Picture a storyteller who conjures witches, mysteries, and the enchanting streets of Salem, Massachusetts—meet Carol J. Perry! Born on Halloween Eve in the heart of the Witch City, Perry has spun her hometown’s spooky charm into the beloved Witch City Mystery series. With a knack for blending cozy mysteries with a sprinkle of the supernatural, she’s captured readers’ imaginations from her current home in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida.
Perry’s tales follow Lee Barrett, a sleuth with a touch of psychic flair, as she unravels murders and secrets in Salem’s historic haunts. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just love a good ghost story, Perry’s books are your ticket to a magical, thrilling ride!
The Making of Carol J. Perry
Born in Salem, Massachusetts, on October 30, Carol J. Perry grew up steeped in the city’s witchy lore and vibrant history. Her early love for writing blossomed at age 10 with a hand-lettered neighborhood newspaper, and by seventh grade, she was penning plays. After leaving Boston University at 19, Perry dove into copywriting for a fuel company, later freelancing for magazines and newspapers. Her travel writing and young adult novels laid the groundwork for her signature mysteries.
Moving to Florida over 30 years ago, Perry traded New England winters for Tampa Bay’s warmth, where she lives with her husband, Dan, a black Lab, and a cat. Yet, her heart remains tied to Salem, fueling her stories with authentic settings and a lifelong passion for the written word.
Carol J. Perry’s Unforgettable Stories
Perry’s Witch City Mystery series, launched in 2014 with Caught Dead Handed, introduces Lee Barrett, a widow returning to Salem who stumbles into a job as a TV psychic—and a murder case. The series, now spanning 15 books, weaves Salem’s real landmarks, like its harbor and cemeteries, with paranormal twists. O’Ryan, Lee’s clairvoyant cat, adds charm and mischief to each tale.
Standouts include Tails, You Lose, where Lee investigates a death at a historic art academy, and Grave Errors, a Dia de Los Muertos-themed mystery involving a cold case. Perry’s Haunted Haven series, set in a fictional Florida town, showcases her versatility, with Be My Ghost featuring a lovable Golden Retriever, Finn. Her style—light, engaging, and rich with local flavor—makes her mysteries perfect for cozy readers who love a hint of magic.
Perry’s knack for realistic characters, like tech-savvy Aunt Ibby, and her seamless blend of history, mystery, and the supernatural have earned her a loyal following. Each book feels like a visit to Salem, with just enough spookiness to keep you hooked.
Why Carol J. Perry Matters
Carol J. Perry has carved a unique niche in the cozy mystery genre, bringing Salem’s mystique to readers worldwide. Her ability to weave real history with fictional intrigue makes her books both entertaining and immersive, inviting fans to explore Salem’s streets through Lee’s eyes. By celebrating her hometown’s legacy, Perry preserves its cultural richness while crafting stories that resonate with mystery lovers.
Beyond her novels, Perry’s persistence—overcoming rejections to land a Kensington Publishing contract—inspires aspiring writers. Her dual series, set in Salem and Florida, showcase her storytelling range, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark with passion and authenticity.
- Born: October 30, Salem, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Witch City Mystery series, Haunted Haven series
- Resides: Tampa Bay, Florida
- Fun Fact: Perry wrote a neighborhood newspaper at age 10!
Snag Caught Dead Handed and dive into Carol J. Perry’s spellbinding cozy mysteries today!