Picture a California-born storyteller who spins tales of bumbling hitwomen and talking lizards—meet J.B. Lynn! With her knack for blending humor, heart, and suspense, Lynn has carved a unique niche in the cozy mystery world. Her Neurotic Hitwoman Mysteries, led by the lovable Maggie Lee, have hooked readers with their quirky charm and laugh-out-loud antics, proving that even a reluctant assassin can steal your heart.
From her roots in the Golden State to her current home in North Carolina, Lynn’s journey as a writer is as colorful as her characters. Her stories, packed with eccentric personalities and unexpected twists, reflect her love for life’s oddities, making her a standout voice in lighthearted mysteries.
The Making of J.B. Lynn
Born in California, J.B. Lynn—often called Jen by fans—knew she wanted to be a writer by age five. Inspired by childhood favorites like Glenn Balch’s Horse of Two Colors, which she still rereads annually, Lynn honed her storytelling skills through magazine pieces, short stories, and screenplays before diving into novels. After stints in Florida and New Jersey, she settled in North Carolina, where she writes alongside her rescue mutt, Smudge, and draws inspiration from her passions for running, cooking, and 80s music.
Lynn’s early career was a patchwork of creative gigs, but her shift to mystery novels felt like coming home. Her meticulous plotting, shaped by years of crafting vivid descriptions, set the stage for her breakout series and a devoted readership eager for her next adventure.
J.B. Lynn’s Unforgettable Stories
Lynn’s flagship series, Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman, introduced readers to Maggie Lee, a rookie assassin who talks to animals and fumbles her way through mob hits. The first book, published in 2012, follows Maggie’s chaotic life as she takes a mobster’s offer to fund her niece’s medical care, guided by a sassy lizard named Godzilla (aka God). With 49 books and counting, the series blends screwball comedy with heartfelt themes of family and resilience.
Beyond the Hitwoman, Lynn’s Psychic Consignment Mysteries transports readers to Sarasota, Florida, where the Concordia sisters run a quirky shop and solve crimes with psychic visions. Her Cursed Chick Club series adds a magical twist, featuring a witch, a possessed cat, and a dragon on a curse-breaking RV adventure. Lynn’s style—witty, fast-paced, and rich with eccentric characters—echoes Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series but shines with its own playful voice, often tackling serious themes like sibling rivalry with a light touch.
Whether it’s Maggie’s misadventures or the Concordia sisters’ sleuthing, Lynn’s novels are meticulously plotted, with vibrant characters who feel like old friends. Her ability to weave humor and heart into suspense keeps readers coming back for more.
Why J.B. Lynn Matters
J.B. Lynn’s impact lies in her ability to make the mystery genre accessible and fun, inviting readers into worlds where laughter and suspense coexist. Her stories resonate with those who crave escapism without sacrificing depth, offering a perfect blend of quirky characters and relatable struggles. By creating heroines like Maggie Lee, who balance chaos with compassion, Lynn has built a loyal fanbase that spans cozy mystery and suspense enthusiasts.
Her prolific output—over 69 books across multiple series—showcases her dedication to storytelling and her knack for keeping readers engaged. Lynn’s influence extends beyond her novels, as she inspires aspiring writers with her disciplined approach and infectious enthusiasm for the craft.
- Key Series: Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman, Psychic Consignment Mysteries, Cursed Chick Club
- First Novel: The First Victim (2011)
- Hobbies: Running, cooking, playing Scrabble
Ready to dive into a world of talking animals and comedic capers? Snag Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman and let J.B. Lynn’s quirky mysteries brighten your day!