Picture a Brooklyn-born wordsmith spinning thrilling mysteries in the quiet corners of western New York—meet Deb Pines! A master of snappy headlines by day at the New York Post, Pines moonlights as the creator of the beloved Mimi Goldman mystery series, blending her journalistic grit with cozy whodunit charm. Her stories, set in the idyllic Chautauqua Institution, have hooked readers with their wit, twists, and small-town intrigue.
With a knack for crafting page-turners and pun-filled headlines like 'BEZOS EXPOSES PECKER,' Pines has carved a unique niche, proving she’s as relentless a sleuth as her fictional heroine. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of this mystery maven.
The Making of Deb Pines
Deb Pines was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the sunny vibes of Miami Beach, Florida. A Brown University graduate, she kicked off her career as a reporter, writing for outlets like the New York Law Journal and the Indianapolis Star. Her love for storytelling took a fictional turn when she caught the mystery-writing bug, inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie. Now a New York City resident with her husband, Dave, Pines balances her tabloid life with crafting novels, fueled by coffee, show tunes, and SoulCycle sessions.
Deb Pines’s Unforgettable Stories
Pines’s Mimi Goldman Chautauqua Mysteries series, launched in 2013 with In the Shadow of Death, follows the sharp-witted reporter Mimi Goldman, a New York City expat turned small-town sleuth. Set in the historic Chautauqua Institution, the series captures the contrast between serene summers and dark crimes. The debut novel sees Mimi unraveling her landlord’s suspicious death, praised for its 'quick-witted' prose and 'engaging protagonist' by the New York Post.
Subsequent hits like Deliver Us From Evil and Evil for Evil (the tenth installment) showcase Mimi’s knack for solving murders with her 90-year-old sidekick, Sylvia Pritchard. Pines’s style—dubbed 'an Agatha Christie for the text-message age' by IndieReader—blends humor, puns, and intricate plots. Her 2014 novelette, Where’s the Beef?, offers a lighter mystery about missing food deliveries, proving her versatility. Each book brims with regional authenticity, reflecting Pines’s deep connection to Chautauqua’s quirky charm.
The series, now spanning eleven novels, has become a top seller at the Chautauqua Bookstore, earning accolades from Kirkus Reviews for its 'breezy distraction' and 'twist-filled' narratives. Pines’s journalistic background shines through in Mimi’s relentless pursuit of truth, making her a modern Miss Marple with a tabloid edge.
Why Deb Pines Matters
Deb Pines has brought cozy mysteries to life with a fresh, witty voice, captivating readers who crave smart, character-driven whodunits. Her series not only entertains but also preserves the cultural essence of Chautauqua, a summer arts haven, making it a vivid backdrop for crime. As a former Mystery Writers of America committee chair, Pines has championed the genre, inspiring aspiring writers with her dual career success.
Her ability to juggle headline-writing fame—her viral lines have appeared on Saturday Night Live and Jeopardy!—with crafting bestselling novels showcases her storytelling prowess. Pines’s work invites readers to root for justice, laugh at clever wordplay, and savor the thrill of a well-solved mystery.
- Born: Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: In the Shadow of Death (2013), Evil for Evil (2023), Caught in the Snare (2024)
- Notable Achievement: Award-winning New York Post headline writer
- Fun Fact: Pines is a grandmother and indoor cycling enthusiast
Ready to crack a case with Mimi Goldman? Snag In the Shadow of Death and dive into Deb Pines’s thrilling, pun-packed mysteries!