Picture a Florida native spinning tales of murder, mischief, and Southern charm—meet Deborah Sharp! A former USA Today reporter, Sharp swapped hard-hitting news for the cozy, comedic world of her Mace Bauer Mystery series. With a knack for capturing the quirky heart of rural Florida, she’s crafted stories that blend humor, suspense, and a hefty dose of sweet tea.
From the fictional town of Himmarshee to the colorful antics of Mace’s mama, Sharp’s novels offer a refreshing escape into a Sunshine State far from Disney’s glow. Her authentic voice and love for Florida’s hidden corners have made her a beloved name in cozy mysteries. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Deborah Sharp
Born and raised in South Florida, Deborah Sharp grew up in a world of citrus groves and ranches, long before interstates and strip malls took over. Her family’s roots, tied to places like Okeechobee, shaped her deep connection to Authentic Florida. Initially pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology, Sharp pivoted to journalism, landing at USA Today for nearly two decades. Her reporting days, filled with gritty assignments like profiling fallen soldiers, honed her storytelling skills but left her craving lighter fare.
At 50, Sharp took a leap into fiction, trading newsroom deadlines for the freedom to craft her own endings. Her husband, NBC reporter Kerry Sanders, has been her partner in crime since 1989, cheering her on as she carved a new path in mystery writing. This bold career shift set the stage for her signature series.
Deborah Sharp’s Unforgettable Stories
Sharp’s Mace Bauer Mystery series, launched in 2008 with Mama Does Time, introduces readers to Mace Bauer, a feisty wildlife park worker, and her flamboyant, oft-married Mama, Rosalee Deveraux. Set in the fictional Himmarshee, the series captures Florida’s rural charm with a side of Southern-fried humor. In Mama Does Time, Mama lands in jail after a body turns up in her car’s trunk, kicking off a hilarious whodunit.
Subsequent novels like Mama Rides Shotgun (2009) follow Mace and Mama on a 120-mile trail ride across Florida, where murder disrupts their bonding. Mama Gets Hitched (2010) dives into Mama’s fifth wedding, derailed by a caterer’s demise, while Mama Gets Trashed (2013) uncovers a scandalous secret in Himmarshee’s dump. Sharp’s style—think Carl Hiaasen with a feminine touch—blends cozy mystery tropes with sharp wit, vivid settings, and heartfelt family dynamics.
Her stories shine with authentic details, drawing from Okeechobee’s ranching culture and her own Florida upbringing. Sharp’s humor, often compared to Agatha Christie meets My Name is Earl, keeps readers laughing, while her knack for character-driven plots ensures the mysteries stay gripping. Beyond novels, her essays and short stories have graced national publications, and her humor has aired on NPR.
Why Deborah Sharp Matters
Deborah Sharp’s work celebrates a Florida rarely seen by tourists—a land of rodeos, ranches, and tight-knit communities. Her Mace Bauer series preserves this fading culture, offering readers a nostalgic escape into a world unspoiled by sprawl. Sharp’s ability to weave humor with suspense has earned her praise from outlets like Library Journal and comparisons to cozy mystery greats like Anne George.
More than entertaining, Sharp inspires with her reinvention at 50, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. Her stories resonate with readers who crave strong, relatable heroines and a good laugh, cementing her as a fresh voice in American cozy mysteries.
- Born: South Florida, 1954
- Key Works: Mama Does Time, Mama Rides Shotgun, Mama Gets Hitched, Mama Gets Trashed
- Fun Fact: Sharp once played a zombie in the film Day of the Dead while reporting for the News-Press.
Snag Mama Does Time and dive into Deborah Sharp’s cozy, Southern-fried mysteries—you’ll be hooked!