Picture an American storyteller who turned a love for popcorn into a recipe for cozy mystery magic—meet Kristi Abbott! With her Popcorn Shop Mystery series, Abbott blends small-town charm, culinary creativity, and heart-pounding suspense, captivating readers with tales that pop off the page. Born in Ohio and now crafting stories from northern California, her journey from popcorn enthusiast to beloved author is as delightful as her novels.
The Making of Kristi Abbott
Born and raised in Ohio, Kristi Abbott grew up with a knack for storytelling and a passion for snack foods. Her life took a flavorful turn after tasting caramel cashew popcorn at Garrett’s in Chicago, an experience that sparked her obsession with the crunchy treat. Now living in northern California, Abbott balances writing with family life, often crocheting or hanging out with her kids. Her supportive husband plays a key role, helping her untangle plot knots and fueling her creative spark.
Abbott’s writing career blossomed under multiple pseudonyms, including Eileen Rendahl and Lillian Bell, but it was as Kristi Abbott that she found her cozy mystery niche. Inspired by her Ohio roots and love for popcorn, she crafted the Popcorn Shop Mystery series, infusing her stories with humor, heart, and a dash of suspense that reflects her self-described 'drama girl' personality.
Kristi Abbott’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Abbott’s bibliography is the Popcorn Shop Mystery series, a trio of cozy mysteries set in Grand Lake, Ohio. The series follows Rebecca Anderson, a gourmet popcorn entrepreneur, and her poodle, Sprocket, as they solve murders in their charming small town. The first book, Kernel of Truth (2016), introduces Rebecca’s popcorn shop, POPS, and a murder that threatens her dreams. Readers praised its emotional depth and unique popcorn theme, with recipes included for treats like Tuxedo Coco Pop Fudge.
The second installment, Pop Goes the Murder (2017), ramps up the stakes when Rebecca’s ex-husband, a celebrity chef, brings a TV crew to town, only for a crew member to turn up dead. Reviewers loved the snappy dialogue and Sprocket’s charm, though some noted Rebecca’s sass could feel sharp. The series concludes with Assault and Buttery (2017), where Rebecca lands in jail after poisoned popcorn leads to a local’s death. Its innovative flashback structure and historical diary subplot earned high praise for keeping readers guessing.
Abbott’s style is a blend of witty humor, culinary creativity, and suspenseful twists, with characters that feel like neighbors you’d meet at a town fair. Writing as Eileen Rendahl, she also explores paranormal mysteries and psychological thrillers, showcasing her versatility. Her cozy mysteries, however, shine for their small-town warmth and popcorn-inspired ingenuity, making every page a tasty treat.
Why Kristi Abbott Matters
Kristi Abbott’s impact lies in her ability to transform a simple snack into a storytelling cornerstone. Her Popcorn Shop Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a fresh setting and a relatable heroine in Rebecca Anderson. Fans adore the series’ blend of humor, heart, and recipes, which inspire kitchen experiments as much as they entertain. Abbott’s work celebrates resilience, community, and the joy of following one’s passions, resonating with readers who crave stories that feel like a warm hug.
Though her cozy mystery output paused after 2017, Abbott’s stories continue to delight new readers, and her pseudonymous works keep her legacy alive. By weaving her Ohio roots and popcorn obsession into her narratives, she’s left a flavorful mark on the genre, proving that even the smallest kernel can spark a big story.
- Born: Ohio, USA
- Key Works: Kernel of Truth, Pop Goes the Murder, Assault and Buttery
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Thriller (as Eileen Rendahl)
- Fun Fact: Her popcorn obsession began at Garrett’s in Chicago!
Snag Kernel of Truth and dive into Kristi Abbott’s cozy, popcorn-fueled mysteries—you’ll be hooked by the first crunch!