Picture a British storyteller who weaves historical intrigue with cozy crime, crafting mysteries that sparkle like a fine vintage wine—meet Fliss Chester! Nestled in a quaint West Sussex village, Chester spins tales of 1920s and 1940s whodunits, blending glamour, wit, and a dash of romance. Her vibrant characters and atmospheric settings transport readers to bygone eras, making every page a delightful escape.
When she’s not plotting murders over a glass of something delightful, Chester helps run her family’s wine merchant business, infusing her stories with the rich bouquet of her unique life. From flirty romances to gripping mysteries, her work is anything but dull, just as her mother always encouraged.
The Making of Fliss Chester
Living in the picturesque countryside of Surrey and West Sussex, Fliss Chester’s journey to authorship was as colorful as her novels. Inspired by her mother’s advice to be ‘anything you want, darling, as long as it’s not dull,’ she initially penned fun and flirty romances that might make some blush. Her creative spark was honed through a writing class, where she mastered dialogue, humor, and drama, overcoming the nerves of sharing her work aloud. This foundation paved the way for her shift to historical cozy crime, a genre where her love for vivid settings and intricate plots shines.
Fliss Chester’s Unforgettable Stories
Chester’s bibliography is a treasure trove of immersive tales. Her debut series, French Escapes, includes Snowballs (2018), a witty romance filled with fondue-fueled flirtations and snowy escapades. She then ventured into mysteries with the Fen Churche Mystery series, starting with A Dangerous Goodbye (2020), a 1940s tale of spies and secrets. Her flagship Cressida Fawcett Mystery series, beginning with Death Among the Diamonds (2022), follows a glamorous heiress solving crimes in 1920s England. The latest, Death in an English Village (2025), promises cursed hoards and village intrigue.
Chester’s style is a cocktail of elegance and suspense, with lush descriptions that evoke the sights and sounds of her settings, from Paris’s moonlit streets to London’s glittering ballrooms. Her heroines, like Cressida Fawcett, are sharp, stylish, and fearless, blending Agatha Christie’s classic mystery with a modern, playful edge. Themes of love, betrayal, and resilience weave through her work, captivating readers who crave both heart and thrills.
Why Fliss Chester Matters
Fliss Chester has carved a niche in the cozy crime genre, offering readers an escape into worlds where martinis and mysteries collide. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with lighthearted intrigue has earned her a loyal following, with over 16,000 Goodreads ratings averaging 4.16. By championing strong female leads and vivid storytelling, she’s redefining cozy mysteries for a new generation, proving that even lesser-known authors can leave a sparkling legacy.
- Key Works: Death Among the Diamonds, A Dangerous Goodbye, Snowballs
- Genres: Historical Cozy Crime, Romance
- Latest Release: Death in an English Village (April 2025)
Ready to sip on some vintage mystery? Snag Death Among the Diamonds and dive into Fliss Chester’s dazzling world of cozy crime!