they are thrilling.
How Ellen McKenzie Began
Kathleen Delaney, a former real estate broker and horse enthusiast, crafted the Ellen McKenzie series from her own experiences in California’s Central Coast. After raising five children and breeding Arabian horses, Delaney turned her love for mysteries into writing, debuting with Dying for a Change in 2002. Inspired by her career and the tight-knit communities of Paso Robles, she created Ellen as a relatable, strong-willed heroine who mirrors the author’s resilience and curiosity.
The Heart of Ellen McKenzie
The series kicks off with Dying for a Change, where Ellen discovers a body in a house she’s showing, sparking a hunt for a killer tied to a controversial big-box store deal. In Give First Place to Murder, Ellen dives into the horse show world, investigating a groom’s death pinned to a hay bale. And Murder for Dessert takes her to a wine country festival, where a chef’s murder in a fermenting tank puts her niece in the spotlight. Murder by Syllabub ventures to Virginia, blending colonial history with a poisoned-drink mystery.
Delaney’s stories shine with vivid settings, from Santa Louisa’s quaint streets to the lush vineyards of California’s wine country. Themes of justice, family, and second chances weave through each book, with Ellen’s real estate career grounding her sleuthing in everyday life. The series’ cozy style—light on gore, heavy on character—makes it a delightful escape, with humor and romance adding warmth to the suspense.
Why Ellen McKenzie Resonates
The Ellen McKenzie series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews for its engaging characters and gossipy charm. Fans love Ellen’s relatable struggles—balancing work, love, and family—while solving crimes that feel personal. Delaney’s insider knowledge of real estate and horse shows adds authenticity, making each mystery immersive. Though not a blockbuster, the series’ loyal following cherishes its small-town heart and clever plots.
- First Book: Dying for a Change (2002)
- Total Books: Five
- Setting: Primarily Santa Louisa, California
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Ready to crack a case with Ellen McKenzie? Grab Dying for a Change and dive into a world of cozy mysteries, where small-town secrets and clever sleuthing await!