Picture a storyteller who traded Wall Street for sandy shores, weaving mysteries as delicious as a Cape Cod clambake—meet Amy Pershing! A lifelong mystery lover and foodie, Pershing brings the charm of coastal Massachusetts to life in her delightful Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series. With a knack for snappy dialogue, culinary flair, and intricate whodunits, she’s carved a cozy niche that leaves readers hungry for more.
From childhood summers spent shoeless on Cape Cod to a career spanning publishing, journalism, and corporate communications, Pershing’s journey is as flavorful as her stories. Her books blend humor, heart, and a dash of suspense, making her a rising star in the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Amy Pershing
Growing up in a bustling farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with four siblings and a menagerie of pets, Amy Pershing found her heart on Cape Cod, where her family spent carefree summers swimming, sailing, and savoring seafood. Influenced by her mother, who championed good books and buttery recipes, Pershing devoured Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, and Sue Grafton, planting the seeds for her mystery-writing future. After college, she dove into publishing as an assistant editor at Viking Penguin, working with luminaries like Stephen King and Elizabeth David, before stints as a restaurant reviewer for Playbill and a journalist in Rome.
Her corporate chapter leading employee communications at a global bank funded her sons’ college tuition and fueled her wanderlust, with travels to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. But the Cape’s siren call never faded, and once the tuition bills were paid, Pershing traded spreadsheets for storytelling, settling on Cape Cod to write full-time and sail the waters that inspire her work.
Amy Pershing’s Unforgettable Stories
Pershing’s Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series, launched in 2021 with A Side of Murder, introduces Samantha Barnes, a disgraced chef turned food critic who stumbles over dead bodies while juggling a crumbling house, a giant puppy, and a rekindled romance. Praised by Elizabeth Gilbert as “the freshest, funniest mystery I have ever read,” the novel sets the tone with its witty prose, vivid Cape Cod setting, and culinary tips woven into the plot. The story follows Sam as she investigates a suspicious death at a local restaurant, serving up suspense with a side of humor.
The series continues with An Eggnog to Die For (2021), a Christmas-themed caper where Sam untangles the murder of a Santa Claus, earning a starred Kirkus Review for its “delightful sleuth” and “complex mystery.” Murder Is No Picnic (2022), the third installment, sees Sam probing a celebrity chef’s death during a Fourth of July clambake, with Kirkus lauding its “clever, empathetic heroine.” Pershing’s style shines through her vivid descriptions of Cape Cod’s beaches, bays, and eateries, paired with Sam’s snarky charm and relatable insecurities, making each book a cozy escape.
Her narratives blend culinary passion—think clam chowder recipes and blueberry buckle baking lessons—with intricate plots and a cast of quirky friends. Pershing’s love for food and mysteries creates a warm, inviting world where readers feel like they’re dining with Sam and her crew, unraveling clues over a plate of fried clams.
Why Amy Pershing Matters
Amy Pershing has carved a unique space in the cozy mystery genre, blending the comfort of small-town life with the thrill of amateur sleuthing. Her authentic portrayal of Cape Cod, rooted in personal experience, transports readers to a world of salty air and seaside charm, while her focus on food fosters a sense of community and connection. Fans and critics, from Krista Davis to Lucy Burdette, praise her fresh voice and clever plotting, noting her ability to balance humor, heart, and suspense.
Pershing’s impact lies in her relatable heroine, Samantha Barnes, whose imperfections and tenacity resonate with readers navigating their own life changes. By celebrating Cape Cod’s culture and cuisine, Pershing not only entertains but also preserves the spirit of a beloved region, inviting readers to savor life’s simple pleasures—good food, good books, and a good mystery.
- Key Works: A Side of Murder (2021), An Eggnog to Die For (2021), Murder Is No Picnic (2022)
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Notable Praise: Elizabeth Gilbert called A Side of Murder “the freshest, funniest mystery I have ever read.”
Ready to dive into a world of seaside suspense and mouthwatering meals? Snag A Side of Murder and savor Amy Pershing’s cozy mysteries today!