Picture a storyteller who whisks you away to the smoky studios of 1930s Chicago, where radio stars and private detectives unravel thrilling mysteries—meet Cheryl Honigford! This Ohio-born author has carved a niche in historical fiction and mystery with her Viv and Charlie Mystery series, blending romance, suspense, and the glitz of pre-war radio. Her debut novel, The Darkness Knows, not only won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Prize but also captured hearts with its vivid portrayal of a bygone era.
Honigford’s love for old-time radio, 1930s America, and classic whodunits fuels her storytelling. Her ability to weave meticulous historical detail with gripping narratives makes her a standout in the cozy mystery genre, inviting readers to step into a world of glamour and danger.
The Making of Cheryl Honigford
Born and raised in Ohio, Cheryl Honigford was spinning tales long before she could write them down. With a BA in Journalism and a minor in English from The Ohio State University, she honed her storytelling craft early on. Her childhood love for knitting, Fred and Ginger movies, and cozy mysteries shaped her nostalgic lens, while her fascination with Chicago’s vibrant history inspired her settings. Honigford’s writing journey took a leap during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where she penned the first draft of The Darkness Knows, a novel that would launch her career.
Cheryl Honigford’s Unforgettable Stories
Honigford’s Viv and Charlie Mystery series is a love letter to 1930s Chicago, centered on Vivian Witchell, a plucky radio actress, and Charlie Haverman, a charming private detective. Her debut, The Darkness Knows (2016), kicks off with a murder at a radio station, thrusting Viv and Charlie into a web of clues and secrets. The novel’s success, including a quarter-finalist spot in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest, cemented Honigford’s reputation.
The series continues with Homicide for the Holidays (2017), a riveting holiday mystery where Viv uncovers family secrets tied to notorious mob boss Al Capone. Dig Deep My Grave (2018) takes the duo to a lavish lake house, where a murder tests their bond. Honigford’s style shines through her vivid settings, snappy dialogue, and a perfect balance of suspense and romance, evoking the charm of classic radio serials like The Shadow.
Her meticulous research into Depression-era Chicago—its speakeasies, radio studios, and social tensions—brings authenticity to every page. Critics praise her for crafting cozy mysteries that feel both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to fans of historical fiction and light-hearted whodunits.
Why Cheryl Honigford Matters
Cheryl Honigford’s work transports readers to a pivotal moment in American history, capturing the allure and grit of the 1930s. Her Viv and Charlie series offers more than just mysteries; it’s a window into the golden age of radio, where stories united families around their sets. By blending historical accuracy with engaging characters, Honigford has revitalized the cozy mystery genre, earning a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Her influence extends to aspiring writers, particularly those inspired by NaNoWriMo, showing how passion and persistence can lead to literary success. Living in the suburbs of Chicago with her family, Honigford continues to draw from her surroundings, leaving readers eager for more adventures with Viv and Charlie.
- Born: Ohio, USA
- Key Works: The Darkness Knows, Homicide for the Holidays, Dig Deep My Grave
- Awards: Daphne du Maurier Prize for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
- Fun Fact: Honigford wrote her first 'book' as a child, titled The Mouse Who Didn’t Believe in Santa Claus!
Snag The Darkness Knows and dive into Cheryl Honigford’s thrilling world of 1930s mystery and romance!