Picture a Southern storyteller weaving mysteries as warm and tangled as a South Carolina summer—meet Cathy Pickens! A bestselling American author, Pickens has charmed readers with her Avery Andrews mystery series, blending Southern hospitality with sharp-witted crime-solving. With a Malice Domestic/St. Martin’s Minotaur Award under her belt, she’s a cozy mystery maven whose tales resonate with heart and humor.
Born and raised in Walhalla, South Carolina, Pickens infuses her stories with the charm of her roots, crafting tales that feel like a front-porch chat. Her unique blend of legal expertise, academic prowess, and storytelling flair has made her a standout in the mystery genre.
The Making of Cathy Pickens
Cathy Pickens, born around 1959 in the small town of Walhalla, South Carolina, grew up surrounded by family stories and Southern traditions. Her family’s 300-year history in the region shaped her deep connection to the South. A graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. in financial management and the University of South Carolina School of Law with a J.D., Pickens carved a multifaceted career as a trial attorney, business professor, and university provost. Inspired by Nancy Drew and Perry Mason, she always dreamed of writing mysteries. Her legal background and love for her hometown led her to create Avery Andrews, a relatable lawyer-sleuth navigating the quirky chaos of small-town life.
Cathy Pickens’s Unforgettable Stories
Pickens’s Southern Fried Mystery series, starring Avery Andrews, is her crown jewel. The first novel, Southern Fried (2004), won the 2003 St. Martin’s Press/Malice Domestic Award for Best New Traditional Mystery and was hailed by Publishers Weekly as a “cozy with sharp edges.” In it, Avery returns to Dacus, South Carolina, trading her big-city law firm for a hometown practice, only to stumble into a murder case tied to a decades-old disappearance.
Subsequent novels like Done Gone Wrong (2005), Hog Wild (2007), Hush My Mouth (2008), and Can’t Never Tell (2009) deepen Avery’s adventures, blending humor, quirky characters, and Southern culture. Done Gone Wrong sees Avery tackling a pharmaceutical lawsuit in Charleston, while Hog Wild involves a missing pet pig and a murder in an abandoned mine. Pickens’s style is vivid and atmospheric, balancing gritty realism with cozy charm. Her settings, inspired by Walhalla, feel alive, and her themes—family, justice, and community—resonate deeply.
Beyond fiction, Pickens has penned true crime books like Charlotte True Crime Stories and True Crime Stories of Eastern North Carolina, showcasing her knack for unearthing real-life mysteries. Her non-fiction work, CREATE! Developing Your Own Creative Process, draws from her workshops, inspiring readers to tap into their creativity.
Why Cathy Pickens Matters
Cathy Pickens has left an indelible mark on the cozy mystery genre, offering a fresh Southern perspective that’s both authentic and engaging. Her Avery Andrews series captures the essence of small-town life, making readers feel at home while unraveling intricate plots. Her contributions extend beyond fiction, with true crime histories preserving the Carolinas’ darker tales and her creative workshops empowering others. As a past president of Sisters in Crime and a Mystery Writers of America board member, she’s championed the genre’s growth.
Pickens’s ability to weave humor, heart, and suspense has earned her a loyal following and critical praise, including a Romantic Times BookClub nod as a top mystery novelist. Her stories remind us that even in quiet towns, secrets simmer—and Southern charm can solve any mystery.
- Born: c. 1959, Walhalla, South Carolina
- Key Works: Southern Fried, Done Gone Wrong, Hog Wild, Charlotte True Crime Stories
- Awards: 2003 Malice Domestic/St. Martin’s Minotaur Award
- Notable Roles: Past president of Sisters in Crime, professor emerita at Queens University
Ready to dive into a Southern mystery? Snag Southern Fried and let Cathy Pickens whisk you to Dacus for a cozy, thrilling ride!