Picture a storyteller who spun cozy mysteries with a sunny Florida twist, where pets and people solve crimes together—meet Blaize Clement! Best known for her Dixie Hemingway Mystery Series, this American author blended wit, heart, and suspense to captivate readers. Her vibrant narratives, set against the backdrop of Siesta Key, reflect a life rich with diverse experiences, from family therapy to dressmaking, all infused with her love for animals and community.
The Making of Blaize Clement
Born on August 18, 1932, in Fink, Texas, Blaize Clement’s early life was marked by resilience. Stricken with polio before age 20, she faced physical challenges while raising a young family. Her varied career—dressmaker, caterer, stay-at-home mom, and family therapist in Houston—shaped her deep understanding of human connections. This empathy fueled her writing, which began later in life. A workshop sparked the idea for her signature series, where a pet-sitting sleuth named Dixie Hemingway took center stage, blending Clement’s passion for animals and mystery.
Blaize Clement’s Unforgettable Stories
Clement’s Dixie Hemingway Mystery Series, published by St. Martin’s Press, is her crowning achievement, with 11 novels that shine in the cozy mystery genre. Her debut, Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter (2005), introduces Dixie, a former sheriff’s deputy turned pet-sitter, who stumbles into a murder case when a client’s cat uncovers a crime. The follow-up, Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund (2007), sees Dixie chasing a psychopathic killer after a dog’s curious digging. Even Cat Sitters Get the Blues (2008) and The Cat Sitter’s Whiskers (2015) showcase her knack for weaving suspense with humor, set in the lush Sarasota landscape. Clement’s style is light yet smart, with diverse characters and clever subplots that keep readers hooked.
Her writing extends beyond mysteries, including plays, essays, parenting books like The Loving Parent (1981), and an e-book, I, Malcolm, written from a dog’s perspective. Her ability to craft relatable, suspenseful stories with vivid settings earned her a loyal fanbase and nods from outlets like Publishers Weekly.
Why Blaize Clement Matters
Blaize Clement’s impact lies in her ability to make cozy mysteries feel fresh and inclusive. Her stories celebrate community, diversity, and the bond between people and pets, reflecting her belief in mutual respect across differences. Despite her passing in 2011, her son John Clement continues the series, ensuring Dixie’s adventures live on. The Blaize Clement Award honors her contributions to mystery writing, cementing her legacy as a beloved storyteller who brought warmth and intrigue to every page.
About Blaize Clement
- Born: August 18, 1932, Fink, Texas
- Died: July 20, 2011
- Key Works: Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter, Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund, The Cat Sitter’s Whiskers
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Fun Fact: She wrote her first mystery novel at age 74!
Snag Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter and dive into Blaize Clement’s cozy, pet-filled mysteries today!