Picture a cozy Arizona bookstore where a clever cat solves crimes alongside his human—meet Garrison Allen, the mystery maestro who also wrote as Gary Amo! Born in 1939 in Michigan, this American author spun tales of suspense and charm, earning an Edgar Award nomination and a loyal following. From feline detectives to gripping thrillers, Allen’s work is a hidden gem in the mystery world.
The Making of Garrison Allen / Gary Amo
Garrison Allen, born Gary Amo on June 23, 1939, in East Tawas, Michigan, grew up with a knack for storytelling. Little is known about his early influences, but his love for mysteries likely took root in the quiet Midwest. By 1990, under his real name, Gary Amo, he debuted with Come Nightfall, a thriller that snagged an Edgar nomination. As Garrison Allen, he later crafted cozy mysteries, blending wit and suspense.
His career took off as he juggled pseudonyms, serving as president of the Southern California Mystery Writers of America. Allen’s ability to shift between gritty thrillers and lighthearted mysteries showcased his versatility, setting the stage for his beloved Big Mike series.
Garrison Allen / Gary Amo’s Unforgettable Stories
Allen’s Big Mike Mysteries, written as Garrison Allen, star Penelope Warren, a bookstore owner, and her 25-pound Abyssinian cat, Mycroft, nicknamed Big Mike. The series kicked off in 1994 with Desert Cat, where Penelope and Big Mike unravel a murder tied to a dinosaur fossil in Empty Creek, Arizona. Its quirky charm and vivid setting hooked readers.
The sequel, Royal Cat (1995), dives into an Elizabethan fair turned deadly, blending historical flair with cozy sleuthing. Other entries like Baseball Cat (1997) and Movie Cat (1999) keep the small-town vibe, with Big Mike’s feline instincts stealing the show. As Gary Amo, Allen wrote darker thrillers like Creeping Shadows and Silent Night, showcasing his range with taut, suspenseful plots.
Allen’s style mixes humor, vivid characters, and clever twists. His cozy mysteries lean on community and quirky sidekicks, while his thrillers explore human darkness, making both personas distinct yet equally gripping.
Why Garrison Allen / Gary Amo Matters
Garrison Allen’s work carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, where cats and small-town charm reign supreme. His Big Mike series offered a fresh spin on amateur sleuths, with Mycroft as a feline Sherlock. As Gary Amo, his thrillers brought raw intensity, earning critical nods like the Edgar nomination for Come Nightfall. Though not a household name, Allen’s storytelling influenced cozy mystery writers, proving even obscure authors can leave a mark.
His leadership in the Mystery Writers of America and his dual writing personas highlight his dedication to the craft. Fans still cherish his books for their wit and heart, keeping his legacy alive in used bookstores and online forums.
- Born: June 23, 1939, East Tawas, Michigan
- Key Works: Big Mike Mysteries, Come Nightfall, Creeping Shadows
- Awards: Edgar Award nomination for Come Nightfall (1991)
- Died: July 14, 2012
Ready for a cozy mystery or a pulse-pounding thriller? Snag Desert Cat or Come Nightfall and dive into Garrison Allen / Gary Amo’s captivating worlds!