Step into the charming world of Elsie Hawkins, where a feisty elderly lady steals the show in Janet Evanovich’s delightful romance novels! This quirky series, a hidden gem from the queen of comedic mysteries, blends heartfelt love stories with laugh-out-loud moments, all sprinkled with Elsie’s meddling magic. Before Evanovich’s iconic Stephanie Plum series took the world by storm, Elsie Hawkins showcased her knack for crafting witty, romantic escapades.
With just four books, this compact series is perfect for readers craving lighthearted romance with a side of humor. Let’s dive into the origins, stories, and lasting charm of Elsie Hawkins, a precursor to Evanovich’s blockbuster style.
How Elsie Hawkins Began
In the late 1980s, Janet Evanovich, then a budding romance novelist, penned the Elsie Hawkins series under her real name for Bantam Loveswept. Fresh off her debut novel, Hero at Large, written as Steffie Hall, Evanovich was honing her craft in the romance genre. Inspired by her love for humor and strong characters, she created Elsie Hawkins, a spunky senior who became the prototype for the beloved Grandma Mazur in her later Stephanie Plum series. Published between 1989 and 1991, these novels marked Evanovich’s early exploration of blending romance with comedic flair.
The Heart of Elsie Hawkins
The Elsie Hawkins series comprises four standalone romances, each featuring Elsie as a supporting character who nudges the main couple toward love. In Back to the Bedroom (1989), neighbors David Dodd and Katherine Finn navigate a whirlwind romance disrupted by Elsie’s unexpected arrival as a quirky houseguest. Smitten (1990) follows single mom Lizabeth Kane, who takes a construction job and falls for her boss, Matt Hallahan, with Elsie stirring the pot as a nosy neighbor. Wife for Hire (1990) sees Hank Mallone hiring Maggie Toone to pose as his wife, only for real sparks to fly, thanks to Elsie’s comedic interference. Finally, The Rocky Road to Romance (1991) pairs radio host Daisy Adams with her boss Steve Crow, with Elsie as a gun-toting bodyguard adding chaos and charm.
Themes of love, independence, and humor run through the series, set in cozy, small-town American locales. Evanovich flips traditional romance tropes, crafting strong, ambitious heroines and men who embrace vulnerability, all while Elsie’s antics—think guns in handbags and a powder-blue Cadillac—inject slapstick fun. The series’ light, conversational style foreshadows the breezy tone of Evanovich’s later mysteries, making it a nostalgic treat for fans.
Why Elsie Hawkins Resonates
Though overshadowed by the Stephanie Plum juggernaut, the Elsie Hawkins series holds a special place for romance fans and Evanovich completists. Its compact size and standalone stories make it an accessible entry point to her early work, showcasing her evolution as a storyteller. Elsie’s larger-than-life personality, a clear precursor to Grandma Mazur, adds a unique flavor, blending humor with heart. The series’ influence lies in its role as a testing ground for Evanovich’s signature style—witty dialogue, quirky characters, and fast-paced romance—that would define her later success.
Fan reviews on Goodreads praise the series’ “cute” and “funny” vibe, with Elsie’s comedic cameos earning special love. While not award-winners, these books capture the charm of 1980s category romance, offering a nostalgic escape that still feels fresh thanks to Evanovich’s timeless humor.
- Publication Years: 1989–1991
- Number of Books: 4
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Notable Character: Elsie Hawkins, the prototype for Grandma Mazur
Grab Back to the Bedroom and dive into Elsie Hawkins’s hilarious, heartwarming world! Whether you’re a longtime Evanovich fan or a romance newbie, these quick reads promise love, laughter, and a sassy senior you won’t forget.