Step into the charmingly deceptive town of Bradley, North Carolina, where octogenarian sleuth Myrtle Clover proves that age is no barrier to cracking cases! The Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery series by Elizabeth Spann Craig blends Southern charm, witty humor, and clever whodunits, captivating readers with its feisty retired schoolteacher who wields a cane and a sharp mind to solve murders. With her knack for stumbling upon bodies and outsmarting her police chief son, Myrtle has become a beloved figure in the cozy mystery genre.
How Myrtle Clover Began
Elizabeth Spann Craig, a lifelong mystery enthusiast raised on Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, launched the Myrtle Clover series in 2006 with A Dyeing Shame: Death at the Beauty Box. Inspired by the idea of an unconventional sleuth, Craig crafted Myrtle as an 80-something retired English teacher with a penchant for investigation. Set in the fictional Bradley, North Carolina, the series reflects Craig’s love for small-town dynamics and Southern quirks, growing into a fan-favorite with over 20 books.
The Heart of Myrtle Clover
The series kicks off with Pretty is as Pretty Dies (2009), where Myrtle discovers the body of a pushy town developer and dives into her first case, determined to prove her sleuthing prowess. In A Body in the Backyard, a corpse planted among her garden gnomes sparks another investigation, with Myrtle’s widower sidekick Miles adding dry humor. Doom and Bloom (2023) sees Myrtle tackling a murder at a garden club event, while A Myrtle Clover Christmas (2022) blends holiday cheer with a wedding-day killing. Each book delivers a standalone mystery, perfect for cozy readers who love quick, engaging reads.
Themes of resilience, community, and defying stereotypes shine through. Myrtle’s sharp wit and refusal to be sidelined by age challenge societal expectations, while Bradley’s deceptively sleepy setting hides secrets and scandals. Craig’s breezy style, laced with humor and Southern charm, makes every page a delight, with recurring characters like psychic Wanda and Myrtle’s gnome obsession adding quirky depth.
Why Myrtle Clover Resonates
Myrtle Clover has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, enchanting readers with its blend of humor, heart, and clever plotting. Fans praise Myrtle’s spunky personality and Craig’s ability to craft relatable, flawed characters, as seen in glowing reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. The series’ focus on an older protagonist brings fresh perspective, inspiring readers to embrace their own vitality. Its enduring appeal lies in its lighthearted take on life’s mysteries, making it a go-to for cozy fans seeking comfort and intrigue.
- First Book Published: 2006 (A Dyeing Shame)
- Number of Books: Over 23 as of 2023
- Setting: Fictional Bradley, North Carolina
- Author’s Other Works: Southern Quilting Mysteries, Village Library Mysteries
Ready to join Myrtle’s sleuthing adventures? Grab Pretty is as Pretty Dies and uncover the secrets of Bradley’s cozy chaos!