Picture two American storytellers weaving Edwardian London’s charm into clever mysteries—meet D.E. Ireland! This dynamic duo, the pseudonym for longtime friends Sharon Pisacreta and Meg Mims, has delighted readers with their Agatha Award-nominated Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins mystery series. Inspired by George Bernard Shaw’s witty Pygmalion, they blend humor, historical detail, and intricate plots to captivate mystery and historical fiction fans alike.
With a shared love for tea, books, and history, Pisacreta and Mims bring their unique voices to create a world where Cockney flower girls and phonetics professors solve crimes. Their collaborative magic has earned them a special place in the cozy mystery genre, proving that two minds can indeed be better than one.
The Making of D.E. Ireland
Sharon Pisacreta, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and Meg Mims, a Southeast Michigan native, met as undergraduates in an anthropology class and bonded over their passion for storytelling. Both had established solo writing careers—Pisacreta with magazine articles and novels, and Mims with historical westerns and cozy mysteries—before joining forces in 2013. Their decision to collaborate under the pseudonym D.E. Ireland was sparked by a mutual admiration for Shaw’s Pygmalion and its iconic adaptation, My Fair Lady. They saw untapped potential in Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins as amateur sleuths, and thus, a mystery series was born.
D.E. Ireland’s Unforgettable Stories
The Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins mystery series kicks off with Wouldn’t It Be Deadly (2014), where Eliza, now a phonetics teacher, must clear Higgins’ name when his rival is found dead. Nominated for a 2015 Agatha Award for Best Historical Mystery, it sets the tone with its witty dialogue and vivid Edwardian backdrop. Move Your Blooming Corpse (2015) takes readers to the thrilling Royal Ascot, where horse racing and murder collide, showcasing the duo’s knack for blending historical events like the suffrage movement into their plots.
Get Me to the Grave on Time (2016), another Agatha nominee, dives into a whirlwind of weddings and a funeral, with Eliza and Higgins untangling a groom-killing spree. With a Little Bit of Blood (2017) rounds out the series at a country house party, where dark secrets and a clever killer keep readers guessing. D.E. Ireland’s style is light yet layered, with meticulously researched details—think pea-souper fogs and suffragette rallies—paired with the playful banter of their iconic protagonists.
Their collaborative process is a dance of strengths: Pisacreta’s knack for character depth complements Mims’ flair for historical settings. They stay true to Shaw’s vision while introducing fresh characters like Scotland Yard’s Jack Shaw and the eccentric Duchess of Carbrey, enriching the Pygmalion universe with cozy mystery charm.
Why D.E. Ireland Matters
D.E. Ireland’s series has left a mark on the cozy mystery genre by reviving beloved literary characters in a fresh, accessible way. Their nominations for Agatha Awards highlight their skill in crafting historical mysteries that resonate with readers who crave both nostalgia and suspense. By setting their stories in the vibrant, transitional Edwardian era, they offer a lens into a time of social upheaval, from women’s rights to technological shifts, making their work both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Beyond their joint efforts, Pisacreta (as Sharon Farrow) and Mims (as Meg Macy) continue to shape the cozy mystery landscape with their individual series, proving their versatility and dedication to the genre. Their partnership exemplifies how friendship and shared passions can create something truly special.
- Pen name for Sharon Pisacreta and Meg Mims, Michigan-based authors.
- Key works: Wouldn’t It Be Deadly, Move Your Blooming Corpse, Get Me to the Grave on Time, With a Little Bit of Blood.
- Awards: Nominated for Agatha Awards in 2015 and 2017 for Best Historical Mystery.
- Inspiration: George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and My Fair Lady.
About D.E. Ireland
Ready for a romp through Edwardian London with Eliza and Higgins? Snag Wouldn’t It Be Deadly and dive into D.E. Ireland’s delightful cozy mysteries today!