Picture a librarian-turned-author who spun her love for books and Lithuanian roots into a beloved mystery series—meet Jo Dereske! With her sharp wit and knack for crafting cozy whodunits, Dereske has charmed readers through her iconic Miss Zukas series, blending humor, heart, and a touch of library magic.
Born in rural Michigan, Dereske’s journey from book lover to bestselling author is as captivating as her stories. Her tales, often set against the backdrop of her home state or the Pacific Northwest, invite readers into worlds where order meets chaos, and mysteries unravel with a smile.
The Making of Jo Dereske
Jo Dereske grew up in Mason County, Michigan, steeped in her Lithuanian heritage, which later flavored her fiction with authentic cultural details. As a child, she dreamed of writing but thought it impossible without living in New York City. After college, she headed west to Washington State, where her career as a librarian at Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College shaped her storytelling. Her love for libraries—those 'last truly public institutions,' as she calls them—became the heart of her Miss Zukas series.
Dereske’s early writing was for her children, producing whimsical children’s books like Glom Gloom. But it was her pivot to mysteries that defined her career, drawing on her librarian’s eye for detail and a lifelong fascination with authors like Agatha Christie, whose focus on personality inspired her own character-driven plots.
Jo Dereske’s Unforgettable Stories
Dereske’s Miss Zukas series, spanning 12 books, stars Helma Zukas, a meticulous librarian in the fictional Bellehaven, Washington. In Miss Zukas and the Library Murders, Helma stumbles upon a body in the fiction stacks, kicking off a delightful blend of cozy mystery and library lore. The series, praised by The New York Times as a 'loving sendup of the prim librarian stereotype,' shines with humor and intricate plots. Titles like Miss Zukas and the Island Murders and Farewell, Miss Zukas keep readers hooked with Helma’s logic and her chaotic artist friend Ruth.
Beyond Miss Zukas, Dereske’s Ruby Crane series, including Savage Cut, follows a graphologist solving crimes with her forgery expertise—a nod to Dereske’s own childhood mischief forging absence notes. Her children’s books, like The Lone Sentinel, blend sci-fi and adventure, while her free release, All of Us at the Same Time, offers a poignant reflection on caring for loved ones with dementia, showcasing her emotional depth.
Dereske’s style is light yet layered, weaving humor, community, and cultural nuances into her mysteries. Her settings, often tied to Michigan or her Washington home near Mount Baker, feel vivid and lived-in, earning her a spot on bestseller lists like BookSense and the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Why Jo Dereske Matters
Jo Dereske’s impact lies in her ability to make mysteries accessible and heartfelt. Her Miss Zukas series redefined the cozy mystery genre, proving librarians could be tough, witty sleuths. By infusing her Lithuanian heritage—think kugelis recipes in her books—she brought cultural richness to mainstream fiction. Her decision to share All of Us at the Same Time for free, inspired by her aunt and uncle’s dementia struggles, reflects her commitment to using storytelling to foster empathy and connection.
Dereske’s work resonates with readers who crave smart, character-driven mysteries with a side of humor. Her teaching at the University of Washington and speaking at the Library of Congress cement her influence, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices.
- Born: 1947, Michigan
- Key Works: Miss Zukas and the Library Murders, Savage Cut, All of Us at the Same Time
- Awards: Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award, Artist Trust grant
Snag Miss Zukas and the Library Murders and dive into Jo Dereske’s cozy, clever world of mysteries—you’ll be hooked!