Step into the sweet and suspenseful world of the Maple Syrup Mysteries, where cozy small-town charm meets clever whodunits! Written by Emily James, this beloved cozy mystery series follows former lawyer Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes as she trades courtroom drama for a maple syrup farm in Northern Michigan, only to stumble into murder mysteries that keep readers guessing. With quirky characters, clean storytelling, and a dollop of romance, it’s no wonder fans worldwide can’t get enough of this delightful series.
From its quaint setting to its heartwarming themes, Maple Syrup Mysteries offers a refreshing escape into a world where community, courage, and a good puzzle reign supreme. Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or just craving a light, engaging read, this series is sure to leave you hooked!
How Maple Syrup Mysteries Began
Emily James, a lifelong fan of mystery shows like Murder, She Wrote and Monk, crafted the Maple Syrup Mysteries with a passion for clean, family-friendly storytelling. Launched in 2016 with the prequel novella Sapped, the series introduces Nicole, a lawyer disillusioned with her high-pressure career. When she inherits her uncle’s maple syrup farm in Fair Haven, Michigan, James saw an opportunity to blend her love for quirky characters with the unique backdrop of a sugarbush farm. Published through Stronghold Books, the series quickly gained traction for its accessible, suspense-filled plots.
The Heart of Maple Syrup Mysteries
The series kicks off with A Sticky Inheritance (2016), where Nicole arrives in Fair Haven to discover her uncle’s death may not have been a suicide. As she unravels the truth, she navigates small-town secrets and her own klutzy charm. In Bushwhacked (2016), Nicole’s investigation into a local animal shelter manager’s death uncovers darker secrets, while Murder on Tap (2017) presents a locked-room mystery when a photographer dies during a farm tour. Stumped (2020), the series finale, sees a pregnant Nicole tackling a perplexing case involving a blood-covered stranger.
At its core, Maple Syrup Mysteries weaves themes of community, personal growth, and resilience. The Northern Michigan setting, with its snowy winters and maple-scented farms, grounds the stories in a vivid, relatable world. James’s clean writing—no swearing, gore, or explicit scenes—makes the series a favorite for readers of all ages. Nicole’s journey from city lawyer to small-town sleuth, sprinkled with light romance and quirky sidekicks like her dogs Velma and Max, keeps the tone upbeat yet suspenseful.
Why Maple Syrup Mysteries Resonates
Maple Syrup Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning accolades like the 2018 IPPY Awards Gold Medal for A Sticky Inheritance. Fans praise its addictive plots and relatable characters, with over 300 five-star reviews across Amazon and Goodreads. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to balance suspense with heart, offering readers a comforting yet thrilling escape. By championing justice and community, the series reminds us that even in the stickiest situations, truth and kindness prevail.
- First Book Published: 2016 (A Sticky Inheritance)
- Total Books: 13, plus a prequel novella
- Awards: Mystery/Cozy Gold Medalist, 2018 IPPY Awards
Ready to savor a sweet mystery? Grab A Sticky Inheritance and dive into the cozy, captivating world of Maple Syrup Mysteries today!