Picture a Southern storyteller who spins tales of mystery and history with a pen as sharp as a Georgia peach—meet Judy Higgins! Born in Doerun, Georgia, this acclaimed author has captivated readers with her intelligent historical novels, like her debut The Lady and the gripping Bucks County Mysteries series. Now calling Lexington, Kentucky, home, Higgins weaves meticulously researched stories that transport you to vividly realized pasts, brimming with compelling characters and secrets waiting to unravel.
The Making of Judy Higgins
Growing up in the small town of Doerun, Georgia, Judy Higgins was a curious soul who played baseball, devoured books, and tickled the ivories with piano lessons she funded by selling eggs from her backyard chickens. Her academic journey took her to Mercer University, Baylor University for a BA in German, and the University of Michigan for an MA in German literature. After teaching German, she switched gears to become a librarian, earning an MA in Library Science from Kutztown University. A bold move to Qatar as Head of Library at the Learning Center School of Qatar Foundation for eight years enriched her worldview, fueling her passion for storytelling that bridges cultures and eras.
Judy Higgins’s Unforgettable Stories
Higgins’s debut novel, The Lady (2012), is a coming-of-age mystery that follows sixteen-year-old Quincy Bruce as she uncovers her Aunt Addy’s wartime secrets in 1950s Georgia. Readers praise its fast-paced plot and authentic characters, with one calling it “a mystery that compelled me to finish in a single evening.” Her Bucks County Mysteries series, starting with Unringing the Bell, dives into suspense with Jacob Gillis, a man haunted by a childhood arson scandal, entangled in a murder investigation. Known for her vivid historical settings and layered characters, Higgins crafts stories that blend meticulous research with emotional depth, exploring themes of redemption and identity. Her upcoming historical novel, inspired by the biblical Naomi, promises to continue this tradition of transporting readers to richly imagined pasts.
Higgins’s style is a delightful mix of Southern charm and scholarly precision. Her knack for detail—think “hose-snagging pews” in a country church—brings scenes to life, while her ability to weave historical context with personal drama keeps readers hooked. Whether it’s the wartime echoes of London or the dusty streets of Goose Bend, Pennsylvania, her settings are as much characters as her protagonists, inviting you to lose yourself in their worlds.
Why Judy Higgins Matters
Judy Higgins’s work resonates because it captures the human spirit through the lens of history. Her novels don’t just entertain; they invite readers to ponder the complexities of identity, family, and second chances. By tackling lesser-explored historical moments with empathy and precision, she’s carved a niche in historical fiction that feels both intimate and universal. Her time in Qatar and her Southern roots infuse her stories with a unique perspective, making her a bridge between cultures and generations. As she continues her Bucks County Mysteries and ventures into new projects, Higgins remains a storyteller to watch.
- Born: Doerun, Georgia
- Key Works: The Lady, Unringing the Bell, A Woman of Valor
- Current Home: Lexington, Kentucky
Ready to step into a world where history and mystery collide? Snag The Lady or dive into the Bucks County Mysteries for a dose of Judy Higgins’s captivating storytelling!