Picture a storyteller who spun the glitz and grit of the 1920s into cozy mysteries that charm and captivate—meet Alice Duncan! Born in Pasadena, California, this historical fiction maven now calls Roswell, New Mexico, home, but her heart remains in the Jazz Age. Her Daisy Gumm Majesty series, brimming with wit and period flair, has won readers over with its plucky heroine and vivid post-World War I settings.
Before she became a beloved author, Duncan danced her way through life—literally! A professional folk dancer, she twirled away from her true calling until her writing muse demanded center stage. Now, with a herd of wild dachshunds and a knack for storytelling, she’s crafted a legacy that’s as delightful as a 1920s speakeasy.
The Making of Alice Duncan
Born in Pasadena, Alice Duncan grew up surrounded by the charm of Southern California, a setting that would later star in her novels. Her early career as a folk dancer showcased her vibrant spirit, but writing was her destiny. After years of resisting the call, she embraced her muse, channeling her love for history and storytelling into historical cozy mysteries. Her move to Roswell, New Mexico, brought a quieter life, but her stories remain as lively as ever, steeped in the culture and quirks of the 1920s.
Alice Duncan’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Duncan’s bibliography is the Daisy Gumm Majesty series, a collection of cozy mysteries set in 1920s Pasadena. Daisy, a faux spiritualist with a sharp tongue and a knack for stumbling into mysteries, is Duncan’s star. In Strong Spirits, Daisy navigates séances and a missing husband case, blending humor with historical detail. Fine Spirits sees her tackling a ghostly basement mystery—spoiler: it’s not a skunk! Hungry Spirits challenges Daisy to teach cooking to German immigrants, confronting her own biases while unraveling an anarchist plot. The series, now spanning over 20 books, including Domesticated Spirits, is praised for its period authenticity and Daisy’s endearing mix of spunk and heart.
Duncan’s style is a delightful cocktail of light-hearted mystery and rich historical texture. Her novels tackle serious themes—PTSD, racism, and women’s struggles in the 1920s—with a gentle touch, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. She also penned the Mercy Allcutt series, set in 1920s Los Angeles, and other works under pseudonyms like Emma Craig and Anne Robins, showcasing her versatility.
Why Alice Duncan Matters
Alice Duncan’s impact lies in her ability to transport readers to a bygone era while making it feel alive and relatable. Her Daisy Gumm Majesty series has earned accolades like Romantic Times Top Picks and Reviewer’s Choice Awards nominations, but her true legacy is her connection with readers. Fans adore Daisy’s humor and the vivid Pasadena backdrop, especially those familiar with the city’s history. By weaving social issues into cozy mysteries, Duncan elevates the genre, offering both escapism and insight into the Roaring Twenties.
Her perseverance—from folk dancing to prolific authorship—inspires aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase your passion. Duncan’s stories remind us that history isn’t just facts; it’s people, quirks, and all, brought to life through her effervescent prose.
- Born: Pasadena, California
- Key Works: Daisy Gumm Majesty series, Mercy Allcutt series
- Awards: Romantic Times Top Pick, Reviewer’s Choice Awards finalist
- Fun Fact: She owns a herd of wild dachshunds!
Ready to step into the 1920s with a sassy spiritualist? Snag Strong Spirits and dive into Alice Duncan’s cozy, charming world!