Picture a storyteller who swapped wildlife biology for tales of chocolate and intrigue—meet Dorothy St. James! Born in New York but raised in the sun-soaked charm of South Carolina, this cozy mystery author weaves Southern warmth and quirky characters into her beloved series. From the decadent Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries to the lush White House Gardener Mysteries, Dorothy’s stories are like a sweet treat with a side of suspense, earning her a loyal following among cozy mystery fans.
With a knack for blending small-town vibes and clever whodunits, Dorothy’s books invite readers to curl up and savor the ride. Her unique journey from government planner to full-time novelist adds authenticity to her tales, making her a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Dorothy St. James
Dorothy St. James’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. Born in New York, she grew up in South Carolina, where the Lowcountry’s beaches and laid-back charm shaped her storytelling. Her passion for writing took a backseat to a degree in wildlife biology from Clemson University, followed by a master’s in public administration and urban planning. She worked across all levels of government—local, state, and federal—and even spent time with a nonprofit environmental watchdog. Yet, her love for stories never faded. In 2001, she took a leap of faith, leaving her government career to pursue fiction full-time, channeling her knack for understanding people and places into her cozy mysteries.
Dorothy St. James’s Unforgettable Stories
Dorothy’s novels are a delightful mix of Southern charm, quirky characters, and clever mysteries. Her Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries, starting with Asking for Truffle (2017), follow Charity Penn, a chocoholic sleuth in the seaside town of Camellia Beach, South Carolina. When a friend is found dead in a vat of chocolate, Penn dives into a web of secrets, all while crafting delectable treats. The series, including Playing with Bonbon Fire (2018) and In Cold Chocolate (2018), is praised for its rich settings and heart-tugging plots.
In the White House Gardener Mysteries, Dorothy transplants readers to Washington, D.C., with Flowerbed of State (2011). Protagonist Casey Calhoun, an organic gardener, unearths more than dirt when murders disrupt the President’s Park. Books like The Scarlet Pepper (2012) and Oak and Dagger (2013) blend horticultural detail with political intrigue, earning accolades for their fast-paced plots and vivid characters. Dorothy’s style—infused with humor, romance, and a touch of danger—makes her stories as addictive as a box of chocolates.
She also pens the Beloved Bookroom Mysteries, like The Broken Spine (2021), and the Raven’s Run Romantic Mysteries, showcasing her versatility. Her ability to craft relatable heroines and intricate mysteries has drawn comparisons to cozy giants like Joanne Fluke and JoAnna Carl.
Why Dorothy St. James Matters
Dorothy St. James has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, bringing Southern hospitality and environmental consciousness to her tales. Her background in wildlife biology and urban planning lends authenticity to her settings, from Camellia Beach’s chocolate shop to the White House gardens. Fans adore her ability to balance lighthearted fun with gripping suspense, making her books a go-to for cozy mystery lovers. Her nominations for awards like the National Reader’s Choice Award and CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award highlight her impact, while her vivid characters inspire readers to see the world through a lens of curiosity and courage.
- Born in New York, raised in South Carolina, now resides in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
- Key works: Asking for Truffle (2017), Flowerbed of State (2011), The Broken Spine (2021).
- Awards: Nominated for National Reader’s Choice Award and CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award.
- Fun fact: She’s a former Folly Beach bum with a love for fine chocolates!
About Dorothy St. James
Ready for a cozy escape? Snag Asking for Truffle or Flowerbed of State and dive into Dorothy St. James’s deliciously suspenseful world!