Picture a storyteller who swapped congressional investigations for cozy mysteries dripping with vintage glamour—meet Angela M. Sanders! This Portland-based author weaves witty, stylish tales that blend crime fiction with a love for retro fashion and classic detective novels. Her Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing Mysteries have captivated readers with quirky characters and twisty plots, making her a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
With a knack for turning everyday settings into thrilling adventures, Sanders draws on her diverse past—from rural California to Parisian streets—to craft stories that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Whether she’s lounging with a vintage crime novel or rummaging through thrift shops, Sanders’s passion for storytelling shines through in every page.
The Making of Angela M. Sanders
Growing up in rural Northern California, Angela M. Sanders was a dreamer who devoured Nancy Drew mysteries and built forts in the woods. Her love for adventure led her to Paris for graduate school, where she studied public administration and economics, sparking a lifelong passion for French culture. After spending over a decade as a congressional investigator, Sanders realized her heart lay in the stories she uncovered on the sidelines. This epiphany pushed her to trade policy reports for fiction, channeling her curiosity and sharp wit into crafting mysteries that sparkle with charm.
Angela M. Sanders’s Unforgettable Stories
Sanders’s signature series, the Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing Mysteries, follows a Portland vintage clothing store owner who stumbles into murders tied to retro fashion. In The Lanvin Murders, Joanna finds a key in a 1930s coat, unraveling a web of blackmail and lost love. Dior or Die sees her tackling a poisoned matron and stolen diamonds, blending suspense with haute couture. Slain in Schiaparelli traps Joanna in a snowbound lodge with a rare gown and a killer, delivering a witty twist on the classic manor mystery. Under the pen name Clover Tate, Sanders also penned the Kite Shop Mysteries, showcasing her versatility with coastal charm.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of humor, intelligence, and glamour, appealing to readers who crave a touch of couture with their crime. Sanders’s plots are intricate yet accessible, populated by quirky characters like the Book Bunnies, a group of middle school girls who aid Joanna’s sleuthing. Her love for vintage aesthetics—think satin gowns and icy martinis—infuses her stories with a retro allure that feels both timeless and modern.
Beyond the vintage series, Sanders’s Witch Way Librarian Mysteries, starting with Bait and Witch, introduce a magical librarian in small-town Oregon, proving her ability to blend cozy mystery with paranormal flair. Her upcoming series, set in a perfume-infused Victorian mansion in Astoria, Oregon, promises more murder and magic.
Why Angela M. Sanders Matters
Angela M. Sanders has carved a niche in cozy mysteries by blending fashion, wit, and suspense into stories that feel like a warm hug with a thrilling edge. Her ability to craft relatable heroines like Joanna Hayworth resonates with readers who love strong, curious women solving crimes in style. Sanders’s work celebrates the joy of storytelling, inviting fans to escape into worlds where vintage dresses and clever sleuthing reign supreme. Her influence extends beyond books, as her newsletters share cocktail recipes and Golden Age novel reviews, fostering a community of cozy mystery enthusiasts.
- Key Works: The Lanvin Murders, Dior or Die, Slain in Schiaparelli, Bait and Witch
- Pen Name: Clover Tate (Kite Shop Mysteries)
- Hobbies: Thrift shopping, reading vintage crime novels, making the perfect martini
Snag The Lanvin Murders and dive into Angela M. Sanders’s stylish, suspenseful world of cozy mysteries!