Picture an American storyteller who swapped military intelligence for murder mysteries—meet Laura DiSilverio! A former Air Force officer turned national bestselling author, DiSilverio crafted over 21 novels, blending humor, suspense, and heart. Her cozy mysteries, like the Mall Cop and Readaholics series, captivate readers with quirky characters and clever plots, proving that life’s second acts can be thrilling.
The Making of Laura DiSilverio
Born with a knack for storytelling, Laura DiSilverio’s early life was shaped by her father’s career as an Air Force pilot, moving across Georgia, Texas, the Philippines, and beyond. She honed her writing at Trinity University, penning her first novel for a creative writing class. After joining the Air Force, she served 20 years as an intelligence officer, tackling roles from squadron commander in England to POW/MIA researcher in Bangkok. Her military career, rich with discipline and high-stakes problem-solving, laid the groundwork for her meticulous mystery plots.
Retiring in 2004, DiSilverio embraced writing full-time after an epiphany at Seattle’s Elliot Bay Bookstore. Inspired by Stephen King’s On Writing, she committed to 2,000 words daily, transitioning from military reports to novels. Her persistence paid off, landing her a deal with Berkeley Prime Crime and launching a prolific career.
Laura DiSilverio’s Unforgettable Stories
DiSilverio’s mysteries are a delightful mix of cozy charm and sharp wit, often featuring strong female sleuths. Her Mall Cop Mysteries, starting with Die Buying (2011), follow EJ Ferris, a war veteran turned mall cop in Virginia. When a murder disrupts the Fernglen Galleria, EJ’s grit and humor shine as she solves the case. Readers love the series’ fresh take on the cozy genre, with its mall setting and flawed, relatable heroine.
The Readaholics Mysteries, beginning with The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco (2015), center on Amy-Faye Johnson and her book club in Heaven, Colorado. When a murder hits close to home, the group dives into sleuthing, blending literary nods with suspense. DiSilverio’s standalone The Reckoning Stones (2015), a Colorado Book Award winner, showcases her range with a darker, emotional tale of betrayal. Her dystopian Incubation Trilogy, inspired by her daughters, proves her versatility in young adult fiction.
Known for humor and tight plotting, DiSilverio’s style echoes Janet Evanovich’s playful energy while carving its own niche. Her characters, from mall cops to book clubbers, tackle mysteries with heart and hilarity, making her books perfect for cozy mystery fans seeking fun yet substantial reads.
Why Laura DiSilverio Matters
Laura DiSilverio’s impact lies in her ability to reinvent herself and inspire others. Her shift from military officer to bestselling author shows that passion and perseverance can redefine a career. As past president of Sisters in Crime, she championed women mystery writers, while her workshops and keynote speeches empowered aspiring authors. Her novels, with their diverse settings and strong heroines, bring fresh perspectives to the cozy mystery genre, resonating with readers who crave humor and humanity.
DiSilverio’s legacy endures through her stories’ warmth and wit, encouraging readers to embrace life’s twists and turns. Her work reminds us that mysteries aren’t just about solving crimes—they’re about finding connection and courage in unexpected places.
- Born: Date unavailable, grew up in multiple U.S. states and the Philippines
- Key Works: Die Buying, The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco, The Reckoning Stones
- Awards: Colorado Book Award for The Reckoning Stones (2016), Library Journal Top 5 Mystery for Close Call (2016)
Snag Die Buying or The Readaholics and the Falcon Fiasco and dive into Laura DiSilverio’s cozy, clever world of mysteries!