Picture a corporate CEO swapping spreadsheets for suspenseful stories—meet Cindy Sample! This American mystery novelist traded her corner office for the cozy, comedic world of the Laurel McKay series, blending humor, romance, and murder with a charm that’s won readers’ hearts. Starting her writing career at sixty, Sample proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
With a knack for crafting relatable heroines and laugh-out-loud plots, Sample has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre. Her journey from mortgage banking to national bestselling author is as inspiring as her tales, showing that passion and perseverance can rewrite any life story.
The Making of Cindy Sample
Born with a love for mysteries, Cindy Sample devoured Nancy Drew books as a child, dreaming of becoming a detective or a writer like Agatha Christie. Her early attempts at storytelling—penning a sixteen-page Nancy Drew sequel at eight—hinted at her future. However, life led her to a successful career as a mortgage banking CEO, raising two children as a single mom in California. It wasn’t until her fifties, after multiple corporate mergers, that Sample decided to retire and pursue her lifelong passion for writing. In 1990, she sat down and wrote eighteen pages of her first novel in one night, kickstarting her journey as an author.
Cindy Sample’s Unforgettable Stories
Sample’s Laurel McKay series, set in California’s Gold Country, is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, humor, and light romance. Her debut, Dying for a Date (2010), introduces Laurel McKay, a divorced single mom navigating the perilous world of online dating while stumbling into murder investigations. The book’s witty narrative and relatable protagonist earned praise for its fresh voice. Dying for a Dance (2011), a finalist for the Lefty Award, dives into the competitive ballroom dancing scene, inspired by Sample’s own hobby, and won the 2011 NCPA Fiction Award.
Dying for a Daiquiri (2013) takes Laurel to Hawaii, where a hula dancer’s murder spices up a vacation, earning a Silver Falchion Award nomination. Dying for a Dude (2014) blends Wild West vibes with a historical mystery, showcasing Sample’s knack for quirky settings. Known for her fast-paced plots and tongue-in-cheek humor, Sample’s stories resonate with readers who love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, offering a perfect mix of suspense and chuckles.
Her newer Spindrift Cove Mystery series, starting with Birthdays Are Murder (2022), features Sierra Sullivan in Washington State, proving Sample’s versatility. Each book is peppered with zany characters, comic chase scenes, and a touch of romance, reflecting Sample’s philosophy that life—and murder—shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
Why Cindy Sample Matters
Cindy Sample’s impact lies in her ability to inspire. Her late start in publishing shows aspiring writers that age is no barrier to success. As a five-time Lefty Award finalist and past president of the Sacramento Sisters in Crime, she’s a vibrant part of the mystery community, mentoring others and sharing her journey through engaging talks. Her books, filled with relatable characters like Laurel McKay, empower readers—especially women—to embrace imperfection and find humor in life’s chaos.
Sample’s stories also bring cozy mysteries to vibrant settings, from California’s Gold Country to tropical Hawaii, making each tale a mini-vacation. Her blend of humor and heart has earned her a loyal following, proving that a good mystery can be both thrilling and uplifting.
- Key Works: Dying for a Date, Dying for a Dance, Dying for a Daiquiri, Birthdays Are Murder
- Awards: Five-time Lefty Award finalist, 2011 NCPA Fiction Award winner, two-time Silver Falchion finalist
- Fun Fact: Sample’s research includes riding backhoes and sampling daiquiris for authenticity!
Ready for a cozy mystery with a side of laughter? Snag Dying for a Date and dive into Cindy Sample’s hilarious, heartwarming world!