Picture a Pittsburgh native spinning cozy mysteries over a pint of craft beer—meet Joyce Tremel! This former police secretary turned acclaimed novelist has poured her knack for storytelling into the Brewing Trouble series, blending suspense, humor, and Pittsburgh charm. Her journey from law enforcement to literature is as captivating as the mysteries she crafts, earning her a loyal following among cozy mystery fans.
The Making of Joyce Tremel
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Joyce Tremel spent over a decade as a police secretary, where she absorbed the gritty details of law enforcement that would later flavor her fiction. Her time in the precinct sparked a creative outlet—writing became her way to channel frustrations without, as she humorously puts it, landing in jail. With a love for reading mysteries and listening to big band music, Tremel began penning stories, drawing inspiration from her hometown’s vibrant culture and her own vivid imagination.
Joyce Tremel’s Unforgettable Stories
Tremel’s Brewing Trouble series is the heart of her literary legacy, kicking off with To Brew or Not to Brew (2015). This debut follows Maxine “Max” O’Hara, a brewmaster opening a craft brewpub in Pittsburgh’s revitalized Lawrenceville neighborhood, only to face sabotage and murder. The book’s clever blend of craft beer culture and cozy mystery earned a 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award nomination. Tangled Up in Brew (2016) dives deeper into Max’s world, winning the 2016 Reviewers’ Choice Award for its witty characters and intricate plot. A Room with a Brew (2017) brings Oktoberfest to Pittsburgh, with Max solving a band member’s murder amid festive chaos, clinching another Reviewers’ Choice Award. Under the pseudonym Joyce St. Anthony, Tremel also explores historical mysteries with the Homefront News series, set in 1942, showcasing her versatility.
Tremel’s style is a frothy mix of suspense, humor, and heart. Her Pittsburgh settings feel alive, from the black-and-gold spirit of local bakeries to the clink of pint glasses in brewpubs. Readers adore her strong, relatable protagonists like Max, whose detective skills (honed by her homicide detective dad) pair with a knack for brewing. Tremel’s knack for weaving culinary details—think beer recipes and soft pretzels—into twisty plots makes her books a treat for cozy mystery lovers.
Why Joyce Tremel Matters
Joyce Tremel has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by grounding her stories in Pittsburgh’s unique culture and her own law enforcement experience. Her Brewing Trouble series offers more than just whodunits; it’s a love letter to community, resilience, and the Steel City. Fans praise her for creating characters who feel like friends, from Max’s quirky crew to her tabby, Hops. Tremel’s awards and growing readership highlight her impact, while her pseudonymous historical mysteries broaden her influence, proving her storytelling transcends genres.
- Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: To Brew or Not to Brew, Tangled Up in Brew, A Room with a Brew, Homefront News series (as Joyce St. Anthony)
- Awards: 2015 Reviewers’ Choice nominee; 2016, 2017 Reviewers’ Choice winner
- Fun Fact: Tremel has a second-degree black belt in taekwondo!
Snag To Brew or Not to Brew and dive into Joyce Tremel’s frothy, suspenseful world of Pittsburgh mysteries!