Step into the buzzing world of Josiah Reynolds, where honey-sweet mysteries and Bluegrass charm collide! Abigail Keam’s Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series is a delightful cozy mystery saga that follows a sharp-tongued beekeeper turned amateur sleuth as she unravels murders in Kentucky’s horse country. With her iconic home, The Butterfly, and a cast of quirky friends, Josiah’s adventures blend suspense, Southern flair, and fascinating beekeeping tidbits.
From antebellum mansions to Thoroughbred farms, this series captures the heart of the Bluegrass region while delivering witty, page-turning whodunits. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just craving a fresh, flavorful detective tale, Josiah’s world is as addictive as Kentucky bourbon.
How Josiah Reynolds Began
Abigail Keam, an award-winning beekeeper with 16 honey awards from the Kentucky State Fair, poured her passion for bees and Bluegrass culture into creating Josiah Reynolds. A former art history professor, Josiah’s life takes a dramatic turn, leading her to solve crimes with a blend of sarcasm and grit. Keam’s love for history and sustainable farming shines through, inspired by her own experiences selling honey at farmers’ markets. Since its debut in 2010, the series has grown into a beloved staple for cozy mystery readers, weaving real Kentucky landmarks and historical nuggets into its plots.
The Heart of Josiah Reynolds
The series kicks off with Death By A HoneyBee, where Josiah becomes a murder suspect after a nemesis is found dead in her beeyard. In Death By Drowning, she digs into a suspicious death tied to local secrets, while Death By Bourbon sees her unravel a poisoning at a glamorous engagement party. Death By Stalking, a fan favorite, features Josiah and her daughter, Asa, tackling antique fraud and murder. With 19 books, including the latest, Death By Theft (2024), the series keeps readers hooked with intricate mysteries.
Josiah’s world thrives on its vivid Bluegrass setting, where oak-cured bourbon and million-dollar horses set the stage for deception. Themes of resilience, loyalty, and community pulse through the stories, with Josiah’s sarcastic humor and flawed yet relatable nature stealing the show. Keam’s beekeeping expertise adds authenticity, offering readers a peek into hive management and environmental stewardship. The series’ cozy vibe—think quirky sidekicks like Lady Elsmere and Baby, the mastiff—pairs perfectly with its darker, suspenseful undercurrents.
Why Josiah Reynolds Resonates
The Josiah Reynolds series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning accolades like the 2010 Gold Medal from Readers’ Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee and a 2022 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion finalist nod for Death By Chance. Fans rave about its authentic Kentucky flavor and Josiah’s unapologetic spirit, with reviews praising Keam’s ability to blend history, humor, and heart. Its focus on local food economies and beekeeping has also sparked interest in sustainable practices, making it more than just a mystery series.
For readers, Josiah’s adventures offer an escape into a world where small-town charm meets high-stakes drama. The series’ longevity—spanning over a decade—proves its staying power, drawing new fans with each release. Its blend of Southern sass and sleuthing keeps it fresh, even in a crowded genre.
- Publication Range: 2010–2024
- Number of Books: 19
- Notable Awards: 2010 and 2011 Gold Medals from Readers’ Favorite, 2020 Imadjinn Award for Death By Stalking
Grab Death By A HoneyBee and dive into Josiah Reynolds’s cozy, bee-sting-sharp world of Bluegrass mysteries!