Step into the sun-soaked, adrenaline-fueled world of Fiddler and Fiora, where private investigator Fiddler Flynn and his ex-wife Fiora Flynn tackle crime, romance, and mystery with sharp wit and undeniable chemistry! Penned by Ann and Evan Maxwell under the pseudonym Elizabeth Lowell, this eight-book series, published between 1985 and 1993, blends crime fiction, thriller, and romance into a gripping Southern California saga. From drug lords to corporate schemes, Fiddler and Fiora’s adventures are a rollercoaster of danger and heart.
With its complex characters and intricate plots, the Fiddler and Fiora series captures the gritty charm of classic noir while weaving in modern twists. Whether you’re a fan of pulse-pounding mysteries or tangled love stories, this series promises a wild ride through a world where trust is scarce, and stakes are sky-high.
How Fiddler and Fiora Began
The Fiddler and Fiora series sprang from the creative minds of Ann and Evan Maxwell, a husband-and-wife duo with a knack for storytelling. Writing as A.E. Maxwell (and later as Elizabeth Lowell), they launched the series in 1985 with Just Another Day in Paradise. Ann, a prolific writer who started in science fiction, and Evan, a former LA Times reporter with a deep knowledge of international crime, combined their talents to craft a unique crime fiction narrative. Their goal? To create a dynamic duo whose personal and professional lives collide in thrilling ways, set against the vibrant backdrop of Southern California’s Gold Coast.
The Heart of Fiddler and Fiora
The series kicks off with Just Another Day in Paradise (1985), where Fiddler, a former smuggler turned PI, helps Fiora’s brother out of a deadly mess involving the FBI and international spies. In The Frog and the Scorpion (1986), Fiddler dives into a biblical turf war on the Gold Coast, testing his and Fiora’s resilience. Just Enough Light to Kill (1988), named one of Time magazine’s best crime novels, sees Fiddler confronting a smuggling racket and a Russian agent from his past. Finally, Murder Hurts (1993) wraps the series with Fiddler seeking vengeance for his uncle’s murder, entangled in Hollywood’s dark underbelly.
Fiddler, a laid-back yet lethal knight-errant, and Fiora, a financial genius with a fierce streak, navigate themes of loyalty, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The series’ Southern California setting, from glitzy Hollywood to seedy border towns, pulses with life, grounding the high-stakes action. The Maxwells’ prose, sharp and evocative, channels Raymond Chandler’s noir legacy while infusing it with 1980s flair, making each book a fast-paced, emotionally charged read.
Why Fiddler and Fiora Resonates
The Fiddler and Fiora series carved a niche in crime fiction by blending hard-boiled detective work with a nuanced, on-again-off-again romance. Fans praise the series for its authentic dialogue, well-crafted plots, and the electric dynamic between Fiddler and Fiora, often comparing Fiddler to Travis McGee or Sam Spade. Though less known than Elizabeth Lowell’s later romance novels, the series has a cult following, with readers cherishing its mix of action, wit, and heart. Its exploration of trust and morality in a corrupt world remains timeless, appealing to readers who crave substance with their thrills.
- Publication Years: 1985–1993
- Number of Books: 8
- Awards: Just Enough Light to Kill named a Time magazine best crime novel (1988); The Frog and the Scorpion received a UC creative writing award.
Ready to chase danger with Fiddler and Fiora? Grab Just Another Day in Paradise and dive into their thrilling, romantic, and mysterious world!