Step into the quirky, laugh-out-loud world of Gertie Johnson, where a sassy 66-year-old widow from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula solves mysteries with a pepper spray in one hand and a heart full of grit! Deb Baker’s Gertie Johnson series is a cozy mystery gem, blending humor, small-town charm, and amateur sleuthing that keeps readers hooked. With her pals Cora Mae and Kitty, Gertie’s unconventional crime-solving antics make every page a delight.
Rooted in the rugged beauty of the U.P., this series captures the essence of Yooper culture—think snowy forests, tight-knit communities, and a touch of Finnish flair. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just craving a fun escape, Gertie’s adventures are a must-read!
How Gertie Johnson Began
Deb Baker, a native Yooper born in Escanaba, Michigan, poured her love for the Upper Peninsula into the Gertie Johnson series. Launched in 2006 with Murder Passes the Buck, the series drew from Baker’s personal experiences and her knack for crafting colorful characters. A self-proclaimed humor enthusiast, Baker wanted a heroine who defied stereotypes—enter Gertie, a feisty widow who’s anything but a typical grandma. The debut novel won the Authorlink New Author Award, cementing Baker’s place in cozy mysteries.
Writing under her own name and as Hannah Reed, Baker’s storytelling reflects her Upper Peninsula roots, where she lived until age 10. Her goal? To create a series that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious, with a setting that feels like home.
The Heart of Gertie Johnson
The series kicks off with Murder Passes the Buck, where Gertie investigates the suspicious death of her neighbor Chester, ruled an accident by her sheriff son, Blaze. Undeterred, Gertie teams up with man-hungry Cora Mae and word-loving Kitty to crack the case, dodging danger and Blaze’s attempts to rein her in. In Murder Grins and Bears It, Gertie hunts for her missing grandson Little Donny during bear hunting season, unraveling a game warden’s murder with her signature chaos.
Murder Talks Turkey sees Gertie tackling a credit union robbery gone wrong, where the stolen money vanishes despite witnesses. The Christmas novella Murder Trims the Tree brings festive mischief as Gertie’s community service at an assisted living home turns deadly. Themes of family, friendship, and resilience shine through, wrapped in Baker’s humorous prose and the U.P.’s unique culture—think snowmobiles, pasties, and Yooper slang.
Gertie’s adventures are less about forensics and more about heart. Her stubborn independence and loyalty to her quirky crew make her a standout sleuth, while the U.P. setting adds a fresh twist to the cozy genre. Readers love the laugh-out-loud moments, like Gertie’s disastrous driving lessons or her impersonating the FBI!
Why Gertie Johnson Resonates
Gertie Johnson’s charm lies in her relatability and defiance of ageist tropes. At 66, she’s a force of nature, proving that adventure knows no age limit. Fans adore her spunk and the series’ affectionate portrayal of U.P. life, which resonates with anyone who loves small-town stories. The series has carved a niche in cozy mysteries, inspiring readers to embrace their inner sleuth and cherish community bonds.
Baker’s blend of humor and heart has earned praise from outlets like the Lansing State Journal, which called Gertie ‘one of the most memorable heroines in recent crime fiction.’ Though not as mainstream as some cozy series, its cult following cherishes its quirky authenticity and Yooper pride.
- Publication Years: 2006–2011
- Number of Books: 4 novels, 1 novella, plus short stories
- Award: Murder Passes the Buck won Best of Show, Authorlink New Author Awards (2003)
Ready to join Gertie’s wild ride? Grab Murder Passes the Buck and dive into the hilarious, heartwarming world of Yooper mysteries!