Picture a Tulsa-born storyteller who spun tales of early 20th-century Oklahoma with a sleuthing farmwife at the heart—meet Donis Casey! This mystery novelist transformed her love for history and family lore into the award-winning Alafair Tucker Mystery series, captivating readers with whodunits steeped in rural charm. From librarian to entrepreneur to celebrated author, Casey’s journey is as inspiring as her stories.
The Making of Donis Casey
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Donis Casey grew up surrounded by tales of settlers, cowboys, and the rugged frontier. With a B.A. from the University of Tulsa and an M.L.S. from Oklahoma University, she carved a career as an academic librarian at the University of Oklahoma and Arizona State University. In 1988, she traded bookshelves for business, opening a Scottish gift shop in Tempe, Arizona. But her heart was in storytelling. Inspired by her genealogical research, which unearthed tales of murder and mayhem, Casey turned to writing, debuting her first novel in 2005.
Donis Casey’s Unforgettable Stories
Casey’s Alafair Tucker Mystery series, set in 1910s Oklahoma, stars a feisty farmwife and mother of ten who stumbles into solving crimes. The series kicks off with The Old Buzzard Had It Coming (2005), where Alafair investigates a neighbor’s suspicious death, uncovering dark secrets. Hornswoggled (2006) follows with a tale of love and deceit, while The Wrong Hill to Die On (2012) takes Alafair to Arizona for a murder mystery amid family ties. Her later series, The Adventures of Bianca Dangereuse, dives into 1920s Hollywood with a spirited starlet. Casey’s style blends vivid historical detail, lyrical prose, and cozy mysteries, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.
Her research shines through in authentic settings—think dusty Oklahoma farms and bustling silent-film sets. Casey’s knack for dialogue and character depth makes Alafair feel like your sharp-witted great-grandmother, solving crimes over cornbread. Themes of family, resilience, and justice resonate, earning her two Arizona Book Awards and multiple Oklahoma Book Award nominations.
Why Donis Casey Matters
Donis Casey brings early 20th-century Oklahoma to life, preserving its history through stories that feel both timeless and intimate. Her Alafair Tucker series celebrates strong women who balance family and tenacity, resonating with readers who love historical mysteries with heart. By weaving her heritage into her work, Casey honors her roots while inviting readers to explore a vibrant, often overlooked era. Her shift to the Bianca Dangereuse series shows her versatility, proving she’s a storyteller for all seasons.
- Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Key Works: Alafair Tucker Mystery series, The Adventures of Bianca Dangereuse
- Awards: Two-time Arizona Book Award winner, Oklahoma Centennial Book for The Old Buzzard Had It Coming
Snag The Old Buzzard Had It Coming and dive into Donis Casey’s cozy, captivating mysteries!