Picture a storytelling duo who turned quaint Maine villages into hotbeds of mystery—meet B.B. Haywood! This pseudonym hides the talents of Beth and Robert Freeman, a married couple whose Candy Holliday Murder Mysteries have charmed cozy mystery fans worldwide. With a knack for blending small-town charm with gripping whodunits, they’ve crafted a beloved series that feels like a warm blueberry pie with a side of suspense.
Inspired by the rugged beauty of coastal Maine, the Freemans created a world where blueberry farmer Candy Holliday solves crimes in the fictional Cape Willington. Their New York Times bestselling series captures the heart of cozy mysteries, making B.B. Haywood a name to remember for fans of intrigue and charm.
The Making of B.B. Haywood
Beth and Robert Freeman, the real minds behind B.B. Haywood, found their muse while driving through Maine’s picturesque countryside. Stopping at small towns, they were captivated by the tight-knit communities and scenic beauty. This sparked the idea for the Candy Holliday series, where the couple’s shared love for storytelling and mystery came to life. Little is known about their personal lives, but their collaborative spirit shines through in their seamless narratives, blending Beth’s knack for character depth with Robert’s eye for plot twists.
Before becoming B.B. Haywood, the Freemans honed their writing skills, likely drawing from their experiences as a couple navigating life’s adventures. Their decision to write under a pseudonym added an air of intrigue, letting their stories take center stage while they remained behind the scenes.
B.B. Haywood’s Unforgettable Stories
The Candy Holliday Murder Mysteries, spanning eight novels, are the heart of B.B. Haywood’s legacy. Set in the idyllic yet surprisingly murderous Cape Willington, Maine, the series follows Candy Holliday, a blueberry farmer with a knack for solving crimes. Each book weaves a standalone mystery with ongoing threads, like the feud between the Pruitt and Skye families, adding depth to the cozy setting.
Notable titles include Town in a Blueberry Jam (2009), where Candy investigates the murders of a playboy and the Blueberry Queen, and Town in a Lobster Stew (2011), centered on a stolen recipe and a missing cook. Town in a Strawberry Swirl (2014) tackles a berry farmer’s death, while Town in a Maple Madness (2017) explores sap theft and a landscaper’s murder. The Freemans’ style is light yet suspenseful, with vivid Maine settings, quirky characters, and recipes that tempt readers to bake blueberry treats.
Their ability to balance cozy vibes with intricate plots sets them apart. Candy’s intelligence and bravery, paired with the Freemans’ love for Maine’s culture, create stories that feel both familiar and thrilling, earning praise for their “endearing characters” and “charming” settings.
Why B.B. Haywood Matters
B.B. Haywood’s work has left a lasting mark on the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an escape to a world where small-town life meets big drama. Their series resonates with fans who crave stories that blend heartwarming settings with clever puzzles. By rooting their tales in Maine’s coastal culture, the Freemans celebrate the state’s charm while highlighting the complexities of community life.
Their collaborative approach as a writing duo also inspires, showing how shared creativity can produce something truly special. For cozy mystery lovers, B.B. Haywood’s books are a testament to the genre’s power to comfort and captivate, encouraging readers to savor both the stories and the recipes within.
- Key Works: Town in a Blueberry Jam, Town in a Lobster Stew, Town in a Strawberry Swirl, Town in a Maple Madness
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Notable Praise: “Good food…Endearing characters” — Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author
Snag Town in a Blueberry Jam and dive into B.B. Haywood’s delightful world of cozy mysteries! Whether you’re a sleuthing fan or just craving a taste of Maine, Candy Holliday’s adventures are sure to satisfy.