Step into the whimsical world of Georgie Shaw, where a theme park’s magic masks mysteries waiting to be solved! Anna Celeste Burke’s Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery series invites readers to Marvelous Marley World, a Disneyland-inspired haven where Georgina Shaw, a sharp-witted PR director, tackles crimes with charm and a touch of romance. With Siamese cats, quirky characters, and recipes tucked into each book, this series is a delightful escape for cozy mystery fans.
Blending humor, heart, and intrigue, the series follows Georgie, a middle-aged heroine whose knack for solving whodunits shines against the vibrant backdrop of a cat-themed amusement empire. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, proving that adventure and love can spark at any age.
How Georgie Shaw Began
Anna Celeste Burke, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, drew inspiration from her time training as a chef at Disney World, infusing the series with authentic theme park flair. Launched in 2016 with Murder at Catmmando Mountain, the series was born from Burke’s love for cozy mysteries and her knack for crafting relatable, mature protagonists. Her experiences in hospitality and academia shaped Georgie’s intelligent, grounded persona, making her a standout sleuth in a genre often dominated by younger leads.
Burke’s goal was to create a world where fun and danger coexist, with Marvelous Marley World’s cartoon cat, Catmmando Tom, setting the stage for lighthearted yet gripping tales. The series’ blend of nostalgia, romance, and clever plotting quickly won fans, establishing it as a beloved niche in cozy mysteries.
The Heart of Georgie Shaw
The series kicks off with Murder at Catmmando Mountain, where Georgie faces a PR nightmare when a body is found at the park—and she’s framed as the killer. Teaming up with Detective Jack Wheeler, she unravels the crime, sparking a romance that threads through the series. Love Notes in the Key of Sea takes Georgie to Corsario Cove, confronting her past and solving a decades-old mystery tied to her lost love. All Hallows’ Eve Heist delivers Halloween thrills as Georgie and Jack chase art thieves through a costumed crowd, while A Merry Christmas Wedding Mystery mixes wedding plans with a missing actress case.
Themes of second chances, resilience, and community shine throughout, with Marvelous Marley World’s bustling setting amplifying the stakes. Burke’s witty dialogue and intricate puzzles keep the pace brisk, while Georgie’s Siamese cat, Miles, adds charm (and occasional clues). The inclusion of recipes, like quiche or shepherd’s pie, reflects Burke’s culinary background, making each book a cozy, multisensory experience.
The series’ Orange County setting, dubbed 'the OC,' grounds the fantastical park in a relatable California vibe. Burke’s knack for blending humor with suspense ensures each mystery feels fresh, with Georgie and Jack’s evolving relationship anchoring the emotional core. Fans praise the mature protagonists and the park’s quirky cast, from eccentric boss Max Marley to costumed parkgoers.
Why Georgie Shaw Resonates
The Georgie Shaw series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by celebrating older heroines and the thrill of unexpected adventure. Its focus on second-chance romance and personal growth resonates with readers seeking stories of reinvention. With nine books and counting, the series has garnered a loyal following, with reviewers on Goodreads and Amazon lauding its humor, pacing, and clever twists.
Burke’s ability to weave real-world inspiration into a fantastical setting keeps the series accessible yet escapist. Its blend of lighthearted fun and emotional depth makes it a standout, proving that cozy mysteries can be both heartwarming and thrilling. For fans, Georgie Shaw is a reminder that life’s mysteries are best solved with wit, love, and a good recipe.
- First Book: Murder at Catmmando Mountain (2016)
- Total Books: 9 (as of 2020)
- Setting: Marvelous Marley World, Orange County, California
- Author: Anna Celeste Burke, USA Today bestselling author
Grab Murder at Catmmando Mountain and dive into Georgie Shaw’s cozy, cat-filled world of mystery and romance!