Picture a Scottish-born storyteller who weaves Utah’s Mormon heritage into gripping mysteries—meet D.A. Bartley! With a law degree, a PhD in political science, and a childhood spanning continents, Bartley crafts suspenseful tales that unravel the complexities of faith and justice. Her Abish Taylor Mystery series, starting with Blessed Be the Wicked in 2018, has captivated readers with its insider’s look at Mormon culture and razor-sharp plotting.
Donna Alison Bartley’s unique blend of global experiences and deep-rooted ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes her a standout in the mystery genre. Her stories, set against the picturesque Wasatch Mountains, explore the shadows of community secrets, making her a must-read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
The Making of D.A. Bartley
Born in Scotland, Bartley grew up with a foot in two worlds—her family’s Mormon pioneer roots tracing back to Utah’s Salt Lake Valley in the 1840s, and her parents’ wanderlust that took her to Germany, France, Russia, and beyond. A member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, she carries a profound connection to her heritage. Bartley’s academic journey led her to the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a J.D. and PhD in political science, shaping her fascination with how communities govern and conceal their truths. After a career as an attorney and academic in Manhattan, her lifelong love of mysteries drew her to writing, where she found her true calling.
D.A. Bartley’s Unforgettable Stories
Bartley’s Abish Taylor Mystery series is her signature work, blending police procedurals with rich explorations of Mormon history and culture. Blessed Be the Wicked (2018) introduces Detective Abish “Abbie” Taylor, a lapsed Mormon returning to Pleasant View, Utah, after her husband’s death. Tasked with solving a ritualistic murder tied to the church’s past, Abbie navigates infidelity, corruption, and buried secrets, earning praise for its “relentless tension” and “thought-provoking” depth.
The sequel, Death in the Covenant (2019), dives deeper into the church’s secretive practices, tackling plural marriage and institutional cover-ups. Critics lauded Bartley’s “clear-eyed sympathy” and confident prose, noting Abbie’s ethical dilemmas as she balances justice with family ties. Bartley’s style—direct, immersive, and layered with Mormon history—sets her apart, offering readers a rare glimpse into a little-known world while keeping them hooked with twists and red herrings.
Her works stand out for their nuanced portrayal of faith, neither vilifying nor idealizing the Mormon community. Instead, Bartley probes the consequences of unaddressed doctrines, like blood atonement, and the power dynamics within tight-knit societies, making her mysteries both thrilling and introspective.
Why D.A. Bartley Matters
Bartley’s impact lies in her ability to humanize complex cultural narratives through suspense. Her insider’s perspective on Mormonism, paired with her global outlook, offers readers a fresh lens on the mystery genre. Fans compare her to Michael Connelly for her gritty detective work and Mette Ivie Harrison for her Mormon-focused storytelling, yet Bartley’s voice is distinctly her own. By centering a strong, relatable female protagonist like Abbie Taylor, she challenges stereotypes and invites readers to question authority and tradition.
As a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, and president of the New York Chapter of Sisters in Crime, Bartley is a rising figure in the literary world. Her work resonates with those who crave stories that blend heart, history, and suspense, ensuring her place as a unique voice in modern mysteries.
- Born: Scotland
- Key Works: Blessed Be the Wicked (2018), Death in the Covenant (2019)
- Associations: Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Daughters of Utah Pioneers
Ready to unravel Utah’s secrets with a master storyteller? Snag Blessed Be the Wicked and dive into D.A. Bartley’s thrilling world of mystery and faith!