Picture a San Francisco native weaving mouthwatering recipes into thrilling mysteries—meet Joanne Pence! This USA Today bestselling author has delighted readers with her culinary cozy mysteries, blending romance, humor, and suspense. Best known for her Angie Amalfi series, Pence’s stories are as irresistible as a freshly baked tiramisu, earning her a devoted following and multiple awards.
Now residing in Boise, Idaho, Pence continues to craft tales that tantalize both the imagination and the palate. Her unique ability to pair gourmet cooking with amateur sleuthing has made her a standout in the culinary mystery genre. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this award-winning storyteller!
The Making of Joanne Pence
Born Joanne Lopez in San Francisco, Pence grew up surrounded by the city’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene, which later inspired her Angie Amalfi series. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with a master’s in journalism, she explored diverse careers—teaching in Japan, writing for magazines, and working as an operations analysis manager for the Social Security Administration from 1970 to 1998. Her Italian and Spanish heritage, combined with her love for storytelling, fueled her transition to fiction. In 1987, she published her first novel, Armed and Dangerous, but it was her 1993 debut, Something’s Cooking, that launched her into the cozy mystery spotlight.
Joanne Pence’s Unforgettable Stories
Pence’s Angie Amalfi series, spanning 15 books and a novella from 1993 to 2015, follows the spirited Angelina Amalfi, a gourmet cook and food writer turned amateur sleuth in San Francisco. Her adventures, often alongside her homicide detective boyfriend Paavo Smith, blend culinary creativity with murder mysteries. Something’s Cooking kicks off the series with Angie dodging a killer while perfecting recipes like biscotti and cannoli. Cooking Spirits (2013) adds a paranormal twist, exploring a haunted house mystery. The Da Vinci Cook (2007) takes Angie to Rome, unraveling a murder tied to a priceless relic.
Beyond Angie, Pence created the Rebecca Mayfield series, featuring a tough homicide inspector navigating crime and romance. Titles like One O’Clock Hustle (2014) showcase her knack for fast-paced suspense. Pence’s style is light yet gripping, with tongue-in-cheek humor and vivid food descriptions that make readers hungry for more. Her novels also weave romance and screwball adventure, appealing to fans of cozy mysteries and romantic suspense alike.
Pence’s versatility shines in her supernatural thrillers (Ancient Echoes), historical fiction (Dance with a Gunfighter), and romance novels. Her ability to cross genres while maintaining a playful tone has earned her accolades, including the Independent Booksellers’ Golden Scroll Award and nominations for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA.
Why Joanne Pence Matters
Joanne Pence has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending culinary arts with crime-solving, inspiring a wave of food-themed mysteries. Her Angie Amalfi series, still in print after two decades, resonates with readers who crave humor, romance, and recipes alongside their whodunits. Pence’s stories celebrate San Francisco’s cultural richness and the joy of cooking, making her a beloved figure among cozy mystery fans. Her awards, including the North American Book Award for Mystery, underscore her impact on the genre.
As a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America, Pence has also mentored aspiring authors, sharing her passion for storytelling. Her move to Boise reflects her desire for new inspirations, yet her heart remains tied to the Bay Area’s flavors and mysteries.
- Born: San Francisco, California
- Key Works: Something’s Cooking (1993), The Da Vinci Cook (2007), Cooking Spirits (2013), One O’Clock Hustle (2014)
- Awards: Independent Booksellers’ Golden Scroll, North American Book Award for Mystery, RITA nomination
- Current Home: Boise, Idaho
Ready to savor a delicious mystery? Snag Something’s Cooking and dive into Joanne Pence’s delectable world of culinary crime!