Picture a storyteller who swapped Hollywood scripts for page-turning mysteries—meet Kellye Garrett! This award-winning author brings humor, heart, and a sharp eye for suspense to the crime fiction world. From her debut novel Hollywood Homicide to her gripping standalone thrillers, Garrett’s knack for blending insider Hollywood knowledge with relatable characters has made her a standout voice in the mystery genre.
Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Garrett’s journey from TV writer to celebrated novelist is as compelling as her plots. With a flair for crafting stories that balance wit and tension, she’s earned accolades and a loyal readership eager for her next twisty tale.
The Making of Kellye Garrett
Kellye Garrett’s path to authorship began with a love for mysteries, sparked by childhood favorites like Encyclopedia Brown. After earning a B.S. in magazine writing from Florida A&M and an MFA in screenwriting from USC, she dove into Hollywood, spending eight years as a writer, including a stint on the CBS drama Cold Case. Plotting fictional murders for TV was thrilling, but Garrett’s true calling emerged when she turned her storytelling talents to novels. Inspired by her time in Los Angeles, she crafted stories that capture the glitz and grit of the entertainment world.
Her transition to writing wasn’t without challenges. Garrett faced a publishing landscape hesitant to embrace diverse voices, but her persistence paid off, fueled by mentorship programs like Pitch Wars, which helped her land a deal for her debut novel.
Kellye Garrett’s Unforgettable Stories
Garrett’s debut, Hollywood Homicide (2017), introduced Dayna Anderson, a semi-famous, mega-broke actress turned amateur sleuth. This cozy mystery, infused with humor and Hollywood cynicism, follows Dayna as she investigates a hit-and-run to save her parents’ home, only to uncover a deeper crime spree. The novel won Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and IPPY awards for Best First Novel and was named one of BookBub’s Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time.
The Detective by Day series continued with Hollywood Ending (2018), praised for its witty take on Tinseltown’s underbelly, and Hollywood Hack (2019), where Dayna evolves into a private investigator’s apprentice. Garrett’s standalone thriller Like a Sister (2022) shifts to a darker tone, exploring family ties and social media through a Black woman’s search for truth about her reality-star sister’s death. Her latest, Missing White Woman (2024), tackles missing white woman syndrome with a suspenseful narrative, earning praise from authors like Harlan Coben.
Garrett’s style is a vibrant mix of sharp dialogue, cultural insight, and page-turning plots. Her lightweight mysteries offer cozy charm, while her standalone novels dive into complex themes like race, fame, and identity, all delivered with a sarcastic wit that keeps readers hooked.
Why Kellye Garrett Matters
Kellye Garrett’s impact extends beyond her books. As a co-founder of Crime Writers of Color, she’s championed diversity in the mystery genre, helping amplify marginalized voices. Her work challenges stereotypes, offering authentic portrayals of Black women as smart, flawed, and determined protagonists. Awards like the Edgar nomination for Like a Sister and the Raven Award for Crime Writers of Color underscore her influence.
Garrett’s ability to weave entertainment industry insights with universal themes makes her stories resonate with readers craving fresh perspectives. Her advocacy and storytelling continue to shape a more inclusive crime fiction landscape, inspiring both writers and fans.
- Born: East Orange, New Jersey
- Key Works: Hollywood Homicide, Hollywood Ending, Like a Sister, Missing White Woman
- Awards: Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, IPPY for Best First Novel; Edgar finalist
Snag Hollywood Homicide and dive into Kellye Garrett’s witty, thrilling world of mysteries—you won’t want to put it down!