Picture a British storyteller who whisks readers from Victorian kitchens to Kentish villages, spinning mysteries that keep you guessing—meet Amy Myers, also known as Harriet Hudson! Born in 1938, this prolific author has crafted suspenseful tales and historical sagas for decades, earning a loyal following with her knack for vivid characters and intricate plots.
With series like the Auguste Didier mysteries and the Marsh and Daughter novels, Myers blends cozy crime with historical flair, often under her pen name Harriet Hudson for romances and sagas. Her stories, rooted in her love for Kent’s landscapes and history, are a delightful mix of intrigue and charm. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Amy Myers
Born in Barnehurst, Kent, in 1938, Amy Myers grew up in a region that would later inspire her evocative settings. Her passion for storytelling bloomed early, fueled by devouring books from her parents’ shelves. After studying English Literature, she dove into the publishing world, working as a director at William Kimber, where she edited memoirs and ghost stories. This immersion in narrative craft shaped her future as a writer. Married to an American, Myers split time between Paris and London, dreaming up her first detective, Auguste Didier, during her Parisian stays.
Amy Myers’s Unforgettable Stories
Myers’s writing is a masterclass in mystery, blending historical detail with suspense. Her debut, Murder in Pug’s Parlour (1986), introduced Auguste Didier, a half-French, half-English chef sleuth in Victorian England. This series, spanning eleven novels, showcases her ability to weave culinary delights with clever whodunits. The Marsh and Daughter series, starting with The Wickenham Murders (2004), follows a father-daughter duo solving cold cases, rich with Kentish atmosphere and emotional depth.
Under the pseudonym Harriet Hudson, Myers explores historical sagas and romances, like Look for Me by Moonlight (1989), a sweeping tale of love and secrets. Her Nell Drury series, beginning with Dancing with Death (2017), features a 1920s female chef navigating murder and societal norms. Myers’s style—vivid, character-driven, and steeped in history—makes her stories feel like stepping into a bygone era.
Her versatility shines in series like Tom Wasp, about a Victorian chimney sweep, and Jack Colby, a car detective. Whether writing cozy mysteries or heartfelt sagas, Myers crafts worlds that feel authentic, with protagonists who linger long after the final page.
Why Amy Myers Matters
Amy Myers has left an indelible mark on the cozy mystery and historical fiction genres. Her ability to create relatable, iconic characters like Auguste Didier and Peter Marsh has earned her praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly and a dedicated readership. Her contributions to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and her reviews for Shots magazine highlight her influence in the crime fiction community.
Beyond her novels, Myers’s work captures the spirit of Kent and the nuances of historical settings, preserving a slice of British culture. Her pseudonyms, especially Harriet Hudson, showcase her range, appealing to fans of both suspense and romance. As a trailblazer in cozy mysteries, she continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers.
- Born: August 3, 1938, Barnehurst, Kent
- Key Works: Murder in Pug’s Parlour, The Wickenham Murders, Look for Me by Moonlight (as Harriet Hudson)
- Pseudonyms: Harriet Hudson, Laura Daniels
- Awards: Recognized by the Crime Writers Association and others
Snag The Wickenham Murders and dive into Amy Myers’s thrilling world of cozy mysteries and historical intrigue!