Picture a small-town mystery unfolding with secrets around every corner—meet L.A. Dobbs, the pseudonym of USA Today bestselling author Leighann Dobbs, who’s been thrilling readers since her 2017 debut, Telling Lies. With a knack for twisty plots and complex characters, L.A. Dobbs has carved a niche in the mystery genre, blending suspense with small-town charm. From her roots as a software engineer to her reinvention as a prolific writer, Dobbs’s journey is as intriguing as her stories.
The Making of L.A. Dobbs
Leighann Dobbs, the mastermind behind L.A. Dobbs, spent over two decades as a software engineer before trading code for crime novels. Living in New Hampshire with her husband, Bruce, and their pets, Mojo and Kitty, she discovered her passion for storytelling after being laid off in 2007. Initially dabbling in non-fiction and web design, Dobbs found her true calling in fiction, self-publishing her first cozy mystery, Killer Cupcakes, in 2012 under her real name. The success of her cozy mysteries paved the way for her edgier L.A. Dobbs persona, launched with the gripping Telling Lies.
L.A. Dobbs’s Unforgettable Stories
As L.A. Dobbs, she writes mysteries that dive deeper into suspense, with plots brimming with secrets and lies. The Sam Mason Mystery series, starting with Telling Lies, follows small-town cops Sam Mason and Jody Harris as they unravel murders, like a camper’s drowning that’s no accident. Fans love the series’ fast-paced storytelling and the trusty canine, Lucy, who helps crack cases. Another hit, the Rockford Security series, kicks off with One Lie Too Many, blending family drama with bizarre murders. Dobbs’s style is engaging yet accessible, with twists that keep readers guessing. Her ability to craft relatable characters and intricate mysteries has earned her a 4.26 average rating on Goodreads, with over 60,000 ratings across her works.
Unlike her cozy mysteries under Leighann Dobbs, which feature baking and quirky sleuths, L.A. Dobbs’s stories lean into darker themes, exploring trust and betrayal. Whether it’s a wildlife photographer’s murder in Exposing Truths or a stalker’s threats in the Rockford Security series, her narratives hook readers with their unpredictability and emotional depth.
Why L.A. Dobbs Matters
L.A. Dobbs has made waves in the mystery genre by proving self-published authors can rival traditional heavyweights. Her transition from software engineering to writing inspires aspiring authors, showing that passion and persistence can lead to success. With 22 books under the L.A. Dobbs name and a loyal fanbase, she’s redefined modern mystery writing, blending cozy charm with gritty suspense. Her influence extends to readers who crave quick, thrilling reads, perfect for a busy lifestyle.
- Pen Name: L.A. Dobbs (Leighann Dobbs)
- Debut: Telling Lies (2017)
- Key Series: Sam Mason Mystery, Rockford Security
- Awards: Leighann Dobbs’s Dead Wrong won Best Mystery Romance at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention
Ready to get lost in a web of lies and secrets? Snag Telling Lies and dive into L.A. Dobbs’s thrilling world of mystery!