Picture a small-town Michigan girl spinning tales of psychics, quirky families, and cozy mysteries—meet Dawn Eastman! A national bestselling author, Eastman transformed her love for mysteries and her Michigan roots into the beloved Family Fortune Mystery Series. With a knack for blending humor, paranormal charm, and tight-knit plots, she’s carved a cozy nook in the hearts of mystery lovers.
From her childhood surrounded by pets and unusual characters to her days as a doctor, Eastman’s journey to authorship is as intriguing as her novels. Her stories, set in the mystical Crystal Haven, Michigan, invite readers into a world where tarot cards, pet psychics, and sleuthing cops unravel murders with a dash of whimsy.
The Making of Dawn Eastman
Born and raised in Michigan, Dawn Eastman grew up in a lively household filled with animals, laughter, and a touch of eccentricity. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming an author, inspired by the likes of Janet Evanovich and the magical allure of the Harry Potter series. However, life took a detour, leading her to a career in medicine. Yet, the pull of storytelling never faded, and Eastman eventually swapped her stethoscope for a pen, channeling her love for mysteries into writing.
Her Michigan upbringing, steeped in small-town charm and a fascination with the mystical, became the heartbeat of her work. Eastman’s knack for capturing the quirks of close-knit communities and her childhood love for animals and magic shaped her unique voice in the cozy mystery genre.
Dawn Eastman’s Unforgettable Stories
Eastman’s Family Fortune Mystery Series, set in the fictional Crystal Haven, is her crowning achievement. The series follows Clyde Fortune, a former cop grappling with her psychic abilities, as she solves murders alongside her eccentric family. The first book, Pall in the Family (2013), introduces readers to Crystal Haven, a tourist haven for psychics and séances, where Clyde unravels a local psychic’s murder with help from a traumatized Shih Tzu.
Subsequent novels—Be Careful What You Witch For (2014), A Fright to the Death (2015), and An Unhappy Medium (2016)—deepen the series’ charm with tight plots, quirky characters, and paranormal flair. Eastman’s writing shines for its humor and heart, weaving themes of family, intuition, and community into each mystery. Her ability to balance lighthearted antics with suspense has earned her novels consistent four-star ratings and a loyal fanbase.
Beyond the Family Fortune series, Eastman ventured into medical mysteries with the Dr. Katie LeClair series, starting with Unnatural Causes (2017). Set in Baxter, Michigan, this series showcases her versatility, blending her medical background with cozy sleuthing. Eastman’s stories resonate for their vivid settings, inspired by Michigan’s landscapes, and her knack for crafting relatable, flawed heroines.
Why Dawn Eastman Matters
Dawn Eastman’s impact lies in her ability to make the cozy mystery genre feel fresh and inviting. By infusing paranormal elements and small-town charm, she’s created a world where readers feel at home, whether they’re chuckling at Aunt Vi’s pet psychic antics or rooting for Clyde’s sleuthing. Her novels offer escapism with a heart, appealing to fans of light paranormal mysteries and authors like Juliet Blackwell.
Eastman’s legacy also stems from her authentic portrayal of Michigan’s quirky communities, drawing readers to explore the magic in everyday life. Though she now resides in Iowa with her family and a bossy dog, her Michigan roots continue to inspire her storytelling, leaving a lasting mark on the cozy mystery landscape.
- Born: Michigan, USA
- Key Works: Family Fortune Mystery Series, Dr. Katie LeClair Series
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal Mystery
- Notable Book: Pall in the Family (2013)
Ready to dive into a world of psychics, pups, and cozy crimes? Snag Pall in the Family and let Dawn Eastman’s quirky mysteries whisk you away to Crystal Haven!