Picture an American storyteller who swapped the hustle of Philadelphia for the cobblestone charm of Paris, weaving cozy mysteries that sparkle with intrigue—meet Emilia Bernhard! With her Death in Paris series, Bernhard invites readers into a world of amateur sleuths, Parisian cafés, and clever whodunits, blending her love for travel and literature into tales that feel like a stroll along the Seine.
Bernhard’s knack for crafting engaging mysteries stems from a life rich with movement and stories. From her Boston birthplace to her current home in Exeter, UK, her journey fuels her vivid settings and relatable characters, making her a fresh voice in the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Emilia Bernhard
Born in Boston in 1968, Emilia Bernhard grew up in Philadelphia, where her imagination thrived amid the city’s historic streets. Her love for storytelling led her to various corners of the U.S.—Iowa, Arkansas, Massachusetts—and eventually abroad to London, Cambridge, Paris, and Bristol. Settling in Exeter in 2011, Bernhard embraced her dream of becoming a novelist, inspired by literary giants like Ruth Rendell and Denise Mina. Her eclectic experiences, from sipping tea in cozy flats to navigating new cultures, shape the authentic, lived-in feel of her Parisian settings.
Emilia Bernhard’s Unforgettable Stories
Bernhard’s Death in Paris series, launched in 2018, introduces readers to American expats Rachel Levis and Magda Stevens, a delightful duo of amateur detectives. In Death in Paris, financier Edgar Bowen drowns in his vichyssoise, sparking Rachel and Magda’s investigation into a web of suspects. Critics praise its “luscious” atmosphere, comparing it to a pain au chocolat at a sidewalk café. The 2019 sequel, The Books of the Dead, dives into a library murder, blending bookish charm with fast-paced suspense. Designs on the Dead (2020) tackles a fashion designer’s demise, showcasing Bernhard’s flair for colorful characters and twisty plots.
Her style leans into the cozy mystery tradition, with a nod to Agatha Christie’s wit and pacing. Bernhard downplays violence and romance, focusing instead on clever clues, female friendship, and Parisian culture—think croissants, chic boutiques, and sharp dialogue. Her vivid descriptions and glossary of French terms immerse readers in the City of Light, making each book a mini-vacation.
Why Emilia Bernhard Matters
Emilia Bernhard’s work offers a refreshing take on cozy mysteries, blending American humor with European sophistication. Her focus on female sleuths and authentic settings resonates with readers craving escapist yet relatable stories. By crafting heroines like Rachel and Magda, Bernhard celebrates friendship and curiosity, inspiring fans to see the world through a detective’s lens. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits more adventures, cementing her place in the genre.
- Born: 1968, Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Death in Paris (2018), The Books of the Dead (2019), Designs on the Dead (2020)
- Current Home: Exeter, UK, with two cats
- Influences: Ruth Rendell, Denise Mina
Ready to crack a case with Rachel and Magda? Snag Death in Paris and dive into Emilia Bernhard’s charming cozy mysteries today!