Picture an American storyteller who swapped a high-stress life for the cozy charm of Amish country mysteries—meet Laura Bradford, also known as Elizabeth Lynn Casey! A USA Today bestselling author, Bradford has spun tales of romance and mystery that captivate readers, earning her an Agatha Award nomination and an RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. From her Amish Mysteries to the Southern Sewing Circle series, her stories weave friendship, intrigue, and heart into every page.
With a knack for crafting characters you’d want as neighbors, Bradford’s journey from a crayon-wielding kid to a celebrated author is as inspiring as her novels. Let’s dive into her world, where cozy mysteries and heartfelt romances rule!
The Making of Laura Bradford
Born with a love for storytelling, Laura Bradford fell head over heels for writing as a child, armed with blank paper, crayons, and a freshly sharpened pencil. A graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, she explored various career paths, including journalism and freelance writing, before diving into her true passion: fiction. Her early life was a whirlwind of moves across states like Connecticut, New Jersey, and Tennessee, eventually settling in a quiet New York suburb with her family. This rich tapestry of experiences shaped her ability to create relatable, vivid settings and characters.
Bradford’s writing career kicked off in 2005 with Deadly Readings, a mystery novel that set the stage for her prolific output. Her persistence paid off, transforming her childhood dream into a reality that resonates with readers worldwide.
Laura Bradford’s Unforgettable Stories
Laura Bradford’s bibliography is a treasure trove of cozy mysteries and heartwarming romances. Under her own name, she’s best known for the Amish Mysteries series, set in Heavenly, Pennsylvania. The series follows Claire Weatherly, who trades a fast-paced life for an Amish specialty shop, only to find herself solving murders. Books like Hearse and Buggy (2012) and A Churn for the Worse (2016) blend gentle Amish traditions with gripping whodunits, earning praise for their immersive settings.
As Elizabeth Lynn Casey, Bradford penned the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries, a delightful series centered on librarian Tori Sinclair and her sewing circle friends in Sweet Briar, South Carolina. Titles like Sew Deadly (2009) and Patterned After Death (2017) showcase her knack for crafting tight-knit communities where secrets unravel with every stitch. Beyond mysteries, her romance novels, such as Miracle Baby (2010), which won an RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, highlight her versatility, blending tender emotions with compelling narratives.
Bradford’s style is defined by her focus on friendship and community, making her stories feel like a warm hug. Whether she’s exploring Amish life or Southern charm, her plots balance suspense with heartfelt moments, appealing to fans of cozy mysteries and romance alike.
Why Laura Bradford Matters
Laura Bradford’s impact lies in her ability to create stories that feel like home. Her Amish Mysteries have brought the serene yet complex world of Amish culture to a broad audience, fostering appreciation for its traditions while delivering page-turning suspense. Her Southern Sewing Circle series, meanwhile, celebrates the bonds of female friendship, resonating with readers who crave stories of connection and resilience. As a former Agatha Award nominee, she’s left a mark on the cozy mystery genre, proving that small-town settings can host big drama.
Beyond her books, Bradford’s advocacy for multiple sclerosis awareness and her engagement with book clubs via virtual talks show her commitment to community. Her stories remind us that even in the face of mystery or loss, friendship and hope endure, making her a beloved voice in modern fiction.
- Key Works: Hearse and Buggy, Sew Deadly, Miracle Baby
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award winner
- Fun Fact: Writes cozy mysteries despite never sewing a stitch!
About Laura Bradford
Ready to get cozy with a great read? Snag Hearse and Buggy or Sew Deadly and dive into Laura Bradford’s world of mystery and heart!