Picture an American storyteller who brought a wisecracking skeleton to life in the cozy mystery world—meet Leigh Perry! Writing under her pen name, Toni L.P. Kelner, Perry has carved a unique niche with her Family Skeleton series, blending paranormal quirks with heartwarming sleuthing. From her technical writing roots to collaborations with mystery giant Charlaine Harris, Perry’s journey is a testament to versatility and passion for storytelling.
With a knack for humor and a love for the cozy genre, Perry has delighted readers with tales that are as charming as they are clever. Her signature skeleton detective, Sid, has become a fan favorite, proving that even the barest of bones can solve a mystery with style.
The Making of Leigh Perry
Born in Pensacola, Florida, and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Toni Leigh Perry Kelner developed a love for stories early on. Armed with an English degree, she spent over a decade as a technical writer, honing her knack for clarity and precision. In 1993, she debuted as Toni L.P. Kelner with her first mystery novel, when manuscripts were still printed and ebooks were a distant dream. Now living north of Boston with her husband, author Stephen P. Kelner, and their two daughters, Perry has embraced the evolving publishing world, adapting to digital platforms with ease.
Initially drawn to science fiction and fantasy, Perry stumbled into mysteries after a friend’s challenge to finish a novel. Her first cozy mystery emerged from a snippet about a young woman and a murdered grandfather, sparking a career that would span multiple series and genres.
Leigh Perry’s Unforgettable Stories
As Leigh Perry, she launched the Family Skeleton series in 2013 with A Skeleton in the Family. This paranormal cozy introduces Georgia Thackery, a single mom and adjunct professor, and her best friend Sid, a walking, talking skeleton. Together, they unravel murders with wit and warmth, inspired by classic TV shows like Bewitched. The novel’s fresh premise and pun-filled humor earned praise from authors like Charlaine Harris, who called it “a very touching and entertaining whodunit.”
The series continued with gems like The Skeleton Takes a Bow (2014), where Sid plays Yorick’s skull in a high school production of Hamlet, only to overhear a murder, and The Skeleton Haunts a House (2015), set in a Halloween haunted house. With six novels and a short story collection, The Skeleton Rides a Horse and Other Stories (2024), Perry’s work blends cozy charm with paranormal twists, making her a standout in the genre.
Under her real name, Toni L.P. Kelner, she penned the Laura Fleming series, exploring Southern mysteries, and the Where Are They Now? series, diving into Boston’s quirky past. Her collaborations with Charlaine Harris on anthologies like Many Bloody Returns and Death’s Excellent Vacation hit the New York Times bestseller list, showcasing her editorial prowess.
Why Leigh Perry Matters
Leigh Perry’s impact lies in her ability to breathe new life into the cozy mystery genre. By introducing Sid, a skeleton with personality, she challenged conventions, blending humor, heart, and paranormal flair. Her stories resonate with readers who crave lighthearted yet intelligent mysteries, while her adaptability in a changing publishing landscape inspires aspiring authors. Perry’s work reminds us that even the most unconventional characters can find a home in the cozy world.
Her collaborations with Charlaine Harris have also elevated urban fantasy, bringing diverse voices to anthologies that captivate global audiences. With awards like the Agatha for her short story “Sleeping With the Plush,” Perry’s legacy is one of creativity and connection.
- Born: Pensacola, Florida
- Key Works: Family Skeleton series, Laura Fleming series, Where Are They Now? series
- Awards: Agatha Award winner, nominated for Anthony, Macavity, and Derringer awards
Ready to rattle some bones? Snag A Skeleton in the Family and dive into Leigh Perry’s delightful cozy mysteries!