Picture a New Jersey storyteller who spins tales where ghosts crack jokes and mysteries unravel with a chuckle—meet E.J. Copperman! Writing under the pseudonym Jeff Cohen, Copperman has carved a unique niche in cozy mysteries, blending humor, the supernatural, and heartfelt family dynamics. His Haunted Guesthouse series, a fan favorite, showcases his knack for crafting engaging narratives that keep readers laughing and guessing.
Known for his witty dialogue and relatable characters, Copperman invites readers into worlds where the paranormal feels delightfully normal. Whether it’s a ghostly sleuth or a quirky lawyer, his stories resonate with charm and cleverness, making him a standout in contemporary mystery fiction.
The Making of E.J. Copperman
Born on September 26, 1957, in Newark, New Jersey, Jeff Cohen—aka E.J. Copperman—grew up with a passion for storytelling. A Rutgers College graduate, he honed his craft as a freelance reporter, screenwriter, and editor, contributing to outlets like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. His diverse career, from teaching to magazine editing, shaped his sharp, humorous writing style. Copperman’s personal life, including raising a child with special needs, infuses his work with empathy and authenticity, particularly in themes of family and resilience.
E.J. Copperman’s Unforgettable Stories
Copperman’s Haunted Guesthouse series, launched with Night of the Living Deed in 2010, follows Alison Kerby, a single mom who transforms a Victorian fixer-upper into a guesthouse—only to discover it’s haunted by two ghosts, Paul and Maxie. The series, spanning 12 books, blends cozy mystery with supernatural flair, as Alison solves murders with her ghostly sidekicks, all while juggling family life. Fans praise its sarcastic humor and twisty plots.
Beyond the guesthouse, Copperman’s versatility shines in series like the Jersey Girl Legal Mysteries, where prosecutor Sandy Moss navigates murder cases with a Jersey attitude, and the Asperger’s Mysteries, co-written as Jeff Cohen, featuring a neurodivergent detective. His Agent to the Paws series adds a quirky twist, with a theatrical agent representing animal clients. Each series showcases Copperman’s signature blend of humor, heart, and clever mysteries.
His writing style is conversational yet precise, with a knack for making the supernatural feel grounded. Themes of family, loyalty, and second chances resonate across his works, appealing to readers who crave both entertainment and emotional depth.
Why E.J. Copperman Matters
E.J. Copperman’s impact lies in his ability to make cozy mysteries feel fresh and inclusive. By weaving humor and the supernatural into relatable stories, he’s expanded the genre’s appeal, attracting readers who might not typically pick up a mystery. His focus on family dynamics and diverse characters, like neurodivergent protagonists, adds depth to the cozy mystery landscape. Winning the Barry Award for his short story “The Gun Also Rises,” Copperman has earned critical acclaim while building a loyal fanbase eager for his next ghostly caper.
His work also reflects a broader cultural love for blending genres, proving that mysteries can be funny, spooky, and heartfelt all at once. For readers seeking escapism with substance, Copperman delivers every time.
- Born: September 26, 1957, Newark, New Jersey
- Key Works: Haunted Guesthouse series, Jersey Girl Legal Mysteries, Asperger’s Mysteries
- Awards: Barry Award for “The Gun Also Rises”
- Fun Fact: Copperman enjoys playing guitar and teaching screenwriting.
Snag Night of the Living Deed and dive into E.J. Copperman’s hilarious, spooky world of cozy mysteries!