Picture a Texan storyteller who swapped academic lecture halls for the gritty streets of mystery novels—meet D.B. Borton! A master of humorous whodunits, Borton’s Cat Caliban series and academic musings on women’s literature have charmed readers and scholars alike. From her Nancy Drew obsession to crafting feisty senior sleuths, her journey is a testament to chasing passions at any age.
With a knack for blending sharp wit, authentic dialogue, and social commentary, Borton’s work invites readers into vivid worlds where grandmothers solve crimes and girl detectives reign supreme. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this multifaceted author whose stories prove it’s never too late to start a new chapter.
The Making of D.B. Borton
Born in Houston, Texas, D.B. Borton’s love for mysteries sparked early, fueled by Nancy Drew novels. At 14, she cruised Houston’s freeways in her own blue roadster, dreaming of adventures. Her path led to three English degrees, a doctorate, and a professorship at Ohio Wesleyan University, where she taught literature and film. Yet, a midlife career crisis ignited her pivot to writing. Inspired by her academic explorations of women’s ghost stories and the supernatural, Borton began crafting mysteries that echoed her love for authentic voices and underdog heroes.
Her early foray into writing wasn’t just a hobby—it was a rebellion against the expected. After years as a women’s studies administrator, she channeled her wit and research prowess into murder mysteries, resisting the urge (so far) to fictionalize her foes. This blend of scholarly rigor and playful storytelling defines Borton’s unique voice.
D.B. Borton’s Unforgettable Stories
Borton’s bibliography sparkles with humor and heart, anchored by her beloved Cat Caliban series. This eight-book saga, starting with One for the Money (1993), follows Cat Caliban, a 60-something Cincinnati widow turned private investigator. With her colorful tenants, three cats, and a beagle, Cat tackles cases like a murdered homeless woman tied to Hollywood’s silent film era. Readers adore her salty-tongued grit and the series’ authentic Midwestern vernacular.
The Gilda Liberty series, written under the pseudonym Della Borton, dives into the quirky world of Ohio’s film industry. Titles like Slow Dissolve showcase Gilda, a cinema owner sleuthing through Alzheimer’s mysteries and early moviemaking. Standalone novels like Bayou City Burning (2019), set in 1961 Houston, pair a hard-boiled detective with his 12-year-old daughter, blending historical intrigue with family dynamics. Borton’s humorous sci-fi novel, Second Coming, adds a Douglas Adams-esque twist, reimagining aliens with a comedic flair.
Her academic works, including co-authored books on women’s ghost stories, reveal a scholarly side that enriches her fiction. Borton’s style—witty, dialogue-driven, and grounded in real-world issues—makes her mysteries both entertaining and thought-provoking, often challenging stereotypes about older women and marginalized voices.
Why D.B. Borton Matters
Borton’s impact lies in her ability to craft heroines who defy conventions. Cat Caliban, with her unapologetic edge, redefines the older female detective, earning comparisons to Miss Marple and Mrs. Pollifax. Her focus on authentic dialogue and regional dialects brings overlooked communities to life, resonating with readers who crave genuine characters. Academically, her work on women’s literature and girl detectives inspires scholars to explore underrepresented narratives.
Her legacy also shines in her fearless career shift. By trading academia for full-time writing, Borton inspires aspiring authors to embrace reinvention. Her blog on girl detectives continues to engage fans, cementing her as a voice for curious, bold women in literature and beyond.
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas
- Key Works: Cat Caliban series, Gilda Liberty series, Bayou City Burning, Second Coming
- Academic Role: Professor Emeritus, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Hobbies: Gardening, aikido, Healing Touch for Animals
Ready to meet a sleuth who’s as feisty as she is funny? Grab One for the Money and dive into D.B. Borton’s world of witty mysteries!