Picture an American storyteller who turned a love for cheese into a recipe for cozy mystery success—meet Avery Aames! Writing under the pseudonym Daryl Wood Gerber, Aames has dished up the delectable A Cheese Shop Mystery series, blending culinary charm with small-town intrigue. Her Agatha Award-winning novels have hooked readers with their witty characters and mouthwatering plots, proving that a good mystery is as satisfying as a perfectly aged cheddar.
From her early days as a screenwriter to her rise as a cozy mystery maestro, Aames’s journey is as flavorful as her stories. With a knack for crafting engaging heroines and twisty whodunits, she’s carved out a unique space in the genre, inviting readers to savor every page.
The Making of Avery Aames
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Avery Aames—aka Daryl Wood Gerber—grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of Northern California. As a child, she devoured Nancy Drew mysteries, sparking a lifelong love for sleuthing tales. Her creative spark shone early: by age nine, she was penning her own Nancy Drew-inspired stories, and at eleven, she wrote a play based on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. After studying at Stanford University, Aames chased fame in Los Angeles as an actress and screenwriter, even creating the sitcom Out of This World. When life took her across the country, she pivoted to novels, channeling her storytelling flair into the cozy mystery genre.
Avery Aames’s Unforgettable Stories
Aames’s A Cheese Shop Mystery series, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio, is her crowning achievement. The series follows Charlotte Bessette, a spirited cheese shop owner turned amateur sleuth, as she unravels murders with a side of creamy brie. The debut, The Long Quiche Goodbye (2010), won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel, praised for its rich characters and scrumptious mystery. Lost and Fondue (2011) dives into a winery fundraiser gone wrong, while Clobbered by Camembert (2012) serves up wintery intrigue. Days of Wine and Roquefort (2014), another standout, earned accolades for its clever plotting and culinary flair.
Aames’s writing is a delightful blend of cozy charm and suspense, with a dash of humor that keeps readers turning pages. Her deep knowledge of cheese—gained through extensive research at local shops—infuses each book with authentic details, making readers crave both the story and a cheese board. The series’ small-town setting and relatable characters, like Charlotte’s quirky grandparents, create a warm, inviting world that cozy mystery fans adore.
Why Avery Aames Matters
Avery Aames has left an indelible mark on the cozy mystery genre, proving that women can dominate a field once led by male authors. Her ability to weave food, family, and foul play into engaging narratives has earned her a loyal following and critical praise. The Agatha Award for The Long Quiche Goodbye cemented her as a rising star, while her series’ end with For Cheddar or Worse (2016) left fans hungry for more. Aames’s work celebrates the joy of community and the thrill of a good puzzle, inspiring readers to embrace life’s mysteries with curiosity and gusto.
- Pen Name: Avery Aames is the pseudonym of Daryl Wood Gerber.
- Key Works: The Long Quiche Goodbye, Lost and Fondue, Days of Wine and Roquefort.
- Awards: Agatha Award for Best First Novel (2010).
Ready to sink your teeth into a cozy mystery? Snag The Long Quiche Goodbye and dive into Avery Aames’s delicious world of cheese and suspense!