Picture a cozy mystery maven who blends chocolatey delights with clever whodunits—meet JoAnna Carl! Writing under her pen name, Eve K. Sandstrom has crafted the beloved Chocoholic Mysteries series, set against the charming backdrop of Lake Michigan’s shores. With a knack for spinning tales that pair delectable treats with twisty plots, JoAnna Carl invites readers into a world where every bonbon hides a secret.
Born in Oklahoma and deeply tied to both her Southwestern roots and Michigan’s lakeside allure, JoAnna Carl’s stories reflect her unique dual identity. Her mysteries, filled with warmth and wit, have earned her a loyal following among cozy mystery fans eager for a sweet escape.
The Making of JoAnna Carl
Eve K. Sandstrom, the woman behind JoAnna Carl, was born in 1936 in Oklahoma, where her family’s history stretched back five generations. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, she grew up steeped in the region’s culture and stories. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma, Eve spent over 25 years as a reporter, editor, and columnist for The Lawton Constitution. Her newsroom days honed her sharp eye for detail, which later flavored her mysteries. Inspired by Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, Eve always dreamed of writing fiction. In the 1990s, she took an early retirement to chase that dream, launching her career as a novelist.
JoAnna Carl’s Unforgettable Stories
JoAnna Carl’s Chocoholic Mysteries, starting with The Chocolate Cat Caper (2002), introduced readers to Lee McKinney, a Texas divorcee turned amateur sleuth managing her aunt’s luxury chocolate shop in the fictional Warner Pier, Michigan. This series, spanning 19 novels, weaves chocolate trivia into cozy mysteries where murders are solved with charm and cunning. For example, The Chocolate Pirate Plot (2010) sees Lee tackling pirate-themed antics and a washed-up body, while The Chocolate Shark Shenanigans (2019) explores a house-flipping scheme gone deadly.
Under her real name, Eve K. Sandstrom, she penned the Down Home Mysteries and Nell Matthews Mysteries, set in Southwest Oklahoma. These semi-hard-boiled tales, like The Down Home Heifer Heist, reflect her regional pride and won her an Oklahoma Book Award. JoAnna’s style—whether cozy or gritty—shines with vivid settings, relatable characters, and a playful tone that makes every page a treat.
Her Chocoholic Mysteries stand out for their focus on West Michigan’s resort culture, drawing from towns like Saugatuck and Holland. JoAnna’s insider knowledge, aided by her daughter’s work in the chocolate industry, adds authenticity to the series’ luscious descriptions of truffles and bonbons, making readers crave both answers and sweets.
Why JoAnna Carl Matters
JoAnna Carl’s work has left a sweet mark on the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an escape into worlds where community, curiosity, and chocolate reign supreme. Her ability to capture the spirit of Oklahoma and Michigan has made her a cherished regional writer, with Michigan newspapers praising her local flair. By blending lighthearted storytelling with intricate plots, she’s inspired fans to savor the small-town charm and clever twists that define cozy mysteries.
Beyond her books, JoAnna’s journey from journalist to novelist at midlife resonates with aspiring writers, proving it’s never too late to chase a passion. Her legacy endures through the joy her stories bring, inviting readers to curl up with a mystery and a piece of chocolate.
- Born: January 1, 1936, in Oklahoma
- Key Works: The Chocolate Cat Caper, The Chocolate Pirate Plot, The Down Home Heifer Heist
- Awards: Oklahoma Book Award for The Down Home Heifer Heist
- Fun Fact: Her pen name, JoAnna Carl, combines her children’s middle names: Betsy Jo, Ruth Anna, and John Carl.
Ready for a delicious mystery? Snag The Chocolate Cat Caper and dive into JoAnna Carl’s scrumptious world of cozy crime-solving!