Picture a Cleveland-born storyteller who whips up cozy mysteries as delightful as a double-scoop sundae—meet Abby Collette! A Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Collette crafts whodunits that blend heartwarming characters, delectable ice cream, and clever clues. Her Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series, set in the charming Chagrin Falls, Ohio, has readers craving both justice and a frozen treat.
With a knack for cozy mysteries, Collette invites us into quaint small towns where murder meets humor. Her journey from lawyer and professor to beloved author is as inspiring as her stories, proving that passion and persistence can churn out something truly sweet.
The Making of Abby Collette
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Abby Collette—also known by her real name, Abby L. Vandiver—grew up with a love for storytelling. A former lawyer and college professor with degrees in economics, public administration, and law, she traded courtrooms for cozy mysteries. Her Cleveland roots, where she still resides (despite joking about warmer climates), infuse her work with authentic local flavor. Collette’s self-taught writing journey began with a spark of curiosity, leading her to pen her first novel in 2013, blending her legal savvy with a passion for puzzles.
Her early forays into writing included science fiction and alternative history under her real name, but cozy mysteries became her true calling. Joining Sisters in Crime and Crime Writers of Color, she found a community that fueled her creativity and amplified her voice as a Black author in the genre.
Abby Collette’s Unforgettable Stories
Collette’s Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series, starting with A Deadly Inside Scoop (2020), follows Bronwyn “Win” Crewse, a savvy MBA grad reviving her family’s ice cream shop in Chagrin Falls. When a body turns up in the snow, Win juggles sleuthing with sundaes, delivering a plot as rich as her grandmother’s recipes. The series continues with A Game of Cones (2021) and A Killer Sundae (2022), each weaving small-town charm with intricate mysteries.
Her Books & Biscuits Mystery series, launched with Body and Soul Food (2021), introduces fraternal twins running a bookstore and soul food café, solving crimes amid literary and culinary delights. Collette’s style shines through her humor, diverse casts, and vivid settings—think cozy evenings with a side of suspense. As Abby L. Vandiver, she’s also penned the Logan Dickerson and Romaine Wilder Mysteries, showcasing her versatility across Southern and supernatural sleuthing.
What sets Collette apart is her ability to craft relatable, multicultural characters and sprinkle cultural details—like Cleveland’s quirks or Black family dynamics—into her narratives. Her mysteries are fun yet layered, offering clues for readers to savor like a well-crafted dessert.
Why Abby Collette Matters
Abby Collette’s impact extends beyond her page-turning plots. As a Black cozy mystery author, she brings diversity to a genre often lacking it, creating stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her membership in Crime Writers of Color and Sisters in Crime underscores her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Collette’s workshops at local libraries inspire aspiring writers, especially in her Cleveland community, where she’s a literary beacon.
Her rise from self-publishing to traditional deals with Penguin Berkley proves that talent and tenacity can break barriers. For fans, her books offer escapism with heart, blending cozy comfort with sharp social insights. Collette’s legacy is one of joy, representation, and the thrill of a good mystery solved.
- Born: Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: Ice Cream Parlor Mystery series, Books & Biscuits Mystery series
- Pseudonyms: Abby L. Vandiver, Cade Bentley (for women’s fiction)
- Affiliations: Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color
Ready to dive into a mystery as tasty as a Chagrin Falls ice cream cone? Snag A Deadly Inside Scoop and savor Abby Collette’s cozy world of clues and confections!