Picture a cozy coastal town where murders are served with a side of mouthwatering recipes—meet Lee Hollis, the pen name for sibling duo Rick Copp and Holly Simason! This dynamic brother-sister team has whipped up a delectable blend of mystery and culinary charm in their bestselling Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mystery series, set in the idyllic Bar Harbor, Maine. With Rick’s Hollywood flair and Holly’s award-winning food expertise, Lee Hollis has carved a unique niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting readers with wit, suspense, and a dash of local flavor.
Since their debut in 2012, Lee Hollis has captivated fans with Hayley Powell, a single mom and food columnist who stumbles into solving crimes. Their stories are as comforting as a warm lobster roll, yet packed with twists that keep you guessing. Let’s dive into the world of Lee Hollis and discover how this sibling synergy became a recipe for success.
The Making of Lee Hollis
Born and raised in Bar Harbor, Maine, Rick Copp and Holly Simason grew up steeped in the charm of New England’s coastal life. Rick, a dreamer with a knack for storytelling, headed to Hollywood, where he wrote for iconic shows like The Golden Girls and co-scripted The Brady Bunch Movie. Holly, meanwhile, stayed closer to home, earning accolades for her witty food and cocktail columns in the Mount Desert Islander. In 2010, when Holly won an award for her column, Rick saw a chance to blend their talents. Over glasses of Merlot, they hatched the idea for a cozy mystery series, combining Rick’s knack for suspense with Holly’s culinary expertise. Thus, Lee Hollis was born, a pseudonym crafted from their middle names.
Lee Hollis’s Unforgettable Stories
The Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mystery series is the heart of Lee Hollis’s work, with 26 books and counting, each brimming with small-town charm and clever whodunits. The series kicked off with Death of a Kitchen Diva (2012), where Hayley, a divorced mom and newspaper columnist, becomes a suspect when a rival is found dead in her clam chowder. The book’s mix of humor, suspense, and recipes—like Hayley’s creamy chowder—set the tone for the series. Death of a Country Fried Redneck (2012) follows Hayley as she caters for a country star, only to uncover another murder. Later titles like Death of a Cupcake Queen (2015) and Death of an Italian Chef (2021) keep the stakes high, with Hayley navigating mean girls, rival chefs, and family drama.
Lee Hollis’s style is a delightful blend of cozy comfort and thrilling surprises. Their books are peppered with pop culture references, witty banter, and recipes straight from Hayley’s column, making them a treat for foodies and mystery fans alike. The coastal Maine setting, with its lobster shacks and foggy cliffs, feels like a character itself, grounding the stories in a vivid sense of place. Whether Hayley’s juggling deadlines or dodging danger, the siblings’ collaborative chemistry shines, creating page-turners that feel like catching up with an old friend.
Why Lee Hollis Matters
Lee Hollis has left a tasty mark on the cozy mystery genre, proving that sibling collaboration can yield something truly special. Their ability to weave culinary arts into gripping mysteries has earned them a loyal following, with fans eagerly awaiting each new installment. The series’ focus on a relatable, flawed heroine like Hayley resonates with readers, while the recipes add a hands-on charm that invites fans to bring the stories into their kitchens. By setting their tales in Bar Harbor, Lee Hollis has also put coastal Maine on the literary map, boosting its allure for readers and tourists alike.
Beyond their books, Rick and Holly’s partnership inspires aspiring writers, showing how diverse talents can merge to create something fresh. With plans for more Hayley Powell adventures, including Death of a Tom Turkey slated for September 2025, Lee Hollis continues to serve up mysteries that are as satisfying as a home-cooked meal.
- Pen Name: Lee Hollis, combining Rick Copp and Holly Simason’s middle names.
- Key Series: Hayley Powell Food & Cocktail Mystery, launched in 2012.
- Notable Works: Death of a Kitchen Diva, Death of a Country Fried Redneck, Death of an Italian Chef.
- Awards: Holly Simason won a 2010 award for her Mount Desert Islander column.
About Lee Hollis
Ready to savor a mystery with a side of Maine magic? Snag Death of a Kitchen Diva and dive into Lee Hollis’s deliciously thrilling world!