Picture a storyteller who traded legal briefs for culinary mysteries, serving up suspense with a side of Santa Cruz flair—meet Leslie Karst! This former attorney turned mystery author blends her passion for food, law, and storytelling into the delectable Sally Solari Mysteries, a series that spices up the cozy mystery genre with snarky wit and cultural depth.
Karst’s unique journey—from courtroom to kitchen to crime fiction—has made her a standout voice in culinary mysteries. Inspired by the likes of Dorothy L. Sayers, her stories explore the clash between tradition and innovation, all while dishing out mouthwatering recipes and a vivid sense of place.
The Making of Leslie Karst
Born to a law professor and a potter, Leslie Karst grew up in a household where lively dinner table debates honed her analytical mind and artistic spirit. Her early years spanned diverse locales—Columbus, Ohio, South America, Mexico, and Oxford, England—before she settled in Southern California. In 1974, she moved to Santa Cruz to study English literature and Romance languages at UC Santa Cruz, falling in love with the redwood-lined coast that would later star in her novels. After a stint waiting tables and rocking out in a new wave band, Karst pursued a ‘real’ job at Stanford Law School, practicing as a research and appellate attorney for two decades. Yet, her passion for food led her back to school for a culinary arts degree, setting the stage for her writing career.
Leslie Karst’s Unforgettable Stories
Karst’s Sally Solari Mysteries, published by Crooked Lane Books, follow Sally Solari, a former lawyer turned restaurateur in Santa Cruz, navigating murders and menus with equal gusto. The series, which Karst dubs ‘snarky cozies,’ blends cozy mystery charm with a sharper edge, featuring Sally’s sarcastic quips, bourbon-loving ways, and occasional swearing. Each book ties a sensory theme to its plot: Dying for a Taste (2016) explores taste as Sally investigates her aunt’s murder; A Measure of Murder (2017) delves into hearing with a choral backdrop; Death al Fresco (2018) focuses on vision through plein air painting; Murder from Scratch (2019) highlights touch via a blind character; and The Fragrance of Death (2022) tackles smell as Sally battles a sinus infection.
Karst’s writing shines with vivid food descriptions, drawing from her culinary expertise, and a knack for weaving cultural subplots, much like her idol Dorothy L. Sayers. Her Santa Cruz setting captures the town’s evolution from a sleepy fishing community to a hipster haven, exploring tensions between old-school Italian eateries and trendy foodie culture. Recipes at the end of each book, like linguine with clam sauce, invite readers to cook along, making the series a feast for both mind and palate.
Beyond fiction, Karst’s memoir Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG (2021) recounts her experience hosting a dinner for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, blending personal reflection with culinary adventure. Her upcoming Orchid Isle Mysteries promise to bring her signature style to a Hawaiian setting.
Why Leslie Karst Matters
Leslie Karst has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by infusing it with wit, cultural insight, and gastronomic delight. Her Sally Solari series not only entertains but also sparks conversations about food sustainability, family dynamics, and societal change. Nominated for the Lefty Award, Karst’s work resonates with foodies and mystery lovers alike, offering a fresh take on the genre. Her ability to balance humor, heart, and suspense ensures her stories linger like a well-cooked meal.
- Born: Southern California, exact date unavailable
- Key Works: Sally Solari Mysteries, Justice is Served
- Awards: Lefty Award nominee, IBPA Ben Franklin and IPPY silver awards for Justice is Served
- Fun Fact: Karst splits her time between Santa Cruz and Hilo, Hawaii, with her wife, Robin, and their Jack Russell mix, Ziggy.
Ready to savor a mystery that’s as tasty as it is thrilling? Snag Dying for a Taste and dive into Leslie Karst’s snarky cozy world!