Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of Leigh Koslow, where a knack for stumbling upon dead bodies turns an ordinary advertising copywriter into Pittsburgh’s most unexpected amateur sleuth! Edie Claire’s Leigh Koslow Mystery Series blends humor, heart, and suspense, delivering family-friendly mysteries that have captivated readers since 1999. Set in the charming borough of Avalon, this series follows Leigh’s misadventures as she unravels crimes with her veterinarian father, quirky relatives, and a menagerie of pets.
With nearly half a million copies sold worldwide, the series’ clever plots and relatable characters have earned it a spot as a USA-Today and Kindle Top-10 bestseller. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or new to the genre, Leigh’s witty charm and puzzle-solving prowess make this series a delightful escape.
How Leigh Koslow Began
Edie Claire, a former veterinarian and childbirth educator, launched the Leigh Koslow series in 1998 with Never Buried, published by Penguin-Putnam. Inspired by her love for animals and her knack for crafting warm, humorous stories, Claire created Leigh as a flawed yet lovable heroine. The Pittsburgh setting, rooted in Claire’s familiarity with the region, adds a grounded, small-town vibe. After a hiatus post-2002, the series was reborn in 2012 with new novels and a short story, cementing its enduring appeal as a Kindle bestseller.
The Heart of Leigh Koslow
The series kicks off with Never Buried, where Leigh discovers an embalmed corpse in her cousin’s backyard, sparking a mystery tied to scandals from 1949. In Never Sorry, Leigh’s part-time zoo job lands her at a grisly crime scene involving her high school nemesis. Never Preach Past Noon sees her navigating family secrets and a shady televangelist, while Never Con a Corgi fast-forwards a decade, with a now-married Leigh and her kids tackling a developer’s murder.
Claire’s stories shine through their blend of cozy mystery staples—small-town settings, quirky casts, and pet-filled plots—with a touch of realism. Themes of family, loyalty, and resilience resonate, as Leigh’s determination and klutzy charm make her relatable. The Pittsburgh backdrop, with its tight-knit community and historic charm, grounds the suspense, while Claire’s veterinary background adds authentic animal-centric details. Each book delivers a self-contained puzzle, perfect for readers craving clever whodunits without gore.
Why Leigh Koslow Resonates
The Leigh Koslow series has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans, particularly animal lovers, for its heartfelt humor and engaging plots. Its revival in 2012 as a digital bestseller highlights its timeless appeal, with readers praising Leigh’s growth from a single twenty-something to a protective mom. Claire’s ability to balance suspense with lighthearted moments has built a loyal fanbase, while the series’ accessibility—available in digital, print, and audio—ensures it remains a go-to for mystery enthusiasts.
The series’ impact lies in its relatability. Leigh’s flaws, from her accident-prone nature to her stubborn curiosity, mirror everyday struggles, making her a heroine readers root for. Its family-friendly tone and focus on community resonate in a genre often filled with darker themes, offering a refreshing escape.
- First Book: Never Buried (1998)
- Total Books: 12 novels, 1 short story
- Setting: Avalon, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Ready to unravel mysteries with Leigh Koslow? Grab Never Buried and dive into a world of cozy suspense, quirky characters, and Pittsburgh charm!