Picture a cozy mystery writer who blends maple syrup and murder with a sprinkle of romance—meet Emily James! This rising star in the cozy mystery genre has captured readers’ hearts with her delightful Maple Syrup Mysteries series, set in the charming small town of Fair Haven, Michigan. With quirky characters, clean storytelling, and plots as sweet and sticky as syrup, James has carved out a unique niche that’s perfect for cozy mystery fans of all ages.
The Making of Emily James
Growing up, Emily James was glued to the TV, devouring classic mystery shows like Matlock, Monk, and Murder, She Wrote—purely by coincidence, all starting with an M! These shows sparked her love for clever whodunits, planting the seeds for her future as a mystery writer. A budding artist and animal lover, James also finds joy in painting, cooking, and sipping coffee, often while surrounded by her noisy budgie, blue Great Dane, and six rescue cats. Her creative and compassionate spirit shines through in her writing, which she crafts to be family-friendly and accessible to both teens and adults.
Emily James’s Unforgettable Stories
James’s signature work, the Maple Syrup Mysteries series, kicked off in 2016 with A Sticky Inheritance, introducing readers to Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes, a former lawyer who inherits her uncle’s maple syrup farm and stumbles into solving murders. The series, now spanning 13 books, includes fan favorites like Bushwhacked, where Nicole goes undercover at an animal shelter, and Murder on Tap, a locked-room mystery that keeps readers guessing. Each book is a standalone cozy mystery, brimming with small-town charm, light romance, and no swearing, gore, or steamy scenes, making them perfect for a wide audience.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and suspense, with quirky characters who feel like friends and plots that twist until the final page. James’s love for animals often weaves into her stories, as seen in Bushwhacked’s animal shelter setting, while her knack for clean storytelling ensures her books are shareable with family members. The series has earned accolades, including the 2018 Writer’s Digest Ebook Awards grand prize for A Sticky Inheritance, cementing her status as a cozy mystery standout.
Why Emily James Matters
Emily James has redefined cozy mysteries by blending the sweetness of maple syrup production with the thrill of amateur sleuthing, creating a world that’s both comforting and captivating. Her commitment to clean, family-friendly narratives has won over readers who crave mysteries without grit, while her engaging plots keep even seasoned cozy fans on their toes. By setting her stories in a vividly drawn Michigan town, she’s brought a fresh, regional flavor to the genre, inspiring readers to explore Fair Haven’s sticky mysteries.
- Key Works: A Sticky Inheritance, Bushwhacked, Murder on Tap, End of the Line
- Awards: 2018 Writer’s Digest Ebook Awards Grand Prize for A Sticky Inheritance
- Fun Fact: Each book includes a maple syrup recipe!
Ready to dive into a sweet and suspenseful world? Snag A Sticky Inheritance and get hooked on Emily James’s cozy mysteries today!