Picture a dynamic duo spinning quirky tales of murder and mischief in Arizona’s sun-soaked retirement communities—meet J.C. Eaton! This pen name belongs to the husband-and-wife team of Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp, whose cozy mysteries, like the beloved Sophie Kimball series, blend humor, intricate plots, and a cast of eccentric characters. From dog parks to model train exhibits, their stories capture the charm and chaos of retiree life with a murderous twist.
With Ann’s knack for time-travel mysteries and James’s deep roots in the wine industry, J.C. Eaton crafts stories that are as delightful as a glass of Riesling on a warm desert evening. Their collaborative magic has won over cozy mystery fans, earning accolades like the 2018 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for their debut, Booked 4 Murder.
The Making of J.C. Eaton
Ann I. Goldfarb, a New York native, spent decades in education as a teacher and middle school principal before diving into writing. She penned nine young adult time-travel mysteries under her own name, honing her skill for weaving intricate narratives. James E. Clapp, meanwhile, traded a career in construction and a stint as a U.S. Navy veteran for managing a tasting room at a New York winery. His expertise in wine and knack for big-picture ideas complemented Ann’s detail-oriented approach. When they relocated to Arizona’s Sun City West, the quirky retiree community inspired them to team up as J.C. Eaton, turning their new home into the perfect backdrop for cozy mysteries.
J.C. Eaton’s Unforgettable Stories
J.C. Eaton’s Sophie Kimball Mystery series, starting with Booked 4 Murder (2017), introduces Sophie “Phee” Kimball, a reluctant sleuth and bookkeeper who tackles crimes in Sun City West. In this debut, Phee investigates a string of deaths linked to a supposedly cursed romance novel, navigating her mother Harriet’s eccentric book club and a meddling Chiweenie named Streetman. The series, now spanning over ten books, is known for its laugh-out-loud humor and clever twists, with titles like Broadcast 4 Murder (2020) featuring Harriet stumbling upon a body during a radio show.
Beyond Sophie Kimball, J.C. Eaton pens the Wine Trail Mysteries, where screenwriter Norrie Ellington solves crimes at her family’s New York winery. A Riesling to Die (2018) kicks off this series with a murder that threatens the vineyard’s reputation. The Marcie Rayner Mysteries, another feather in their cap, follow a sassy detective in a brewery setting. Their writing style—packed with quirky characters, local flavor, and surprising plot turns—keeps readers hooked, blending Ann’s meticulous details with James’s bold narrative arcs.
The duo’s humor shines through in their settings, from Arizona’s retirement enclaves to New York’s wine country, and their ability to craft relatable, flawed sleuths like Phee, who juggles sleuthing with family chaos. Their books are a masterclass in cozy mystery, offering just the right mix of suspense and silliness.
Why J.C. Eaton Matters
J.C. Eaton has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by celebrating the quirks of everyday life—whether it’s retirees bickering over bingo or winemakers dodging scandal. Their Sophie Kimball series, in particular, resonates with readers for its authentic portrayal of Arizona’s retirement communities, earning praise for its vibrant characters and unpredictable plots. Booklist lauded Booked 4 Murder as a “thoroughly entertaining series debut,” while Suspense Magazine called Molded 4 Murder a “laugh-out-loud funny mystery.” Their work proves that cozy mysteries can be both heartwarming and thrilling, inviting readers to chuckle and sleuth along.
By blending their diverse backgrounds—Ann’s educational rigor and James’s winery charm—J.C. Eaton has created a legacy of stories that feel like a chat with old friends. Their ability to keep readers guessing while delivering humor makes them a standout in the genre.
- Pen Name: J.C. Eaton (Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp)
- Key Works: Booked 4 Murder, A Riesling to Die, Broadcast 4 Murder
- Award: 2018 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Booked 4 Murder
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Time-Travel (Ann’s solo work)
Ready to dive into a world of quirky sleuths and clever crimes? Snag Booked 4 Murder and let J.C. Eaton’s cozy mysteries whisk you away to Arizona’s sunniest murder scenes!