Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of Sharyn Howard, where small-town charm meets gripping mysteries in the heart of Diamond Springs, North Carolina! This beloved mystery series, penned by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Joyce and Jim Lavene, follows Sheriff Sharyn Howard, a tenacious woman battling crime, sexism, and local politics while unraveling cases steeped in the town’s rich history. With its blend of Southern charm, complex characters, and twisty plots, the Sharyn Howard series is a hidden gem for cozy mystery fans craving a fresh take on law enforcement tales.
Unlike amateur sleuths common in cozy mysteries, Sharyn is a professional sheriff, walking in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. Her strength, wit, and determination make her a standout protagonist, perfect for readers who love strong female leads navigating a man’s world. Ready to dive into her adventures? Let’s explore what makes this series so special!
How Sharyn Howard Began
The Sharyn Howard series kicked off in 1999 with Last Dance, born from the creative minds of Joyce and Jim Lavene, award-winning authors known for their vivid storytelling. Based in North Carolina, the Lavenes drew inspiration from the state’s small-town landscapes and rich history to craft Diamond Springs, a fictional setting that feels as real as your hometown. Their goal? To create a mystery series that paired cozy vibes with the grit of law enforcement, centered on a female sheriff breaking barriers. With over 70 novels across genres, the Lavenes’ passion for character-driven stories shines through in Sharyn’s journey, earning them a loyal niche following.
The Heart of Sharyn Howard
The series spans 12 books, each weaving two mysteries—one present, one past—connected by Diamond Springs’ history. In Last Dance (1999), Sharyn tackles a murder while proving her worth as a female sheriff, setting the tone for her relentless pursuit of justice. The Last to Remember (2001) sees her unravel a 40-year-old crime during a blizzard, with secrets implicating her own deputy. Glory’s Last Victim (2003) takes Sharyn outside her jurisdiction to solve a murder tied to a Cherokee legend and Civil War-era killings. Last One Down (2004) traps her on Sweet Potato Mountain, hunting a killer among stranded officers.
Themes of justice, resilience, and community pulse through the series, with Sharyn facing sexism and skepticism while building trust with her deputies and townsfolk. The Lavenes’ knack for blending Southern small-town life with historical intrigue creates a vivid backdrop, from Diamond Mountain to abandoned mining towns. Fans praise the well-developed characters, like Sharyn’s love interest Nick, the medical examiner, and the menacing Jack Winter, whose arcs deepen across books. The cozy mystery style—light on gore, heavy on plot twists—makes each novel a page-turner.
Why Sharyn Howard Resonates
Though not a household name, the Sharyn Howard series has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its refreshing take on the genre. Sharyn’s role as a professional law enforcement officer sets her apart from typical cozy sleuths, offering a grounded perspective on crime-solving. Readers love the series’ focus on strong female leadership and its celebration of Southern culture, from local legends to tight-knit communities. The Lavenes’ ability to intertwine past and present mysteries adds depth, making each book a journey through time. Despite its cult status, the series’ loyal fans and high Goodreads ratings (averaging 4.07/5) prove its lasting appeal.
- First Book: Last Dance, published 1999
- Total Books: 12, concluding with The First Shall Be Last (2007)
- Awards: Last Dance won the Master’s Choice Award for Best First Mystery Novel (1999)
- Authors: Joyce and Jim Lavene, also known as J.J. Cook and Ellie Grant
Craving a mystery series with heart, history, and a fierce female lead? Grab Last Dance and dive into Sharyn Howard’s captivating world of Diamond Springs intrigue!