Picture a storyteller who whips up cozy mysteries as delightful as a warm cookie fresh from the oven—meet Catherine Bruns! This USA Today bestselling author has charmed readers with her knack for blending humor, heart, and whodunits in series like Cookies & Chance and Cindy York. From her early scribbles at age eight to crafting tales that keep fans guessing, Bruns’s journey is as inspiring as her stories.
Based in Upstate New York, Bruns balances family life with her passion for writing, often burning the midnight oil to create her captivating mysteries. Her stories, filled with quirky characters and clever plots, have made her a beloved figure in the cozy mystery genre, proving that a good story can be both comforting and thrilling.
The Making of Catherine Bruns
Born with a pen in hand, Catherine Bruns wrote her first book at eight—a Cinderella-inspired tale that, while not publisher-ready, sparked a lifelong love for storytelling. Growing up in New York, she soaked up influences from authors like Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich, whose witty mysteries shaped her style. Armed with a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts, Bruns honed her craft as a newspaper reporter and press release writer, learning to meet tight deadlines and weave compelling narratives.
Her transition to fiction wasn’t a leap but a natural step. Inspired by her Italian heritage and love for cozy settings, Bruns began crafting mysteries that feel like a chat with an old friend. Her resilience shines through, balancing a bustling household with three sons, a patient husband, and a menagerie of pets, all while carving out time to write.
Catherine Bruns’s Unforgettable Stories
Bruns’s Cookies & Chance series is the heart of her bibliography, starring Sally Muccio, a baker-turned-sleuth in Colwestern, New York. The first book, Tastes Like Murder (2015), introduces Sally’s novelty cookie shop, where fortune cookies foreshadow danger and a murder lands on her doorstep. Fans love the series’ mix of humor, family drama, and clever mysteries, with titles like Baked to Death and Burned to a Crisp keeping readers hooked.
The Cindy York Mysteries, another gem, follow real estate agent Cindy York navigating murders and mayhem. Killer Transaction (2015) kicks off with Cindy entangled in a deadly deal, showcasing Bruns’s knack for strong heroines. Bruns also pens the Italian Chef Mysteries, like Penne Dreadful, blending culinary delights with suspense. Her style—light, engaging, and sprinkled with recipes—makes her books a cozy reader’s dream, though she avoids strict plotting, letting her stories unfold organically.
With over 30 books across multiple series, including contributions to the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, Bruns’s work is a testament to her versatility. Her ability to craft relatable characters, like Sally’s quirky family or Cindy’s determined spirit, keeps readers coming back for more.
Why Catherine Bruns Matters
Catherine Bruns has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an escape into worlds where humor and heart solve crimes. Her stories resonate with fans who crave strong female leads and small-town charm, earning her a loyal following and accolades like the 2019 Daphne du Maurier Award for For Sale by Killer. By weaving her Italian-American heritage into her narratives, Bruns adds a personal touch that enriches her work.
Her impact extends beyond books. Bruns inspires aspiring writers, showing that passion and perseverance can turn childhood dreams into a thriving career. Her marathon writing sessions and dedication to her craft make her a role model for balancing creativity with life’s demands.
- Born: Upstate New York
- Key Works: Tastes Like Murder, Killer Transaction, Penne Dreadful
- Awards: 2019 Daphne du Maurier Award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense
- Fun Fact: Bruns includes delicious recipes in her books, like Sally’s Shortbread!
Snag Tastes Like Murder and dive into Catherine Bruns’s cozy mystery world—where cookies, clues, and charm await!