Picture a Scottish storyteller who swapped misty highlands for sunny Spanish shores, spinning cozy mysteries that brim with wit and warmth—meet E.J. Lamprey! Known for her delightful Grasshopper Lawns series, Lamprey crafts whodunits set in a quirky Scottish retirement village, proving that sleuthing and adventure don’t retire at sixty. Her stories blend humor, romance, and clever puzzles, captivating armchair detectives worldwide.
With a knack for creating lovable characters and intricate plots, Lamprey’s work celebrates life’s later chapters. Her journey from Scotland to Spain and her passion for storytelling make her a unique voice in the cozy mystery genre. Let’s dive into her world!
The Making of E.J. Lamprey
Born Elizabeth Eyles, E.J. Lamprey hails from South Africa, where she honed her writing chops as a book reviewer, columnist, and reporter. After moving to Scotland’s Firth of Forth, she spent fifteen years soaking up its charm before relocating to Spain’s Costa Tropical in 2017. Her diverse career, from copy-editing to commercial blogging, shaped her versatile storytelling style. Lamprey’s love for Scotland’s landscapes and quirky communities inspired her to pen cozy mysteries that feel like a warm cup of tea on a chilly day.
Her decision to write under the pseudonym E.J. Lamprey—and occasionally Joanna Lamprey for sci-fi or Clarissa Rodgers-Briskleigh for mature singles’ tales—reflects her playful spirit. Her move to Spain, sparked by thorough research trips, mirrors her characters’ zest for new adventures, a theme woven throughout her work.
E.J. Lamprey’s Unforgettable Stories
Lamprey’s Grasshopper Lawns series, spanning ten books, is her crowning achievement. Set in a fictional Scottish retirement village for residents with ‘interesting’ pasts, the series follows amateur sleuths Edge Cameron, Vivian, Donald, and William as they unravel murders with charm and cunning. The first book, One Two Buckle My Shoe, introduces Edge, a no-nonsense widow, and her niece, Sergeant Kirsty Cameron, solving a murder with Miss Marple-esque flair. Critics praise its humor and satisfying twists.
Books like Three Four Knock on My Door and Nine Ten Begin Again deepen the series’ appeal, blending subtle mysteries with character-driven subplots, including romance and even a dip into BDSM culture—though Lamprey keeps it cozy, not steamy. Nineteen Twenty My Plate Is Empty, the series’ finale, sees the gang chasing an embezzler across Europe, a fitting end to their adventures. Lamprey’s style, often compared to M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth or Alexander McCall Smith’s gentle rambling, is light yet gripping, perfect for readers craving cozy escapism.
Beyond mysteries, Lamprey explores sci-fi as Joanna Lamprey and writes about mature singles under Clarissa Rodgers-Briskleigh, notably in Five Six Pick Up Sticks, where Edge dives into online dating to catch a killer. Her versatility showcases her belief that life’s stories don’t fade with age.
Why E.J. Lamprey Matters
E.J. Lamprey’s impact lies in her celebration of older protagonists who defy stereotypes. Her Grasshopper Lawns residents—vibrant, flawed, and fiercely curious—challenge the notion that retirement means slowing down. By setting her stories in a unique retirement village, she carves a niche in cozy mysteries, appealing to readers who love humor and heart. Her move to Spain and multilingual aspirations (she’s tackling Spanish!) inspire fans to embrace life’s next chapters.
Lamprey’s work also resonates for its accessibility. Her short, engaging novels, often readable in one sitting, make her a go-to for cozy mystery fans seeking light yet clever tales. Her legacy is a reminder that age is no barrier to adventure, love, or cracking a good case.
- Pen Names: E.J. Lamprey (mysteries), Joanna Lamprey (sci-fi), Clarissa Rodgers-Briskleigh (mature singles).
- Key Works: Grasshopper Lawns series, including One Two Buckle My Shoe, Nine Ten Begin Again, Nineteen Twenty My Plate Is Empty.
- Residence: Costa Tropical, Spain, since 2017.
Ready to cozy up with a clever whodunit? Snag One Two Buckle My Shoe and dive into E.J. Lamprey’s delightful Grasshopper Lawns series!