Picture a Midwest storyteller who weaves cherry pies, cozy mysteries, and historical adventures into unforgettable tales—meet Darci Hannah! Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, this author’s passion for the Great Lakes, baking, and epic outdoor escapades infuses her stories with charm and authenticity. From her Very Cherry Mystery series to haunting historical novels, Hannah’s work captures the heart of small-town America and beyond.
With a knack for blending humor, heart, and a dash of suspense, Darci Hannah has carved a unique niche in cozy mysteries and historical fiction. Her adventurous spirit, honed by backpacking the trails of Lewis and Clark as a teen, brings vivid settings and spirited characters to life. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this captivating author.
The Making of Darci Hannah
Darci Hannah’s story begins in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where her love for adventure took root early. At 16, she was already an accomplished ski patrol member and instructor, fearlessly navigating the wilderness. Her teenage years were marked by epic quests—like canoeing the route of French explorer LaSalle across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Canada, or sailing the Great Lakes. These experiences shaped her storytelling, infusing it with a sense of place and history. After earning a kinesiology degree from Indiana University, Hannah turned her passion for stories into a writing career, blending her love for the outdoors with her fascination for historical fiction and cozy mysteries.
Darci Hannah’s Unforgettable Stories
Hannah’s bibliography is a delightful mix of cozy mysteries and historical fiction, each brimming with engaging characters and atmospheric settings. Her Very Cherry Mystery series, starting with Cherry Pies & Deadly Lies (2018), follows cherry enthusiast Whitney Bloom as she solves murders in the charming Cherry Cove, Wisconsin. The sequel, Cherry Scones & Broken Bones (2019), deepens the small-town intrigue with humor and delectable recipes. These books shine with Hannah’s knack for crafting cozy, food-filled mysteries that feel like a warm hug.
In historical fiction, Hannah’s The Exile of Sara Stevenson (2010) transports readers to a remote Scottish lighthouse in 1814, weaving a haunting tale of love and mystery. Her second historical novel, The Angel of Blythe Hall (2011), set in 15th-century Scotland, blends suspense and mysticism with a strong-willed heroine. Hannah’s writing style—rich with humor, vivid landscapes, and relatable characters—makes her stories both immersive and accessible, appealing to fans of both genres.
Beyond the Very Cherry series, Hannah has expanded her cozy mystery portfolio with the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series and the Food & Spirits Mystery series, including titles like Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop (2021) and A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor (2024). Her love for baking, dogs, and lighthouses often sneaks into her plots, creating a signature warmth that keeps readers coming back.
Why Darci Hannah Matters
Darci Hannah’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into small-town settings and historical eras, making them feel vibrant and relatable. Her cozy mysteries offer readers an escape into communities where friendship, food, and a good puzzle reign supreme, while her historical fiction captures the drama and romance of bygone times. By weaving her passions—baking, the Great Lakes, and adventure—into her narratives, Hannah has built a loyal readership that cherishes her heartfelt storytelling.
As a member of the Historical Novel Society and Michigan writing groups, Hannah also contributes to the literary community, inspiring aspiring authors with her genre-blending creativity. Though not a household name, her work resonates with those who crave stories that balance heart, humor, and intrigue, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Park Ridge, Illinois
- Key Works: Cherry Pies & Deadly Lies, The Exile of Sara Stevenson, Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Fun Fact: Hannah’s love for the Great Lakes inspires many of her vivid settings.
Snag Cherry Pies & Deadly Lies and dive into Darci Hannah’s cozy, cherry-filled world! Whether you’re craving a small-town mystery or a historical adventure, her stories are sure to delight.