Picture an Australian storyteller, born in the wilds of Papua New Guinea, spinning mysteries that keep you guessing until the final page—meet C.A. Larmer! With a knack for crafting cozy crime novels that echo the brilliance of Agatha Christie, Larmer has carved a niche in the mystery genre. Her globe-trotting life and journalistic roots infuse her stories with authenticity, wit, and a touch of tropical intrigue.
From her Amazon best-selling Agatha Christie Book Club series to the feisty Ghostwriter Mysteries, Larmer’s work is a delightful blend of clever plots and vibrant characters. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fanatic or just love a good whodunit, her books promise a thrilling escape.
The Making of C.A. Larmer
Born Christina Larmer in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, C.A. Larmer grew up surrounded by tropical landscapes and tales of witchdoctors and cannibal caves, sparking her lifelong love for mystery. Educated in Australia, she honed her storytelling as a journalist, working in cities like Sydney, London, and New York. Her career in women’s lifestyle magazines and publishing bureaus sharpened her ability to write for a broad audience, laying the foundation for her fiction.
Larmer’s early exposure to Agatha Christie and Sue Grafton fueled her passion for crime fiction. By 2011, she swapped newsrooms for novels, debuting with Killer Twist, the first in her Ghostwriter Mystery series. Her unique upbringing and global experiences continue to shape her vivid settings and intricate narratives.
C.A. Larmer’s Unforgettable Stories
Larmer’s bibliography is a treasure trove for mystery lovers, with four crime series and standalone novels. Her Agatha Christie Book Club series, starting with the 2012 novel of the same name, follows a group of Aussie sleuths solving real-life mysteries inspired by Christie’s works. The series, now rebranded as the Murder Mystery Book Club, is a fan favorite for its humor and clever nods to the Queen of Crime.
The Ghostwriter Mystery series, beginning with Killer Twist (2011), stars Roxy Parker, a sharp-witted journalist-turned-ghostwriter with a nose for murder. With seven books, including Dying Words (2013), the series blends cozy crime with modern flair. Larmer’s Posthumous Mysteries and Sleuths of Last Resort trilogy add more layers to her repertoire, while her standalone novel An Island Lost (2012) weaves a family saga with Papua New Guinea’s mystique.
Known for her fast-paced plots and well-drawn characters, Larmer’s style is lighter than hard-boiled detective tales but sharper than traditional cozies. Her Australian settings, sprinkled with slang and humor, create an evocative backdrop, while her puzzles challenge readers to solve the crime alongside her sleuths.
Why C.A. Larmer Matters
C.A. Larmer has brought cozy mysteries to a global stage, with over 40,000 e-books sold and translations in Japan and France. Her indie publishing venture, Larmer Media, showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, making her a role model for hybrid authors. By paying homage to Agatha Christie while crafting contemporary tales, she bridges classic and modern mystery, appealing to both purists and new readers.
Her work resonates for its accessibility and fun, offering escapism without graphic violence. Larmer’s ability to weave her Papua New Guinea roots and journalistic precision into her stories adds a unique flavor, cementing her as a distinctive voice in crime fiction.
- Born: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Key Works: The Agatha Christie Book Club, Killer Twist, An Island Lost
- Notable: Amazon best-selling author, featured at the 2015 Byron Bay Writers Festival
Ready to unravel a mystery? Snag The Agatha Christie Book Club and dive into C.A. Larmer’s cozy crime world—your inner sleuth will thank you!