Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped city suits for farmyard sleuthing, spinning cozy mysteries that charm readers worldwide—meet Ellen Riggs! With her bestselling 'Bought the Farm Mystery' series, Riggs blends her lifelong love for animals with clever whodunits, set in the quirky town of Clover Grove. Her tales of rescue dogs, nosy neighbors, and murderous mayhem have hooked pet lovers and mystery fans alike.
From her Toronto home, where she wrangles a couple of mischievous dogs, Riggs crafts stories that feel like a warm hug on a chilly farm morning. Her knack for humor and heart has made her a standout in the cozy mystery genre, inviting readers to escape into a world where animals are heroes and every clue leads to adventure.
The Making of Ellen Riggs
Ellen Riggs’s journey to becoming a beloved cozy mystery author began with a teenage crush on James Herriot, the legendary veterinarian-author. Growing up with a passion for animals, she dreamed of becoming a vet herself, even embarking on a pilgrimage to Herriot’s English hometown at age 20. But her shaky math and science skills nudged her toward storytelling instead. Riggs earned degrees in English literature and journalism, honing her craft while dreaming of tales filled with furry friends.
Before her breakout series, Riggs wrote under other pen names, but it was her love for animals and rural life that inspired the 'Bought the Farm Mystery' series. Drawing on her fantasy of owning a hobby farm, she created a fictional world where her characters—and their pets—solve crimes with wit and grit.
Ellen Riggs’s Unforgettable Stories
The 'Bought the Farm Mystery' series, launched in 2020 with 'A Dog with Two Tales,' follows Ivy Galloway, a former HR executive who flees the city for a hobby farm in Clover Grove. Alongside her brilliant border collie, Keats, Ivy stumbles into murders that unravel the town’s secrets. The prequel novella sets the stage, showing how Ivy’s daring rescue of Keats sparks her new life.
'Dogcatcher in the Rye,' the series’ first full novel, sees Ivy tackling a murder in her rye field while juggling farm life. Fans love its mix of suspense, humor, and animal antics, earning it a 4.34 rating on Goodreads. 'Dark Side of the Moo' ups the stakes when a guest at Ivy’s inn meets a grisly end, while 'A Streak of Bad Cluck' weaves in a feisty neighbor and a deadly omelette. Riggs’s style—light, fast-paced, and packed with quirky characters—makes each book a delightful escape.
Beyond this flagship series, Riggs has penned the 'Dog Town' and 'Mystic Mutt Mysteries,' blending romance and paranormal elements. Her stories celebrate animals as clever sidekicks, with Keats’s crime-solving nose stealing the show. Riggs’s ability to weave rural charm with thrilling plots keeps readers coming back for more.
Why Ellen Riggs Matters
Ellen Riggs has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by putting animals at the heart of her stories. Her books offer a refreshing escape, blending humor and suspense with the warmth of small-town life. For pet lovers, her tales resonate deeply, celebrating the bond between humans and their furry companions. With 24 novels in the 'Bought the Farm' series and more on the way, Riggs’s prolific output keeps her fans eagerly awaiting each release.
Her influence extends beyond books, inspiring readers to embrace adventure and cherish their pets. By turning her Herriot-inspired dreams into a fictional farm, Riggs proves that passion and creativity can transform a simple idea into a global sensation.
- Key Works: 'A Dog with Two Tales,' 'Dogcatcher in the Rye,' 'Dark Side of the Moo,' 'A Streak of Bad Cluck'
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romance, Paranormal
- Fun Fact: Riggs dreams of owning a real hobby farm to mirror her fictional Runaway Farm.
Ready for a cozy adventure? Snag 'Dogcatcher in the Rye' and dive into Ellen Riggs’s delightful world of farmyard mysteries!