Picture a Minneapolis-born storyteller who whisked Sherlock Holmes across the Atlantic to solve mysteries in the heart of Minnesota—meet Larry Millett! A journalist-turned-author, Millett has spent decades weaving tales that blend architectural history, gripping suspense, and the charm of the Twin Cities. His unique knack for grounding iconic characters in meticulously researched settings has earned him a devoted readership and a special place in historical mystery fiction.
With a career spanning nonfiction works like Lost Twin Cities and a beloved Sherlock Holmes series, Millett bridges fact and imagination, bringing Minnesota’s past to life with a storyteller’s flair. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the mysteries!
The Making of Larry Millett
Born in 1947 in Minneapolis, Larry Millett grew up steeped in the vibrant history of the Twin Cities. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from St. John’s University in 1969 and a master’s from the University of Chicago in 1970, he found his calling in journalism. Joining the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 1972, Millett honed his craft as a reporter before a fellowship at the University of Michigan in 1984 transformed him into the newspaper’s first architecture critic. This pivot sparked a lifelong passion for architectural history, which would later infuse his writing with vivid, authentic detail.
Retiring from journalism in 2002, Millett channeled his love for storytelling and Minnesota’s heritage into authorship. His dual expertise in history and narrative set the stage for a career that would captivate readers with both factual accounts and thrilling fiction.
Larry Millett’s Unforgettable Stories
Millett’s bibliography is a treasure trove of history and mystery. His nonfiction work, Lost Twin Cities (1992), is a love letter to the vanished buildings of Minneapolis and St. Paul, blending nearly 400 photographs with rich social history. Praised for its depth and accessibility, it remains a cornerstone of regional literature, even inspiring a documentary by local station KTCA. Another gem, Once There Were Castles (2011), chronicles the lost mansions of the Twin Cities, showcasing Millett’s knack for making history feel personal and alive.
In fiction, Millett shines with his Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota series, featuring the detective alongside St. Paul saloonkeeper Shadwell Rafferty. The series kicked off with Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon (1996), set against the devastating Hinckley fire of 1894, where Holmes tackles a murderous arsonist threatening railroad magnate James J. Hill. Other standouts include Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders (1998), a chilling tale tied to St. Paul’s Winter Carnival, and The Magic Bullet (2011), a locked-room mystery set in 1917. Millett’s mysteries are lauded for their authentic settings, intricate plots, and respectful nod to Arthur Conan Doyle’s legacy, earning comparisons to classics like The Hound of the Baskervilles.
His writing style marries journalistic precision with a storyteller’s warmth, grounding fantastical mysteries in real-world details. Whether exploring lost architecture or crafting Holmesian adventures, Millett’s work invites readers to see Minnesota through a lens of wonder and intrigue.
Why Larry Millett Matters
Larry Millett’s impact lies in his ability to preserve and reimagine Minnesota’s past. His nonfiction works have educated generations about the Twin Cities’ architectural heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for historic preservation. Meanwhile, his mysteries have brought Minnesota to a global audience, proving that regional settings can captivate as much as London’s foggy streets. By placing Sherlock Holmes in America, Millett has expanded the detective’s legacy while showcasing the Twin Cities as a vibrant backdrop for storytelling.
His influence extends beyond books. Millett’s architectural critiques and Winter Carnival medallion hunt clues have left a mark on St. Paul’s cultural fabric, making him a local icon whose work resonates with historians, mystery lovers, and Minnesotans alike.
About Larry Millett
- Born: 1947, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Key Works: Lost Twin Cities, Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon, The Magic Bullet
- Notable Role: First architecture critic for the St. Paul Pioneer Press
- Fun Fact: Millett wrote clues for St. Paul’s Winter Carnival medallion hunt.
Ready to explore Minnesota through Larry Millett’s eyes? Grab Lost Twin Cities for a historical journey or Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon for a thrilling mystery—either way, you’re in for a treat!