Picture an American physician spinning tales of murder, music, and mischievous ghosts—meet Alexia Gordon! This #ownvoices crime novelist has captivated readers with her Gethsemane Brown Mysteries, a delightful blend of cozy mystery, classical music, and Irish folklore. From her debut, Murder in G Major, Gordon’s knack for crafting vibrant characters and supernatural twists has earned her a devoted following.
A practicing doctor by day, Gordon balances stethoscopes and storytelling with finesse, weaving her diverse experiences into narratives that resonate with charm and wit. Her journey from medicine to mystery is as intriguing as the cases her heroine solves, making her a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Alexia Gordon
Born in the Southeast and educated in the Northeast, Alexia Gordon’s life is a tapestry of varied landscapes and cultures. After stints in Alaska and the Southwest, she settled in Texas, where she now practices family medicine in El Paso. Her love for writing sparked early, winning a prize in sixth grade, but medical school and residency temporarily sidelined her literary dreams. Inspired by classics like Nancy Drew and a passion for puzzles, Gordon returned to fiction after establishing her medical career, completing Southern Methodist University’s Writer’s Path program to hone her craft.
Gordon’s medical background fuels her storytelling, with her knack for solving diagnostic puzzles mirroring the deductive skills of her sleuths. Her diverse upbringing, from Maryland to Mississippi roots, infuses her work with authentic cultural depth, particularly through her African-American protagonist, Gethsemane Brown.
Alexia Gordon’s Unforgettable Stories
Gordon’s Gethsemane Brown Mysteries, published by Henery Press, are a symphony of suspense and supernatural flair. The series kicks off with Murder in G Major (2016), where African-American violinist Gethsemane Brown, stranded in Ireland, teams up with the ghost of composer Eamon McCarthy to clear his name in a decades-old murder-suicide. This debut won the Lefty Award for Best Debut Novel and was nominated for an Agatha Award, lauded for its charming prose and vivid Irish setting.
Subsequent books—Death in D Minor (2017), Killing in C Sharp (2018), Fatality in F (2019), and Execution in E (2020)—deepen Gethsemane’s adventures, blending classical music, ghostly antics, and cozy whodunits. Gordon’s style is light yet sharp, with witty dialogue and a knack for weaving music and folklore into intricate plots. Her mysteries tackle themes of justice and identity, grounded by Gethsemane’s resilience and cultural heritage, making the series a fresh voice in a genre often lacking diversity.
Gordon’s ability to balance paranormal elements with grounded sleuthing sets her apart. Readers adore her vivid settings, from cliffside cottages to rose gardens, and her playful nods to musical terms delight classical music fans. Each book stands alone but builds a richer world, with recurring characters like the snarky ghost Eamon adding heart and humor.
Why Alexia Gordon Matters
Alexia Gordon’s impact lies in her ability to diversify the cozy mystery genre, bringing an African-American heroine to the forefront with authenticity and flair. Her #ownvoices perspective challenges stereotypes, offering readers a protagonist who’s both a musical prodigy and a tenacious sleuth. The Gethsemane Brown series has garnered critical acclaim, with Killing in C Sharp earning a starred Publishers Weekly review and the series winning the 2018 Lone Star Book Blog Tour’s Best Series award.
Beyond her books, Gordon engages fans through her podcast, The Cozy Corner with Alexia Gordon, and her blog with the Miss Demeanors, fostering a community of mystery lovers. Her dual career as a physician and writer inspires aspiring authors, proving passion projects can thrive alongside demanding professions. Gordon’s stories remind us that mysteries can be both fun and profound, leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
- Birthplace: Southeast United States
- Key Works: Murder in G Major, Death in D Minor, Killing in C Sharp, Fatality in F, Execution in E
- Awards: Lefty Award for Best Debut Novel (2016), Agatha Award nominee, Silver Falchion finalist
- Fun Fact: Gordon hosts The Cozy Corner podcast, chatting with fellow mystery authors.
Snag Murder in G Major and dive into Alexia Gordon’s enchanting world of music, ghosts, and cozy mysteries!