Picture a storyteller who swapped corporate memos for murder mysteries, weaving suspense along Oregon’s rugged coast—meet Kay Jennings! A native Oregonian, Jennings crafts gripping tales in her Port Stirling Mystery series, where small-town secrets unravel against a backdrop of stormy beaches and towering bluffs. Her knack for blending police procedurals with vivid settings has captivated readers, making her a rising star in the mystery genre.
Before diving into fiction, Jennings spent decades shaping words for others, from sports columns to corporate campaigns. Her journey from communications expert to novelist is as thrilling as her plots, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream.
The Making of Kay Jennings
Born in a small town near Oregon’s southwest coast, Jennings grew up in a setting much like her fictional Port Stirling—a sleepy village hiding dark secrets. Her early love for storytelling was sidetracked by a 45-year career in corporate communications, where she directed internal communications at Nike, Inc., and founded Paris Communications in 2000. She also dabbled in sports writing, coaching writers at Bleacher Report and covering everything from football to fashion. At 70, inspired by her coastal roots and a wildfire evacuation that shook her world, Jennings pivoted to writing mysteries, debuting with Shallow Waters in 2019.
Kay Jennings’s Unforgettable Stories
Jennings’s Port Stirling Mystery series, now eight books strong, follows Police Chief Matt Horning as he tackles crimes in a deceptively quaint coastal town. Her debut, Shallow Waters (2019), introduces Matt facing a mayor’s daughter’s murder, blending brisk police work with spooky vibes. Midnight Beach (2020), inspired by a real-life crime, dives into a federal agent’s homicide, while Code: Tsunami (2021) imagines a massive earthquake unearthing a century-old mystery. Phantom Cove (2022), her personal favorite, won Writer’s Digest best self-published book in the Mystery/Thriller/Suspense category for 2024.
Her latest, Hunter’s Bog (2025), weaves a chilling tale between Port Stirling and Scotland, showcasing Jennings’s knack for international intrigue. Her style—described as ‘unputdownable’ by reviewers—merges detailed police procedurals with rich Pacific Northwest imagery. Themes of trust, betrayal, and nature’s fury run deep, reflecting her own experiences with Oregon’s wild landscapes.
Jennings’s writing is grounded in authenticity, drawing from her communications expertise and coastal upbringing. Fans praise her likable characters and team dynamics, though some note Matt Horning’s protective streak can feel overbearing. Still, her ability to craft suspenseful whodunits keeps readers hooked.
Why Kay Jennings Matters
Jennings’s impact lies in her reinvention and relatability. Starting her novel-writing career at 70, she’s an inspiration for late bloomers, proving passion can spark success at any age. Her vivid portrayal of Oregon’s coast has put Port Stirling on the literary map, drawing readers to a region often overlooked in mysteries. Through her work, she explores contemporary issues—drug rings, environmental disasters—while honoring the genre’s classic roots, earning accolades like the Writer’s Digest award.
Her connection to readers, fostered through groups like Sisters in Crime and Willamette Writers, adds to her legacy. Jennings’s stories don’t just entertain; they invite us to uncover the secrets lurking in quiet towns and within ourselves.
- Born: Southwest Oregon, in a town like Port Stirling
- Key Works: Shallow Waters, Midnight Beach, Phantom Cove, Hunter’s Bog
- Awards: Writer’s Digest Best Self-Published Book, 2024 (Phantom Cove)
- Hobbies: Master Gardener, avid traveler, bad golfer
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag Shallow Waters and dive into Kay Jennings’s suspenseful world of coastal mysteries!