Picture a British storyteller who whisks you to a 1930s island where ghosts help solve murders—meet J. New! This cozy mystery maestro has enchanted readers with her Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series, blending classic whodunits with a supernatural twist. With her sharp wit and historical flair, J. New crafts tales that feel like sipping tea in a vintage cottage while unraveling a puzzle.
The Making of J. New
Born in West Yorkshire, England, Jacquie New’s creative journey began in the world of art and design. After studying fine art, she worked as an interior designer and later dabbled in art restoration and animal portraiture. But her true passion was storytelling, a dream she nurtured until she turned it into reality. Inspired by the Golden Age of crime fiction, J. New swapped paintbrushes for a pen, crafting mysteries that echo Agatha Christie with a ghostly edge.
J. New’s Unforgettable Stories
J. New’s Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series is her crown jewel, set on the fictional Linhay Island, inspired by England’s Hayling Island. The series follows Ella Bridges, a young widow and Scotland Yard’s first female consultant detective, who solves crimes with her spectral sidekick, a ghost cat named Phantom. In An Accidental Murder, Ella stumbles into a mystery when a strange child leads her to a murder plot, weaving orphanages and ghosts into a gripping tale. The Curse of Arundel Hall ups the ante with a manor house murder and a ghostly secret, while The Riviera Affair takes Ella to France for a glamorous yet deadly investigation. Known for clever humor, vivid 1930s settings, and a dash of romance, J. New’s stories are cozy yet thrilling, earning comparisons to ‘Miss Marple meets The Ghost Whisperer.’
Beyond the Yellow Cottage, J. New pens the Finch & Fischer Mysteries, featuring librarian Penny Finch and her dog Fischer, and the Tea & Sympathy series, starring tea shop owner Lilly Tweed. Her knack for memorable protagonists and quirky sidekicks—like Phantom the ghost cat or Earl Grey the shop cat—keeps readers hooked across her diverse series.
Why J. New Matters
J. New has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending historical accuracy with paranormal charm. Her stories transport readers to a nostalgic era, capturing the essence of 1930s England while adding a fresh, supernatural twist. Fans praise her well-crafted characters and unpredictable plots, with reviews calling her work ‘beautifully written’ and ‘thrilling.’ By celebrating strong female sleuths like Ella, J. New inspires readers to embrace curiosity and courage, making her a beloved voice in modern cozy mysteries.
- Born: West Yorkshire, England
- Key Works: Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series, Finch & Fischer Mysteries, Tea & Sympathy series
- Fun Fact: J. New lives with a menagerie of rescue animals, reflecting her love for quirky companions in her stories.
Ready to cozy up with a mystery that’s equal parts charm and chills? Snag An Accidental Murder and dive into J. New’s delightful world of vintage whodunits!