Picture a Tampa-born storyteller who spins childhood adventures into laugh-out-loud mysteries—meet D. M. Buckley! Known for her Lexi O’Malley series, Buckley crafts cozy mysteries brimming with humor, suspense, and quirky characters. Her knack for blending comic misadventures with intriguing plots has made her a hidden gem in the mystery genre, inviting readers to escape into a world of wit and whimsy.
With her roots in Tampa, Florida, Buckley’s stories carry the vibrant spirit of her hometown, infused with a playful charm that echoes her imaginative youth. Her journey from a daydreaming kid to a celebrated author is as captivating as the tales she tells, proving that a good story can turn even the ordinary into something extraordinary.
The Making of D. M. Buckley
Donna Marie Buckley, better known as D. M. Buckley, grew up in Tampa, Florida, where her childhood was a playground of imaginary friends and wild adventures. She’d spin tales of ‘cousins from Never-Never Land,’ delighting her father and horrifying her mother, while her sister simply rolled her eyes. These early escapades shaped Buckley’s storytelling, planting the seeds for her future novels. Life’s demands—raising a child, paying bills, and managing business partners—put writing on hold, but once stability returned, Buckley picked up her pen and created Lexi O’Malley, a character who embodies her love for humor and adventure.
D. M. Buckley’s Unforgettable Stories
Buckley’s Lexi O’Malley series is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, slapstick comedy, and light romance, centered on a down-on-her-luck software programmer turned amateur sleuth. The series kicks off with Doggone (2012), where Lexi’s search for her aunt’s missing dog, Bubba, spirals into a whirlwind of danger and deception. Readers meet a cast of colorful characters, from eccentric Aunt Scarlet to shady handymen, all wrapped in Buckley’s vivid Tampa settings.
The series continues with Twocan Sam (2012), where Lexi, now a process server, navigates explosive assignments and childhood pranksters, earning praise for its fast-paced plot and laugh-out-loud moments. Three Point Turn (2014) ups the ante with a human bone dropped at Lexi’s feet, introducing her estranged sister and a feisty little person with attitude. The latest, Carrefour (2021), keeps fans hooked with unexpected twists, cementing Buckley’s talent for crafting immersive, relatable worlds. Her writing style—rich with witty banter, heartfelt relationships, and just the right amount of suspense—makes each book a page-turner that feels like a movie in your mind.
Why D. M. Buckley Matters
D. M. Buckley’s impact lies in her ability to transform the everyday into the extraordinary, offering readers a joyful escape through Lexi O’Malley’s misadventures. Her stories resonate with fans of cozy mysteries who crave humor and heart, earning her a loyal following and comparisons to authors like Janet Evanovich. Buckley’s Tampa-infused narratives celebrate local culture while exploring universal themes of resilience and loyalty, making her a unique voice in the genre. As she works on her next book, The Fifth Wheel, her growing influence promises to delight mystery lovers for years to come.
- Full Name: Donna Marie Buckley
- Hometown: Tampa, Florida
- Key Works: Doggone, Twocan Sam, Three Point Turn, Carrefour
- Upcoming: The Fifth Wheel
Snag Doggone and dive into D. M. Buckley’s hilarious, heartwarming mysteries today!