Picture a cozy Ohio evening, a cup of tea in hand, and a mystery unfolding with a purr-fect twist—meet Julie Chase, the pen name of Julie Anne Lindsey, a rising star in the cozy mystery genre! Known for her delightful Kitty Couture Mystery series, Chase weaves humor, suspense, and a love for pets into stories that keep readers hooked. Her vibrant narratives, set against the opulent backdrop of New Orleans, have earned her a devoted following and comparisons to cozy mystery giants like Rita Mae Brown.
With a knack for crafting relatable characters and clever plots, Chase has carved a niche in a genre that thrives on charm and intrigue. Whether you’re a cat lover or a mystery enthusiast, her books promise a whisker-twitching adventure that’s hard to put down.
The Making of Julie Chase
Growing up in rural Ohio, Julie Chase (aka Julie Anne Lindsey) was surrounded by the quiet charm of small-town life, which likely shaped her knack for cozy, community-driven stories. A mother of three, she balances family life with her passion for writing, drawing inspiration from her love of animals and mysteries. Her journey into publishing began with a leap into the literary world, where she honed her craft as a member of prestigious groups like the International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Writing under multiple pen names, including Bree Baker, Chase’s versatility shines through, but it’s her cozy mysteries that have truly captured hearts.
Julie Chase’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Chase’s bibliography is the Kitty Couture Mystery series, a four-book saga that blends pet-centric whimsy with gripping whodunits. Set in New Orleans’ lavish Garden District, the series follows Lacy Marie Crocker, a pet boutique owner turned amateur sleuth. In Cat Got Your Diamonds (2016), Lacy’s glitter gun becomes a murder weapon, launching her into a jewel-heist-fueled mystery. Cat Got Your Cash (2017) sees her protecting Siamese kittens tied to a fortune, while Cat Got Your Secrets (2017) entangles her father in a murder case. The series wraps with Cat Got Your Crown (2019), where a pet pageant turns deadly.
Chase’s style is a delightful mix of humor, romance, and suspense, with a strong sense of place. Her New Orleans setting bursts with beignets, Southern charm, and quirky characters, like Lacy’s Roomba-riding cat, Penelope. Critics praise her for creating “clever characters guaranteed to make you smile” and stories that feel like “a cross between Laura Childs’ Scrapbooking series and Ali Brandon’s Black Cat Bookshop.” Her pet-friendly recipes and focus on community make her books a cozy escape for readers craving lighthearted thrills.
Why Julie Chase Matters
Julie Chase’s impact lies in her ability to blend the cozy mystery’s comforting tropes with fresh, pet-centric twists. Her stories resonate with animal lovers and mystery fans alike, offering a playful yet suspenseful escape. By championing strong, relatable heroines like Lacy, Chase adds depth to a genre often dismissed as fluffy. Her work has earned accolades from outlets like Library Journal and Night Owl Reviews, cementing her as a must-read for cozy enthusiasts. As she continues to write under various pen names, Chase’s growing influence promises to shape the genre for years to come.
- Pen Name: Julie Chase (Julie Anne Lindsey)
- Key Works: Kitty Couture Mystery series (2016–2019)
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romantic Suspense (as Julie Anne Lindsey)
- Affiliations: International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime
Ready to dive into a world of pet pageants and clever sleuthing? Snag Cat Got Your Diamonds and let Julie Chase’s cozy mysteries whisk you away to New Orleans!