Picture a Canadian storyteller who crafts cozy mysteries that keep you guessing until the last page—meet Erika Chase! Known for her charming Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries, Chase, the pen name of Linda Wiken, weaves tales of murder and intrigue with a Southern flair. Her knack for creating relatable characters and twisty plots has won her a loyal following among mystery lovers.
With a background as a mystery bookstore owner and a passion for crime fiction, Chase brings authenticity and heart to her stories. Whether it’s a book club unraveling a murder or a dinner club stumbling into danger, her novels are like a warm cup of tea spiked with suspense. Let’s dive into the world of Erika Chase and discover why her mysteries are a must-read!
The Making of Erika Chase
Linda Wiken, the woman behind Erika Chase, grew up in Canada with a love for mysteries that led her to own Prime Crime Books in Ottawa. Her bookstore wasn’t just a business—it was a hub for mystery fans, where she honed her knowledge of the genre. Before writing, Wiken worked as an advertising copywriter, journalist, and radio producer, skills that sharpened her storytelling. Her involvement with The Ladies’ Killing Circle, a group of Canadian crime writers, sparked her creative journey, leading to short stories and, eventually, her debut novel under the Chase pseudonym.
Erika Chase’s Unforgettable Stories
Erika Chase’s Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries, published by Berkley Prime Crime, are the heart of her bibliography. The series kicks off with A Killer Read (2012), where reading specialist Lizzie Turner and her book club tackle a real murder in their Alabama town. This debut earned an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel, praised for its ensemble cast and cozy charm. Follow-ups like Read and Buried and Cover Story deepen the group’s sleuthing adventures, blending Southern hospitality with clever whodunits.
As Linda Wiken, she penned the Dinner Club Mysteries, starting with Toasting Up Trouble (2016). This series follows event planner J.J. Tanner as her culinary club stumbles into crimes, mixing recipes with suspense. Chase’s style is light yet gripping, with vivid characters—like Lizzie’s book club or J.J.’s foodie friends—driving the narrative. Her plots often explore community ties, hidden secrets, and the thrill of amateur sleuthing, making each book a delightful puzzle.
Under another pseudonym, Essie Lang, Wiken launched the Castle Bookshop Mysteries in 2019, proving her versatility. Her stories, whether as Chase, Wiken, or Lang, share a knack for immersive settings and relatable heroines, earning praise from authors like Krista Davis and Miranda James.
Why Erika Chase Matters
Erika Chase’s mysteries offer more than just a good yarn—they celebrate the joy of community and the thrill of solving puzzles. Her Ashton Corners series captures the cozy mystery genre’s essence, inviting readers into a world where book clubs double as detective agencies. Her work as Linda Wiken and Essie Lang expands her influence, showcasing her ability to reinvent cozy tropes with fresh settings and stakes. Chase’s Agatha nomination and Arthur Ellis shortlisting highlight her skill, while her bookstore roots make her a champion of the genre’s accessibility.
For fans, Chase’s novels are a gateway to cozy mysteries, blending comfort with suspense. Her legacy lies in crafting stories that feel like catching up with old friends—friends who just happen to solve murders. With a dedicated readership and critical acclaim, she’s a quiet powerhouse in the mystery world.
- Pen Name: Erika Chase (Linda Wiken)
- Key Works: Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries, Dinner Club Mysteries
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee (2012), Arthur Ellis Award shortlist
- Fun Fact: She’s a choral singer and Siamese cat lover!
Snag A Killer Read and dive into Erika Chase’s cozy, thrilling world of mysteries! Whether you’re a book club enthusiast or a sleuth at heart, her stories will keep you hooked.