Step into the quirky and thrilling world of the Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery series, where a sassy romance novelist turned amateur sleuth solves murders with a side of snark and a splash of romance! Written by Shéa MacLeod, this delightful series follows Viola Roberts, a former accountant who trades spreadsheets for suspense, unraveling mysteries alongside her boozy, wise-cracking best friend, Cheryl. Perfect for cozy mystery fans, these fast-paced tales blend humor, intrigue, and charming settings that keep readers hooked.
How Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery Began
Shéa MacLeod, a prolific author with a penchant for dragons and strong coffee, dreamed of writing novels since childhood, inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. After a stint in London and a return to her Portland, Oregon roots, MacLeod crafted the Viola Roberts series, launching with The Corpse in the Cabana in 2016. Her goal? To create a fun, contemporary cozy mystery series with a relatable heroine who stumbles into crime-solving with wit and determination.
The Heart of Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery
The series kicks off with The Corpse in the Cabana, where Viola, attending a writers’ conference in Florida, finds a famous author dead and must clear her name—and Cheryl’s—before the police pin the crime on them. In The Stiff in the Study, Viola returns to her quaint hometown of Astoria, Oregon, investigating a museum director’s murder to save her friend Portia. The Poison in the Pudding sees Viola tackling a Christmas party gone wrong, with poisoned guests and her reputation at stake. Finally, The Venom in the Valentine takes her to a remote Oregon resort, where venomous letters lead to a deadly mystery.
MacLeod’s stories shine with humor, romance, and small-town charm, often set in Astoria’s cozy seaside vibe or exotic locales like Florida and Hawaii. Themes of friendship, perseverance, and amateur sleuthing weave through each book, with Viola’s sharp wit and Cheryl’s lively antics driving the narrative. The series’ fast-paced plots, quirky suspects, and light romantic threads—especially Viola’s chemistry with fellow writer Lucas Salvatore—make it a breezy, addictive read.
Why Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery Resonates
The Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery series has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its relatable heroine and engaging storytelling. Viola, a 40-something writer with a knack for trouble, appeals to readers seeking mature, flawed, yet lovable protagonists. MacLeod’s blend of humor and suspense, paired with vivid settings, offers a perfect escape. With ten books and counting, the series’ loyal fanbase cherishes its quick reads, ideal for a cozy night in or a waiting-room distraction.
- Publication Range: 2016–2021
- Number of Books: 10
- Setting: Primarily Astoria, Oregon, with trips to Florida, Hawaii, and England
- Genre: Cozy Amateur Sleuth Mystery
Grab The Corpse in the Cabana and dive into Viola Roberts Cozy Mystery’s world of murder, mischief, and small-town charm!